Ginger is a must-have in every household. Ginger adds a different soothing taste in the food and can also be added in a great appetizer. Let us discuss how to store fresh ginger in detail. Fresh ginger root can be used in a proper way and can also be beneficial for your health.
1. History and Background
Ginger is the flowering plant of a family zinziberaceae. This plant has got its origin from southeast Asia. The part of the ginger which is used by humans is the ginger root also known as rhizome for medicinal purposes or as spice. Other members of the ginger family includes turmeric, galangal and cardamom. Ginger was exported as a spice with the silk trade from Asia. It was widely used by ancient Romans and Greeks. The Arabs also had contributed in the expansion of ginger by introducing it to the Mediterranean.
2. Ginger in India
It is exported from South west India to the world making India the largest producer of ginger. India is able to produce ginger due to its warm, humid and average rainfall.
Homestead farming is the technique commonly used in India for the production of ginger. Due to this homestead farming, the farmers and employees are mostly family members or local members of a common community.
Ginger cultivation in India is done by both male and female farmers. The males are responsible for seed purchase, ploughing and mulching, while weeding process rests with female farmers. The ginger plantation in India is generally done with the start of monsoon between months of March and June.
Dry ginger root converted from the harvested rhizome is one of the most popular forms of ginger exported from India.
3. Where is it Grown?
Ginger is readily obtained to the world from India, China and Nigeria. In India, about 65% of the total production is being contributed by Karnataka, Orissa, Meghalaya, Assam, Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh.
The volume of the ginger produced in India for 2022 was about 2.12 million metric tons. The production got an increase since 2015 by 760 thousand metric tons.
Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Japan are also amongst the top producers of ginger in the world
4. Ideal Period of Ginger Plantation
Being a tropical plant ginger wants a warm climate so it can be grown year round in countries having warm climate.
Planter is required for countries having colder climate. During the cold months, the ginger in a planter should be brought inside to maintain the warmth required.
Early spring is the best time for the ginger plantation. It takes 8-10 months to mature and give the product.
5. How is the Ginger Grown?
- First step towards growing ginger is to buy the ginger root from the local market. When buying the root choose the one which is plump and young.
- Cut the ginger roots for getting multiple plants from one single ginger root. Wait for the callus formation by leaving it become dry. Before putting into the soil each root should contain an eye or bud.
- Mildly acidic soil is the best suited for ginger pH level of 6 or 6.5. For preparing the soil combine potting of soil composed mulch. The soil should be well draining to prevent rot.
- Ginger should be planted in a partially shaded area. 2-5 hours of sun is required
- The ginger root or fragments should be buried 2-4 inches below the soil. Each 8 inches apart.
- Watering should be done directly after planting it. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated. Watering of ginger shall be continually done when the soil is about to dry.
6. How is it Harvested?
After 8-10 months, the step will start turning yellow that will indicate that the ginger is ready for harvest. when this happens the top part of ginger should be trimmed.
Then dig up the entire plant from the soil and it should be clipped from the entire plant.
Get the dirt out of the ginger roots by washing it under running water.
7. How to Choose Ginger?
The freshest ginger root is to be chosen in order to store the ginger for longer. For choosing the freshest ginger, the ginger chosen should be with a smooth skin and fresh and spicy fragrance.
Rhizomes should be heavy and one buying should feel firmness while holding it in hands. Any wrinkled or soft ginger root to be avoided as it is already declined. Avoid wet, moist or moulding ginger.
8. Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is highly rich in qualities which can be used as a curable product. It is a must have spice at your home due to its medicinal properties and also for adding that tadka in your chai. It is a traditional spice for cooking as well. Natural components of ginger root helps to cure different problems and illness. Store it in a cool place and use it for curing cold and cough, hypertension, nausea, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems as well as other problems related to gut and chest.
9. Where to Store Fresh Ginger?
A freezer should be chosen for storing fresh ginger or keeping it in the refrigerator can also work. Ginger should be stored in the refrigerator if it is to be used again soon.
Ginger can last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. If the ginger is to be used after this, then it should be stored in the freezer.
If a small chunk of ginger is to be used soon then that chunk alone can alone be stored in the refrigerator and the rest to be stored in the freezer.
10. How to Store Fresh Ginger in the Fridge?
Ginger can be stored in a zipper storage bag by placing the unpeeled ginger in a zipper bag. All the air should be pushed out of the bag. The zipper bag should be put in the crisper of the fridge which will keep the ginger fresh for weeks. This method results in storing the ginger in a jar fresh for a longer time than the others.
Also, the unpeeled chunk of ginger can be kept by wrapping it in a paper towel, avoiding any air holes. It should not contain any uncovered parts after being fully covered with a paper towel, now keep it in a paper bag. The bag is to be kept in the crisper drawer. This method can be used to store ginger fresh for a few weeks.
If a paper towel is not available, the unpeeled ginger can be kept in the crisper drawer of the fridge by just placing it in the paper bag. This method would not be able to keep the ginger fresh for up to a long time but is a quick and easy technique than others.
Pulling freshly peeled ginger into a jar and submerging them in some acidic liquid is another method of storing ginger. The taste of ginger will change a little though, using this method. The liquids commonly used are vodka, vinegar, lime juice, rice water, etc.
11. How to Store Fresh Ginger in the Freezer?
Cover the unpeeled ginger in a reasonable and affordable plastic bag until completely covered. When fully covered in the plastic wrap place it in a zipper bag and keep it in the freezer. Avoid any air inside the bag. The ginger will be fresh for the next few months.
12. How to Store Fresh Ginger by Mincing?
Mincing ginger root is also a good technique to store ginger in the freezer. The peeled ginger should be minced finely and then sprayed over a tray which then is to be placed inside the freezer. When the ginger is completely frozen, it shall be shifted to a jar. This method can keep the ginger fresh for up to 6 months.
Ginger can be cut into fragments and placed into an air-tight container. This container is then placed in the freezer. Ginger in a container can then be used as and when required.
Peeled ginger can be cut into medallion shapes and placed in a freezer-friendly container. This container needs to be placed into a freezer and could be used at least for 3 months.
13. How to Store Fresh Ginger in a Jar?
For keeping the ginger fresh and safe for a few weeks, this method of storing ginger in a jar with a vacuum seal can be used. Vaccum-sealed unpeeled ginger is to be placed in an air-tight jar. The date of the placement is to be mentioned on it which can be used for reference. The jar then can also be stored in the refrigerator.
14. How to Store Fresh Ginger in a Vaccum Sealed Bag?
For storing your ginger root for more than a few weeks, this method is to be used.
Unpeeled ginger is to be kept in a vacuum-sealed bag. Store it in a completely vacuumed bag using a vacuum sealer. The date should be mentioned or labelled and use ginger when required.
15. How to Store Fresh Ginger Generally?
The ginger is to be used within a few days after buying, then it is to be stored in a place away from sunlight. The place should be cool and dark. No moisture or water particle should be present in the atmosphere and ginger root.
Last Updated on by kalidaspandian