Ginger is a staple food in many households. It adds a bite to any dish and is known for its health benefits.
Imagine: you’re about to cook up your favorite curry that needs a dash of ginger. But the ginger in your pantry doesn’t look as fresh as it used to. Now you’re wondering: Has my ginger gone bad? How long does it last?
In summary, ginger will go bad after a while. Ginger root can last up to a week in the pantry and up to a month if stored in the fridge.
How To Tell If Ginger Has Gone Bad
Ginger may be in two forms. Either it’s ground into a powdered spice or in its natural form of a ginger root.
If ground ginger shows no signs of mold, wet spots, or big clumps, it is probably still good. As long as you keep moisture away from the bottle, it shouldn’t go bad.
You may also want to do a quality test. Ground ginger tends to lose its flavor and potency over time. Inspect your ginger spice to determine whether you’re happy with its quality. If you are, feel free to use it in your cooking.
Fresh ginger root, on the other hand, shows a few sure signs that it has spoiled.
Any presence of mold can indicate that your ginger root has gone bad. If there are specks of mold, you can simply cut off the mold as well as that piece of ginger root and use the rest. Larger spots of mold tell you that the whole ginger root should be discarded.
Look out for a change of texture when checking if your ginger root has spoiled. Ginger root should feel firm. As soon as it goes soft and mushy, throw it in the bin.
The next sign to look out for is the color. If your ginger root has turned a dark yellow or gray, it has probably turned bad.
Storing Ginger
There may be a bit of confusion when it comes to storing ginger root. At the grocery store, ginger is kept at room temperature; however, the best place for your ginger roots to thrive is in the fridge.
Remember: keep its brown skin intact to retain quality for longer.
Place the fresh ginger in a resealable bag, squeezing out all the air and sealing it tightly. The vegetable drawer in your fridge is the best place to store it.
Using this same process, you can freeze your fresh ginger. This way it stays fresh for longer.
Ground, spiced ginger, on the other hand, should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from heat sources. So storing it in the kitchen is perfect, provided that it isn’t near the stove. Make sure to seal it tightly once you open it.
How Long Does Ginger Last?
For ground ginger’s shelf-life, check the best-by-date on its packaging. Due to its dryness, it can easily last a year or two past this date as long as it is kept dry and away from moisture.
Fresh ginger lasts about a week in the pantry but a month in the fridge. So make sure to store it correctly.
In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months.
The Verdict
Due to its antibacterial properties, ginger can be a natural alternative to help you beat colds. Here’s a recipe for a ginger shot that can do the trick.
Ground ginger is the best option if you want something more long-lasting. It will keep good for 1-2 years past its best-by date. However, if you’re keen on fresh ginger, make sure to store it in the fridge or even freeze it for a longer shelf-life.
