How to Store Ginger Properly

If you’re cooking or baking with fresh ginger, it’s key to know how to properly store it to maintain maximum flavor. With its signature spicy-sweet flavor, ginger can add a needed punch to sweet and savory dishes alike. It’s sold in many forms, and while ground or powdered ginger has a longer shelf life than its fresh counterpart, fresh ginger root offers a more complex flavor and aroma. It’s commonly used in curries and can lend distinct flavor to a variety of dessert recipes. Read on for our best tips and tricks for storing ginger.

How to Buy Fresh Ginger

Fresh ginger, which can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores, can last for up to 2 to 3 months if stored correctly. Naturally, the fresher the ginger is when you buy it, the longer it will last. Colette Ferris, co-owner of Kolo Kai Organic Farm, which grows turmeric, white ginger, yellow ginger, and galangal in Hawaii, recommends looking for a firm texture and avoiding any ginger that feels soft, looks shriveled or wrinkly, or shows signs of molding.

How to Store Fresh Ginger

Whole, unpeeled ginger root can be stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature for up to a few days. To store ginger for a long time, the refrigerator is your best bet to reduce moisture loss. Store fresh ginger in something breathable—wrapped in a paper towel, for instance, or in a paper or cloth bag—or just place it straight into the crisper drawer by itself. Avoid storing ginger in a plastic bag or airtight container, which will trap in moisture and cause the ginger to decay more quickly. “You do not want to put it into a plastic bag, either in the fridge or out,” Ferris says. “Even in the fridge, the condensation builds up because this root is constantly releasing moisture and so the buildup of condensation inside that plastic bag makes it get yucky and slimy, and it will mold faster.”

How to Store Cut Ginger

Once ginger has been cut, make sure to blot or dry the cut end of the root before transferring to the refrigerator, as any fresh trimmings where the flesh is exposed will mold the fastest. As soon as ginger has been peeled, its shelf life starts to decrease, so keep it unpeeled as long as you can. Peeled or cut ginger can last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, but many recommend preserving it in alcohol to extend that timeframe. Simply transfer peeled slices of ginger to a glass container, submerge in dry sherry or wine, and seal. Peeled ginger stored this way can last up to 3 months, and the leftover sherry can be used as a cooking liquid.

Need some help peeling ginger root? Follow our fool-proof method using a spoon.

How to Store Ginger in the Freezer

Not planning on using your ginger anytime soon? If you’re aiming to store it for longer than a few weeks or have more than you need in the moment, you probably want to consider freezing it. Make sure to wash and dry the ginger root first, then transfer it—peeled or unpeeled, whole or diced—to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can use ginger directly out of the freezer, but if you do decide to thaw it, make sure to use it as soon as it’s thawed.

You can also juice, mince or purée fresh ginger, freeze in an ice-cube tray and then transfer to a sealed bag or container. You’ll then have perfectly portioned fresh ginger for tossing into recipes, such as our Ginger Pork with Cucumber and Herbs, Tahini-Ginger Noodles and Veggies, or Ginger-Sesame Oats with Mushrooms and Charred Green Onions.