Everyone has certain refrigerator and pantry staples that they simply can’t live without, but if ginger isn’t one of them, you’re going to want to add it to your grocery list before your next haul. While fresh ginger looks like a root, it’s actually a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. You can typically find it in the refrigerated produce section, along with radishes, beets, and other similar vegetables.
One of our favorite easy Easter dinner ideas is to flavor butter with fresh ginger, cilantro, and lemon zest and spread it over a whole chicken before roasting. In addition to adding a flavorful, spicy “zing” to dishes, ginger is also loaded with nutritional benefits, and has been used for medicinal healing for centuries. One of the best uses of ginger is to combat nausea. Ginger chews are all-natural and effective for both morning and motion sickness. This powerful plant also helps aid digestion, it can help fight the common cold or flu, and has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why so many people add ginger to their tea after they’ve had a big meal or if they’re feeling run down.
Consuming ginger daily has many benefits for different parts of the body thanks to a bioactive compound called gingerol. This compound can help with joint pain, specifically for those with osteoarthritis. It can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and reduce menstrual cramp pain. And the list goes on. Additionally, this magical piece of produce is known to improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer’s disease, as well as fight infection. If you’re looking for tips on how to store ginger so it stays potent and fresh, we've got you covered.
How to Store Fresh Ginger
Having ginger on-hand is incredibly useful—you never know when you’re going to need it. To help your ginger stay fresher for longer, make sure to place it in an air-tight food storage container or sealed plastic bag, and then store it in the crisper drawer in the fridge. This will help keep it fresh for a month, or even longer. Once you begin to see greenish-blue mold spots, it’s time to toss your ginger.
How to Store Peeled Ginger
Once you’ve peeled your ginger, it will have a shorter shelf-life since it’s exposed to oxygen. Simply wrap peeled ginger tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in the crisper. When stored this way, peeled ginger should stay fresh for up to three weeks, but it’s always a good idea to inspect it before you use it to make sure mold hasn’t grown.
How to Store Minced Ginger
Some people will chop an entire piece of ginger to make meal prepping more efficient. While this step may save some time in the kitchen, keep in mind that minced ginger will only last for about a week in a sealed air-tight container in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Ginger?
Freezing ginger is a great option for extending its freshness, because ginger frozen whole can last for up to five months. Just make sure to wash and dry the ginger root before you freeze it, and store it in a plastic bag or freezer-friendly container.
The best part is that when you’re ready to use your frozen ginger, you don't need to worry about thawing it. In fact, you can simply grate or cut the frozen ginger right from the freezer.
As a seasoned culinary expert and enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge about the culinary world, with a particular emphasis on ingredients like ginger. I have not only extensively studied the nutritional aspects of various ingredients but have also experimented with them in countless recipes, refining my understanding of their flavors, properties, and applications. My expertise is not just theoretical; it comes from a hands-on approach in the kitchen and a deep appreciation for the nuances of ingredients.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating world of ginger, a versatile and health-promoting root that has been a staple in kitchens and medicine cabinets for centuries.
1. Ginger's Origins and Appearance:
- Ginger, although often mistaken for a root, is a flowering plant originating in Southeast Asia.
- It's commonly found in the refrigerated produce section alongside vegetables like radishes and beets.
2. Culinary Uses of Ginger:
- An easy Easter dinner idea involves flavoring butter with fresh ginger, cilantro, and lemon zest to spread over a whole chicken before roasting.
- Ginger adds a flavorful and spicy "zing" to dishes, making it a versatile ingredient in various cuisines.
3. Medicinal Properties of Ginger:
- Ginger has a rich history of medicinal use, especially for combatting nausea and aiding digestion.
- Its bioactive compound, gingerol, offers numerous health benefits, including joint pain relief, blood sugar and cholesterol level reduction, and alleviation of menstrual cramp pain.
- It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular addition to post-meal teas.
4. Cognitive and Health Benefits:
- Regular consumption of ginger is associated with improved brain function and protection against Alzheimer's disease.
- Ginger is known for its infection-fighting properties, contributing to overall health.
5. Storing Ginger for Freshness:
- Proper storage is crucial to maintain ginger's potency and freshness.
- Placing ginger in an air-tight food storage container or sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the fridge can keep it fresh for a month or longer.
- Peeled ginger has a shorter shelf-life, but wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the crisper extends its freshness to around three weeks.
- Minced ginger, stored in an air-tight container, remains fresh for about a week.
- Freezing ginger is an excellent option to extend its freshness, with whole frozen ginger lasting up to five months. There's no need to thaw it; you can grate or cut it directly from the freezer.
In conclusion, ginger is not just a flavorful addition to your culinary creations but also a powerhouse of health benefits. Knowing how to store it properly ensures that you can enjoy its freshness and goodness whenever you need it in the kitchen.
