4 Ways to Store Ginger

How to Store Ginger – Ginger is one of the most important ingredients in Chinese cooking. It adds warmth, depth, and fragrance to countless stir-fries, soups, and marinades. But what should you do when you buy a big bag of fresh ginger and can’t use it all at once? Don’t let it go to waste! Here are 4 great ways to store ginger so it stays fresh, flavorful, and ready when you need it.

4 Storage Methods

1. Store whole ginger in a Ziploc bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer

• Wipe the ginger dry with a paper towel before storing.
• Place it in a Ziploc bag and write today’s date on it.
• Store the bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer.
• This method keeps ginger fresh for 1 to 2 months.

2. Freeze peeled, sliced, or minced ginger in the freezer

• Peel the ginger, then slice or mince it depending on how you plan to use it.
• Transfer the prepared ginger to a Ziploc bag and label it with the date.
• When cooking, simply take out the amount you need—no need to thaw first.
• Frozen ginger stays fresh for up to 6 months.

3. Store peeled, sliced ginger in a jar of vodka in the fridge

• Place peeled, sliced ginger in a clean jar.
• Pour vodka over it until fully submerged. (Other spirits with at least 40% alcohol also work.)
• The alcohol preserves the texture and keeps the ginger firm.
• This method will keep ginger fresh for 1 to 2 months. Note: it may retain a mild alcohol flavor.

4. Make pickled ginger

• Ingredients:
  6 ounces ginger, peeled and sliced
  1 tablespoon dried red chili peppers (washed with boiled water)
  1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (washed with boiled water)
  1 star anise (washed with boiled water)
  1/3 teaspoon non-iodized salt
  1 teaspoon sugar
  2 tablespoons rice wine
  1 cup boiled water, cooled to room temperature

• In a sanitized jar, add all the ingredients including the ginger slices and spices.
• Pour in the cooled water and stir with sanitized chopsticks.
• Seal the jar and store it in a cool, shaded area at room temperature for 5 to 10 days.
• Transfer to the fridge and enjoy as a flavorful side or topping.
• Pickled ginger will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Tips & notes

• Label your jars or bags: It’s helpful to mark the storage date so you know how long it’s been kept.
• Sanitize containers: If storing in jars, always sterilize them first with boiling water to prevent spoilage.
• Customize your storage: Choose a method based on how you use ginger most—whole for teas, minced for stir-fries, or pickled as a side dish.
• Have a tip of your own? Comment below and share your favorite way to store ginger—I’d love to hear it!