Usage and Storage of Fresh Ginger (Ginger Root)
Answered by: Yvonne Tremblay
Question from: Sophie
Posted on: November 11, 2003

How do I use and store ginger root?

When buying ginger, choose roots with smooth, not wrinkled skin (indicates it is drying out).

To use fresh ginger, peel off the paper-like, tan-coloured skin using a knife or spoon to scrape off, or vegetable peeler. Slice thinly (for tea --steep in hot water for 10 minutes), or, mince or grate for use in cooking. Fresh ginger is terrific in stir-frys, soups, casseroles, cakes, cookies, preserves, and is commonly used in Indian, Asian dishes.

Fresh ginger (root) is best stored, unpeeled in a zipper lock plastic bag and refrigerated in crisper drawer. It will keep up to 3 weeks or if frozen, up to six months (use ginger freezer bag for added protection). To use frozen ginger, simply cut a piece off, without thawing, re-wrap; return to freezer.

Note: If any mold develops on the cut end when refrigerated, cut it off and the rest of the root should still be useable.

Peeled ginger root can also be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months, submerged in one of the following: vodka (the best results), sake, rice wine or rice wine vinegar, or dry sherry.

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