Ginger is renowned for its distinct flavor and enticing aroma. Its unique combination of spiciness and juiciness adds a fiery kick to any dish it graces. Although ginger, often considered a root, may appear to have a long shelf life (which it does, compared to some other ingredients, lasting up to 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature or in the fridge), time flies by swiftly for those who handle groceries and meal preparation.
In the world of perishables, those few weeks in the fridge pass in the blink of an eye. However, the freezer can be your ally, extending the lifespan and distinctive qualities of your ginger so you can savor it for the long term.
Selecting and Preparing Ginger for Freezing
Freezing ginger is a straightforward process that doesn’t require any special expertise or online shopping sprees. With just a reliable knife, some plastic wrap, a freezer-friendly zip-top bag or a sealable container, and a marker, you’re all set. If you prefer your ginger to be further prepared, you may need a food processor or a blender.
The ginger that freezes best is the freshest, not already on the path to becoming dull, wrinkled, dry, or less fragrant. Fresh ginger is firm, plump, smooth (especially between the knobs), and richly aromatic. This kind of ginger retains the best flavor, ensuring it withstands freezing.
Step-by-step Guide to Freezing Ginger
In essence, there are three approaches to freezing ginger: preserving it as a puree, cutting it into pieces, or freezing it whole, depending on your recipe requirements and time constraints.
Pureed Ginger:
- Place ginger, peeled or unpeeled, into a food processor or a high-quality blender (if unpeeled, blend a bit longer). Transfer the resulting paste into an ice cube tray and freeze.
- Once frozen, move the paste cubes into a zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn, and don’t forget to label and date the bag.
- If you prefer a looser puree, add water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency. Pour the puree into an ice cube tray and follow the same process as with the paste.
- Alternatively, measure the puree into zip-top bags, remove excess air without flattening the puree, seal, label, and freeze them flat on sheet pans lined with parchment paper or paper towels.
Cut Ginger:
- Peel and cut ginger into the portions you typically use in your recipes. For instance, if your recipes often call for grating a 1-inch section of ginger, peel the entire knob and cut it into 1-inch sections.
- Place the ginger pieces in a zip-top bag or container, remove as much air as possible if using a bag, seal, and label for easy identification in the future.
- If you prefer minced ginger, take the time to finely chop it. While it’s a bit more time-consuming, it will save you valuable prep time later. Add the minced ginger to a zip-top bag, lay it flat, press it into a thin layer, seal, and label.
Whole Ginger:
You can choose whether to peel your ginger before freezing it whole, depending on your preference. There’s no significant difference between using ginger with or without the skin, but if you’re concerned about texture or plan to peel it before use, it’s fine to do so beforehand.
- Wrap the whole ginger tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a zip-top bag or container, seal it, and label it.
Best Practices for Storing Frozen Ginger
Try to use frozen ginger within six months for optimal flavor, as it may lose some of its vibrancy after this period. Make sure to use freezer-specific bags or containers to preserve its freshness and prevent odors from affecting it.
Creative Uses for Frozen Ginger
Grated frozen ginger can be used straight from the freezer; there’s no need to thaw it. Plus, any unused portion can be easily returned to the freezer for future use.
Here’s a pro tip: use a spoon to peel ginger. While a spoon is a helpful tool when dealing with fresh ginger, it becomes an even better friend when working with frozen ginger. Peeling or cutting frozen ginger with a knife can be challenging and not very enjoyable.
If your recipe calls for ginger slices, remember to thaw it first. Grating frozen ginger is a breeze (possibly even easier than fresh), but slicing it with a knife can be quite tricky and dangerous. Microwave the ginger for about 15 seconds before attempting to cut it.
For ginger sliced before freezing, defrost the slices before using them in your dish. If you have frozen minced ginger, break off the desired amount, thaw it in the microwave, and add it to your recipe.
When it comes to frozen puree cubes, they are perfect additions to soups, braises, or stir-fries. Simply toss a cube directly into your dish. If you plan to use the puree for baking, allow it to reach room temperature before incorporating it into your recipe.