Ginger is a staple in Indian cuisine, adding distinctive flavour and aroma to dishes. Beyond its culinary uses, ginger boasts impressive medicinal properties, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy skin and hair. Given its importance, it's wise to buy ginger in small quantities to prevent spoilage. However, with a few simple storage hacks, you can keep ginger fresh for months.
Soak in water
Wash the ginger thoroughly and place it in a glass jar. Fill the jar with water, seal it with a lid, and store it in the fridge. This method helps maintain ginger's freshness for an extended period.
Paper bag
After washing the ginger to remove dirt, pat it dry with a tissue. Once fully dried, store the ginger in a paper bag and keep it in the fridge. This helps keep the ginger dry and fresh.
Storing large quantities
Good-quality ginger can be hard to find during the monsoon season, and moisture accelerates decay. To avoid this, purchase ginger in other seasons and store it properly. Wash the ginger thoroughly, dry it, and then crush it in a food processor. Store the crushed ginger in an airtight container in the freezer to keep it fresh for months.
Refrigerator storage
Wash the ginger and let it air dry for 5-6 hours. Wrap the ginger in a newspaper, place the bundle in a plastic cover, and store it in the fridge. This method helps maintain its freshness.
Ice tray storage
Blend half a kilo of ginger with half a cup of oil, add salt to taste, and a cup of water. Pour the mixture into ice trays, cover with cling wrap, and freeze. These ginger ice cubes can be used as needed, offering a convenient way to store and use ginger.
By following these methods, you can keep your ginger fresh and ready for use, no matter the season.
