Knowing how to store fresh ginger will help the flowering plant not to lose its potency. It will also help to preserve the shelf life of the plant.
It’s no doubt that ginger has a lot of health benefits. It is loaded with flavors and just a little added to your meal will go a long way. Let’s look at how all you need to know about ginger before we learn how to store it.
1. What is Ginger?
Ginger is a flowering plant that originally comes from Southeast Asia. It is one of the healthiest spices available. Ginger can be either used fresh or dried. It can also be used as oil or juice and ground into fine powder.
Ginger is added to some processed foods and cosmetics. Ginger is known to be closely related to Cardamom, turmeric, and galangal.
1.1. Nutritional Facts About Ginger
Ginger contains a lot of minerals and vitamins. You should know that one tablespoon of ginger contains the following nutrient:s
- 0.1 grams of protein
- 0.1 grams of sugar
- 1 gram of carbohydrate
- 0 grams of fat
- 5 calories
- 0.1 grams of dietary fiber
Listed below are the minerals and vitamins you can find in ginger
- Potassium
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Phosphorus
- Folate
2. Health Benefits of Ginger
The compounds in Ginger are said to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. It contains anti-inflammatories and antioxidants that are beneficial to the body in diverse ways.
2.1. Treat Indigestion
Indigestion occurs there is a delay in emptying the stomach. This can cause continuous pain and discomfort in the stomach. However, ginger is known to hasten to empty of the stomach.
The chemical compounds present in ginger are known to help relieve stomach pains and aid in the digestion process. Ginger can also be used to help remedy morning sickness for pregnant women and prevent nausea.
You should know that if you are suffering from indigestion and you take 1.2 grams of ginger capsules, it will help speed up the digestive process.
2.2. Helps with Osteoarthritis
This health problem involves the stiffness of bones and joints. It is believed that eating ginger will help treat Osteoarthritis and reduce the pain that comes with it.
The only side effects that come with this are the lingering taste of ginger and a slight stomach upset. You can also combine ginger and cinnamon oil to treat Osteoarthritis.
2.3. Lowers Blood Sugar
One very important health benefit of adding ginger to your diet is that it helps to reduce your blood sugar levels. It also helps to reduce the risk of having type 2 diabetes.
Those with type 2 diabetes are advised to take 1600 milligrams of ginger for twelve weeks. This will help improve insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol. It is also healthy to take 2g of powdered ginger every day as it helps to lower blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes.
2.4. Lower Cholesterol Levels
You should know that when you have a high level of bad cholesterol, you are at risk of heart disease. Taking 5 grams of ginger paste daily will help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
2.5. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Ginger contains gingerol which can be used to fight cancer. It can also help to prevent and treat gastrointestinal cancer. It also contains high antioxidants that can help prevent cancer cell growth. This can also help to prevent rapid aging.
2.6. Helps to Fight Infections
Ginger is known to help fight and reduce the risk of infection. It can help fight against bacteria associated with inflammatory gum diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis. Fresh ginger can also help to fight against respiratory infections.
2.7. Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Since ginger is known to be a pain reliever, it can help reduce menstrual pains. Researchers discovered that women suffering from menstrual pains who took 250 mg of ginger capsules three times a day, experienced the same pain relief as those who took 400 grams of ibuprofen capsules four times a day.
2.8. Help with Weight Loss
Ginger is known to help with weight loss. Ginger supplements help to reduce the body weight of people who are obese. This is because it has the ability to reduce inflammation and increase the number of calories burned.
3. How to Store Fresh Ginger
Storing fresh ginger can come in handy as you may not know when you are going to need it. There are different ways to can store ginger to keep it fresh and long-lasting.
3.1. Store in a Paper Bag
You can store fresh ginger in a paper bag by wrapping it in a paper towel, leaving no space for air, and placing it in a paper bag. You should ensure that there is no air in the bag before you seal tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
3.2. Store in a Zipper Bag
It is pretty easy to store fresh ginger in a zipper bag. All you need to do is to place the unpeeled ginger in a zipper bag and ensure there is no air in the bag. Then you should place it in a veggie crisper and refrigerate it. This method helps to keep ginger fresh for a very long time.
3.3. Submerge Ginger in Spirits
Get a sealable container and place the fresh ginger in the container. You can try adding liquids like vodka, rice wine, fresh lime juice, and dry sherry will help preserve the ginger. You should know that these liquids can alter the flavor of ginger.
3.4 Pickling
Pickling ginger is another way to store fresh ginger. You’ll have to thinly slice the ginger and place it in a jar filled with sugar, water, and vinegar. You can now store the pickled ginger in the refrigerator for about two months.
5. How to Freeze Ginger
If you are wondering how to freeze ginger, you can follow these steps
1. Place your fresh ginger in a zipper bag and seal it tightly, making sure that there is no air in the bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator.
2. You can peel and grind the ginger and place it on the tray. You can place them in molds on the tray and then put them in the freezer to freeze.
Once this is done, you can transfer the frozen ginger to a sealable container. Then you can place in the refrigerator. This can help preserve the ginger for up to six months.
6. How to Keep Ginger Fresh
There are different ways to keep ginger fresh. We’ve listed out some ways to help you get started.
6.1. Store at Room Temperature
You should cover your already peeled ginger with aluminum foil to help keep the ginger fresh. You just need to tear off a piece of the foil and wrap it around the exposed area and place it back on the pantry.
6.2. Place in a Pantry
You can keep fresh ginger in a pantry for about a week. It has every tendency to change its taste and flavor if kept in the pantry for over a week. Also, ensure that the ginger does not go bad by checking for its softness and moistness.
6.3. Store in Airtight Container
You can store your unpeeled ginger in an airtight bag for about two months. Place the bag in a refrigerator. This will help keep its flavor and make it last longer.
7. How to Store Ginger Root
Storing ginger root is pretty easy. You can store ginger root in the freezer without peeling off the skin. You should place it in a Zipper storage bag to prevent it from freezer burn.
You’ll have to take out the ginger from the refrigerator whenever you want to use it.
You can also store ginger roots by planting them in a pot. You can plant it in a pot and place it by the window for adequate sunlight. You just need to regularly water the plant so it doesn’t die of starvation.
8. How to Add Ginger to Your Diet
There are several ways you can include ginger in your diet. You can add ginger to your tea or as a flavor for food.
You should buy fresh ginger rather than dried ones because the former comes with more gingerol which has a lot of health benefits. You can add ginger in the following:
- Soups
- Cocktails
- Tea
- Salad dressing
- Baked desserts
- Sweet potato
- Stir fry
- Marinades for fish and meat
- Smoothies
9. How to Grow Ginger
Since ginger is a tropical plant, it won’t really thrive well in areas of cooler climates. You should plant ginger at the start of spring and keep it indoors when you notice that the temperature is below 50°F.
It’s not difficult to grow ginger. You just need to buy a healthy root of 3 to 5 inches.
It is advisable to keep the root in water for a few hours before you start planting.
These steps will help you grow your ginger:
1. Choose a medium-sized pot that will accommodate the plant
2. Then, fill up the pot with oil and compost
3. Next, plant the root with the buds facing up
4. Keep the pot in a place where it can receive adequate sunlight
5. Don’t forget to water the plant regularly to retain moisture
6. Once you discover that the leaves are turning yellow, you can harvest the plant.
10. How to Harvest Ginger
To harvest ginger, you will have to trim the plant’s tips two or three weeks before harvest to hasten an early harvest of mature ginger.
You can either harvest the entire plant or use your hands to delicately pry the outer rhizomes apart without disturbing the others. The plant will continue to grow if you leave a few rhizomes. Rhizomes can be stored above 55 degrees F and overwintered as well.
11. How to Clean Fresh Ginger
To clean fresh ginger, you need to scrub off the dirt with water till you’re left with a clean piece.
Using paper towels, dab them dry and let them air dry till the moisture is dried out. This should be done because moisture can hinder shelf life. It could lead to mold which can cause the ginger to go bad.
12. How to Pick Ginger
When it comes to picking ginger, you will have to be very meticulous. You should go for a ginger with shiny skin. The skin shouldn’t be thick but thin. Do not go for gingers with spots.
It only shows that it’s been on display for too long and can go bad at any time. You should be aware that ginger should easily snap off. If it takes a while to do so, it means that the ginger is not fresh
13. How to Make Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is best for winter or during the flu or cold season. It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. You can make ginger tea in different ways.
Let’s look at two methods to make ginger tea in such a way that it becomes irresistible to everyone around you.
13.1. Ingredients
- Sliced lemon
- Honey (optional)
- Fresh ginger root
- Filtered water
13.2. First Method
Step One: Peel off ginger skin and chop it into tiny pieces.
Step Two: Peel off the lemon and slice it into two halves
Step Three: Get a pan and water, lemon, and ginger. Stir till they mix together.
Step Four: Place the pan over medium heat to boil.
Step Five: Sieve the tea into a teacup or a mug and add a slice of fresh lemon
Step Six: Add honey or any sweetener of your choice. Stir well and enjoy your ginger tea.
13.3. Second Method
For this method, you’ll use ginger juice pulp.
Step One: Take out 2 tablespoon-sized pieces of ginger pulp and place them in a strainer.
Step Two: Pour hot water over the pulp and let it sit for about ten minutes.
Step Three: Add slices of lemon and honey for a sweeter taste.
14. Tips for Making Ginger Tea
1. The secret ingredient for making the best ginger tea is using fresh ginger. You should use enough ginger. There’s no rule that says you should not use too much ginger. Just keep it simmering as you desire.
2. You can freeze leftover ginger root to reuse later
3. If you notice tiny particles in your ginger tea, you can strain them out using a cheesecloth
4. If you want to preserve ginger tea for a whole week, you can store it in a container and keep it in the refrigerator. You can either drink it cold or heat it up.
15. Benefits of Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has a lot of health benefits. They include the following:
- Improves blood
- Contains Antioxidants
- Reduces muscle pains
- Lowers risks of heart diseases
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Contains antibacterial properties
16. How to make Ginger Bread
It can be very tricky to make gingerbread. You’ll have to follow these steps for achieving the best results.
16.1. Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of powdered ginger
- 75g of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate butter
- Colored icing pens
- 100g of golden syrup
- 8cm gingerbread man cutter
- 255g of plain flour
16.2. Instructions
Step one: Mix the sugar, butter, and golden syrup in a pan and place on heat. Then you can stir till the sugar dissolves and leave to cool for 5 mins.
Step Two: Grab a bowl and make a mixture of ginger, flour, and soda. Add the butter mixture and stir the dough. Add molasses to the mixture. Knead the dough until it is smooth. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
Step Three: Next, roll out dough to about 3mm thick and use the gingerbread man cutter to carve out shapes. Place these shapes on a baking sheet and let them chill for about twenty minutes.
Step Four: Preheat the oven and bake the dough at a temperature of 190°C. After baking, leave it to cool for a few minutes.
Step Five: Using the icing pens, decorate and serve.
17. Tips for Making Gingerbread
1. Make sure that your butter and sugar are melted over low heat. This will help prevent the burning of the mixture.
2. Let the dough sit for about thirty minutes. This will make rolling the dough easier and faster. You can place the dough on a baking sheet to knead.
3. When you let the dough sit for a while, it will prevent hardness of the dough. It will also the dough to rest.
4. You can also freeze the unbaked dough in the refrigerator. This can stay fresh for a month.
18. In the End
Ginger is best stored at room temperature or frozen. Ensure to constantly be on the lookout for molds to avoid spoilage.
Fresh ginger maintains its gingerol which is very beneficial to health. It is advisable to peel ginger before storing it in the refrigerator.
19. Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the frequently asked questions on how to store fresh ginger
19.1. Can you Freeze Fresh Ginger?
Yes, you can freeze fresh ginger. You just have to wash and dry the ginger and keep it in an airtight bag. Then, place the bag in the refrigerator.
19.2. Do you Wash Ginger Before Juicing?
Yes, it is important to wash ginger before juicing so you can get rid of moldy spots
19.3. What are the Side Effects of Ginger
The side effects of ginger include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Abdominal discomfort
- Throat irritation
