How To Store Ginger So It Stays Fresh and Flavorful for up to 6 Months: Plus 2 Recipes

Freshly grated ginger can bring an aromatic flavor to a refreshing smoothie or a delicious stir-fry. But sometimes it feels like it goes bad faster than you'd expect. Not to worry! Simply store the knob of ginger in your freezer, and grate it when you're ready to use it. This not only makes ginger easier to cook with and longer-lasting, but also more flavorful. Read on for more insights on how to store ginger using this handy freezer hack!

Why the freezer is the perfect place to store fresh ginger

Storing ginger in the freezer stops it from spoiling quickly by preventing bacteria and mold from developing. You'll also notice it's easier to grate when frozen because the fibers are more firm — producing tiny flakes of ginger in seconds. Most importantly, this hack won't take away any of the health benefits, like its ability to help speed your metabolism and ward off inflammation .

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How to store ginger in the freezer

The experts at Lifehacker share their easy method for storing ginger in the freezer where it will stay fresh for up to six months.

1. Place your chunk of ginger in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer.
2. When you're ready to cook with it, you can grate it on a microplane zester. (Note: If your desired recipe calls for chopping or mincing the ginger, allow it to come to room temperature first so you don't ruin your chef's knife.)

2 delicious recipes that use fresh ginger for a flavor boost

Use your grated ginger to infuse these recipes from our test kitchen with a warm and spicy kick!

Turkey Lettuce Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 Tbs. grated peeled ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup hoisin sauce + additional
• 1 small carrot, chopped
• 4 oz. green beans, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
• 16 leaves baby gem lettuce
• Scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts and sliced red pepper (optional)

Directions:

• Active: 15 mins
• Total time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings

1. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add turkey, ginger and garlic; cook, stirring, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in hoisin, carrot, beans, water chestnuts and ¼ cup water. Over medium-low, cook until veggies soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Fill lettuce leaves with turkey mixture. Top as desired and serve with additional hoisin sauce.

Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 1 Tbs. finely grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Tbs. oil
• 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups (2-inch) broccolini pieces or broccoli florets
• 1 red pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into ½-inch thick strips
• ¼ cup cocktail peanuts

Directions:

• Active: 25 mins
• Total time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings

1. In bowl, whisk together peanut butter, teriyaki, lime juice, ginger, garlic and ⅓ cup water; reserve.
2. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbs. oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broccolini, red pepper and snow peas; cook, stirring, until crisp tender, 5 minutes. Remove.
3. Add remaining 1 Tbs. oil to skillet; add chicken. Cook, stirring, until no longer pink in thickest part, 7 to 8 minutes; stir in reserved peanut sauce and vegetables. Cook, stirring, until heated through, 2 minutes. Stir in peanuts.

Read on for more tips on storing fresh ingredients:

Easy Chef’s Trick Keeps Scallions Fresher Longer — Plus, It Saves You Time + Money

How to Store Garlic So the Cloves Stay Fresh and Tasty Longer

How To Store Half of an Avocado: 2 Expert-Approved Methods for Keeping It Ripe and Green