Learning how to freeze ginger properly will help with cooking numerous dishes because you will always have some on hand. Many Asian recipes use this root vegetable as one of the primary ingredients. If you know how to freeze it correctly, you can usually substitute frozen ginger for fresh ginger without too much loss in texture or flavour.
How to freeze ginger
Ginger typically comes in two forms. The first is dried or powdered ginger, which is a common spice. The other is root ginger, which is the rhizome of the plant, where it stores its energy reserves underground and is not an actual root. Both types of ginger can be frozen.
How to freeze fresh ginger
Fresh ginger can be turned into powdered ginger ready for freezing rather easily. If you bake it whole at a low temperature in the oven, you can remove all the moisture content. Then you can put it in a food processor to grind it into a powder. Dried, powdered ginger can be stored in this state, but it will progressively lose its flavour over time. To preserve ginger for longer, transfer the powder into a suitably sized container, seal it and put it in the freezer.
How to freeze root ginger
Root ginger —the brown rhizome— can also be frozen. You can freeze root ginger in its entirety with the skin on. To do this, wrap it well in a plastic covering to prevent moisture from being frozen with it. Moisture can affect its quality, especially if the ginger is stored in the freezer for a long time. Alternatively, use the following method:
- Peel or remove the brown layer outer skin of the ginger.
- Cut the remaining ginger into similarly sized pieces. You can dice it into cubes or cut it into matchstick-sized batons, depending on what you intend to cook with it later.
- Arrange the chopped ginger onto a tray so that no two pieces are touching.
- Put the tray into the freezer for an hour until the ginger has turned solid.
- Remove the tray, tip the frozen ginger pieces into a sealable freezer bag, and return them to the freezer for storage.
How to store ginger properly
Fresh ginger should be stored in the fridge to help preserve it. If it is left unpeeled, it should last for up to a month before you need to use it. Ginger will also last unrefrigerated, but only for a few weeks at most. Freeze-drying it into a powdered form allows you to keep it indefinitely.
If you use this method, store it inside a sealable jar in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, freeze the spare ginger you have, as it can last over a year in your freezer. Then you can use it as you wish. Just check and meal plans for inspiration!
Delicious recipes with ginger
Ginger is very popular as an addition to many Thai dishes and Chinese recipes, which are often easy to prepare and incredibly tasty.
From ginger prawn & sweet chilli stir-fry with udon noodles to soy-ginger glazed salmon, there is so much to choose from.
And if you are looking for something sweet for dessert, try vanilla cheesecake with a ginger biscuit crumble. This simple yet flavourful treat combines creamy vanilla with a hint of warm, spiced ginger. It’s an easy-to-make, delicious finish to any meal!
FAQs
Can you freeze fresh ginger?
Yes, you can put fresh ginger in your freezer for long-term storage. Make sure it is placed in an airtight, sealable container to help prevent ice crystals from forming, which can damage the ginger or turn it mushy.
Can I freeze ginger without peeling?
Yes, you can freeze ginger with its skin still intact. If you do so, then you'll need to thaw it out so that you can peel it before cooking. However, if you peel it before the freezing process, you can save yourself the extra work.
Why is my ginger so squishy after freezing?
If your ginger is squishy, that means it is no longer fresh and has gone bad. This can happen to frozen ginger for several reasons. It could be that it suffered from ice crystallisation damage while frozen or was already going off prior to placing the ginger in the freezer.
Is ginger still good after being frozen?
Typically, ginger freezes well and can be cooked and eaten after being frozen and thawed. For best results, thaw your ginger slowly, ideally in the fridge overnight.
Will frozen ginger sprout?
Yes, ginger that has been frozen with stems intact can still sprout, but the plant may be in a weakened state. As a result, extra care should be taken to prevent cold snaps and avoid overwatering or drought conditions.