In my cookbook Prep-Ahead Meals from Scratch, I share money saving tips and easy cooking hacks as well as over 100 recipes. This tip for freezing raw ginger root prevents food waste and makes it easier to grate fresh ginger.
I love the flavor that fresh ginger lends a dish, but I can never use up ginger before it goes bad. I have come to a compromise. I buy fresh ginger and use it from the refrigerator for a the first week. Then I place it in a lidded container or a resealable freezer bag. Then I store the ginger root in the freezer.
How to Freeze Raw Ginger Root
Place ginger root in a sealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible when sealing the bag. Store in the freezer until needed for a recipe.
If you wish to place the ginger root in a lidded container instead of a plastic bag, wrap the cut portion of the ginger with plastic wrap to prevent ice from forming on the open flesh of the ginger root.
When a recipe calls for fresh ginger, I pull the frozen ginger out of the freezer, and while still FROZEN, remove a bit of skin, and grate the needed amount. Then I place the ginger root back in the container and place it back in the freezer immediately.
One benefit that I have to discovered of frozen ginger is it is easier to grate ginger when frozen. Just peel the outer skin and grate – it will produce a fine grate, without any of the stringiness when frozen.
Raw ginger root can keep in the freezer for 4 -6 months, but I usually use mine up within 3 months. Freezing ginger not only reduces waste, but saves money. It also means that I always have ginger on hand to use in recipes – no need to run to the store for one ingredient!
A few of the recipe that call for fresh ginger from my cookbook Prep-Ahead Meals from Scratch:
- Asian Chicken and Rice Soup (page 23)
- Asian Chicken Pasta Salad (page 19)
- Mango Glazed Chicken and Vegetables (page 36)
- Asian Pork and Vegetable Frittata (page 58)
- Thai Pulled Pork Wraps (page 74)
- Mongolian Beef Meatballs (page 108)
- Apricot Glazed Meatballs (page 111)
- Garlic-Ginger Green Beans (page 159)
- Orange ginger Snap Peas (page 174)
Noel says
Oh! and don’t refrigerate.
Noel Cielo says
I live in Hawaii, and use fresh ginger every day. It makes an excellent tea, with peppermint, added lemon and honey. Especially good on cold nights. I put in my hydroflask, to have hot liquid first thing in the morning.
If if gets old, I plop it in my garden spot. 🙂
Mary J says
Does anybody have hints for freezing garlic? I always forget about the whole bulb.
Thanks.
Noel says
I put cloves in a glass jar, cover with good quality RAW organic, honey, cover/but not airtight… I use a coffee filter and rubber band…. let it sit and ferment… delicious just like that, If you are a garlic and honey lover like me, or use in marinades, dressings etc..
Wendy says
Next time you have the oven on ,bake whole heads of garlic and then you can freeze them.
Kendra aka The Meanest Momma says
Great tip! I freeze ginger too, but I’ve always peeled and chopped it first and then froze it in 1 Tbsp serving sizes. It never occurred to me that I could freeze it whole.
Alea says
I like the idead of freezing ginger in premeasured amounts. Your way will definitely speed up prep time on busy nights, thanks for sharing it!
Julia in West Des Moines, IA says
I am using this idea as soon as I quit typing. Love that you shared.
Jenn says
My grandmother taught me this when I was a teenager. I agree it is much easier to grate when it is frozen.
Swathi says
I buy fresh ginger always, freezing ginger sounds nice idea, by the way are I am little slow in visiting the blogs like your new look of blog and congrats for .com.
Melissa says
I do that, too! I wrap it in plastic wrap for air-tight-ness, then in foil (to keep the plastic from unwrapping in the freezer). It’s a great tip, since I use fresh ginger only occasionally.
Amy says
I should try foil. I keep mine in a ziploc and after a month or two it’s coated in ice and the ginger is kinda squishy from the water all migrating to the outside. Frozen ginger is definitely easier to grate, though!
Troy says
I bought some this spring, used a little bit, then broke the rest into pieces and planted them. I now have about ten ginger plants coming up in the greenhouse. I am eager to see how they do as a houseplant, I’m sure they would not do well outside in our climate.
Alea says
That is a great idea Troy. Please let me know how they do!
Diane says
My son-in-law planted some about 12 years ago. The green tops die back each fall & returns late spring. Plantt the root by laying it on top of the soil & cover with mulch. Always frsh ginger! We are in n. Florida with our lowest temps occasionally in the low teens.