Fresh ginger root works well in many recipes, such as stir-fried vegetables, rice and baked apples. You might use dried, powdered ginger, but fresh ginger will offer the best flavor, as well as greater levels of gingerols, an anti-inflammatory compound, according to The World's Healthiest Foods. Most grocery stores sell fresh ginger root, and you can select the size that suits your needs. At times, you may only find large pieces of ginger root--more than what you need for a single recipe. In such cases, it's important to know how to properly store fresh ginger root to ensure its flavor quality.
Step 1
Keep unpeeled ginger in the refrigerator. Fresh ginger root should last up to three weeks when refrigerated. Always look over the root before use to ensure it does not have mold or other signs of rotting.
Step 2
Freeze unpeeled ginger root. Fresh ginger root stored in the freezer should keep for approximately six months, says The World's Healthiest Foods. Take ginger root out of the freezer and allow the root to thaw prior to use.
Step 3
Wrap peeled, cut ginger root in plastic, and place it in the refrigerator. You also can store peeled, cut ginger in a plastic storage container. These methods will help prevent the root from drying out, and will also prevent the smell of ginger from permeating through your refrigerator. Once you peel or cut the ginger root, it should keep for another week. After storing, feel and examine the root before using in your next recipe.
Tips and Warnings
- To choose the best piece of ginger, feel the root before you purchase it. A fresh ginger root will feel firm, not soft. Also, watch for signs of mold or other root damage.
Things You'll Need
- Ginger root
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Plastic wrap
- Plastic storage container
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