Regarding ginger's shelflife?

Question

How long can you keep fresh, whole ginger in the fridge before it starts going bad? What about if you cut off a piece of it and there is exposed flesh? Just curious..thanks:)

Thanks for the thorough-ness jvconsulting!:)

Answer 1

I use raw/fresh ginger often, so mine rarely has a chance to go bad. But I do store it in the door section of the fridge (the "butter-keeper" is a perfect spot). I wrap it up in a single piece of paper towel, and just leave it in there. The coolness preserves the ginger, but it's not SO cold that the ginger gets "mushy". The paper towel wicks moisture away from the ginger, so it stays crisp and fresh. I wouldn't store it in plastic wrap or a plastic bag, because the trapped moisture will soften the ginger very quickly.

Your cut surfaces are no problem. No matter what you do, that exposed flesh will dry out pretty quickly. Next time you're using the ginger, just slice off a very thin layer of the dried-out flesh; the stuff behind it will be as fresh as ever. And that little dried-out piece can still be used for flavor in a soup or a sauce...just throw it in whole, and remove it before serving.

Answer 2

Keep it in the freezer if you're worried. I actually find it easier to peel and grate when it's frozen -- makes the fibres easier to cut against.

Answer 3

ginger keeps good forever