Indian cuisine is incomplete without the aromatic and flavoursome ginger that has medicinal properties too. Despite the soaring prices, ginger cannot be avoided in our curries and dishes.
During the monsoon, ginger may get decayed quite easily due to the moisture content in the atmosphere. Here are six ways in which you could store ginger or retain its freshness for a longer period.
Refrigeration
Store ginger, with the skin on, in a plastic cover or an air-tight container; keep the container in the fridge. This would keep the ginger fresh for up to 3 – 4 weeks.
However, you should check it regularly to see whether there is any mold on them. In case there is, cut off that part and transfer the rest of it into another bag or container.
Freezing
You could freeze ginger for up to a few months. First, peel the skin and then cut the ginger into small pieces; you could also grate them. Store this in an air-tight container or an air-lock zip bag. Keep in the freezer and use as required.
Pickle
Pickled ginger is popularly known as sushi or gari. Cut the ginger into small pieces. Prepare a solution of rice vinegar, sugar and salt. Soak the ginger in this solution. Keep it in the fridge in an air-tight container. If stored like this, you could use ginger for up to a few months.
Drying
Dried ginger has medicinal properties and can be stored for a longer time. You could use a food dehydrator or an oven to dry ginger. After the moisture content is completely removed, store the dried ginger in an air-tight container and keep it in a dry place where sunlight doesn’t hit directly.
Ginger paste
Grind the peeled ginger by adding some water or oil. Transfer this paste to ice trays and freeze them. Now, store the frozen ginger paste cubes in a freezer bag. This could be stored in the freezer for up to months.
Ginger syrup
Boil chopped ginger with sugar and water to prepare syrup. Strain the syrup and store it in a clean and disinfected container. Keep this container in the fridge and use the syrup as and when required. You could add ginger syrup in refreshing drinks or desserts.
Make sure to use clean vessels while cooking or storing ginger. As ginger can easily absorb smells, keep them away from food items that have a strong or pungent smell.
