freeze ginger

Can You Freeze Ginger? A Guide To Store This Spicy Root

In a nutshell: Yes, you can freeze fresh ginger to prolong its shelf life for future use. Whether sliced, grated or as paste, freezing ginger preserves its flavor and health benefits. Protect it from air and moisture to maintain quality.

Fresh ginger root has a strong and slightly spicy taste. It brings a big punch of flavor to both sweet and savory dishes from curry to stir-fry and baked desserts.

Using fresh ginger is generally preferred over using the dried, powdered version, however, fresh ginger does not last that long and will easily dry out and lose some of its unique flavors.

Luckily, you can freeze ginger to prolong its shelf life. Storing ginger in the freezer makes for easy and flavor-filled cooking on demand. Here is what you need to know when freezing ginger.

Can Ginger Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze fresh ginger to prolong its shelf life for future use. You can freeze sliced ginger, freeze grated ginger, and ginger paste! Not only does having ginger prepared and frozen keep its flavor vibrant, but it makes spicing up any dish an effortless task. You also get to reap some health benefits with its anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Always choose fresh, plump, and fragrant pieces of ginger for freezing. Dried and wrinkled pieces which are not fresh are not ideal for freezing.

As with most frozen foods, it is important to protect ginger from contact with air and moisture as this will cause freezer burn and reduce the quality. 

Follow these step by step instructions to freeze fresh ginger and preserve optimal quality and flavor.


How To Freeze Ginger

Step 1: Wash and Peel

Wash the ginger root in cold water. Peel ginger with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to remove the light brown skin. Cut off and discard any dry, shriveled or spoiled pieces.

Step 2: Grate

Grate or mince the peeled ginger in a food processor.

Step 3: Flash Freeze

Since ginger has a strong taste, you don’t need a very big serving to add loads of flavor to a meal. You can freeze small portions of grated ginger in 2 different ways.

Method 1: Baking Tray

Line a baking tray with wax paper to prevent sticking. Scoop teaspoonfuls of the minced ginger onto the lined baking tray so that they do not touch each other. Place the baking tray in the freezer for an hour or until the rounds of ginger have frozen solid.

Tip: You can chop ginger or slice ginger into the desired size and flash freeze it in a thin layer in the same way.

Method 2: Ice Cube Trays

Scoop the grated ginger into ice cube trays. For smaller portions, you can half-fill each compartment. Place the tray into the freezer for an hour or until the cubes of ginger have frozen solid.

Step 4: Package

Remove the ginger rounds or cubes from the freezer and pack them into a resealable plastic bag. Since they are frozen, they should not stick together and can be taken out as a single portion whenever needed. Press any remaining air out of the freezer safe bag and seal tightly. Alternatively, use a freezer safe container.

Step 5: Label and Freeze

Label the freezer bag with the date and place it back into the freezer.


How To Thaw Frozen Ginger

If you are cooking with the ginger, there is no need to thaw it. The best way is to simply remove the right amount from the freezer and add it straight to the pan for cooking.

If you are using the ginger in a baked dish or dressing, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes on the kitchen counter at room temperature before mixing it in with the other ingredients.

Types of Ginger

Although there are a number of different varieties of ginger, Chinese ginger (also known as common ginger) is the most readily available and well-known type.

The root grows in chunky irregular shapes with light brown skin and fibrous, yet somewhat juicy hard yellow flesh. 

Ginger can be used in many different ways. Besides spicing up a dish, it is also a popular medicinal ingredient and used to make hot tea or cold beverages. Ginger can be juiced, dried, pickled, candied, ground into a powder form, or used fresh.


FAQs

Conclusion

Whether you’re making a warm winter pudding, cool summer cocktails, cooking up a curry, or brewing herbal tea, having grated ginger ready to use at any given time will save money, save time, and prevent food waste.

Not only is it a delicious flavor addition but ginger also has many health benefits. Make sure to package it well, protecting the ginger from contact with moisture and air and you’ll have spicy convenience at your fingertips for all your favorite recipes.

*Image by depositphotos.com/Alexander2323

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