How to store ginger in the pantry, fridge, or freezer
Quick answer
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Room temperature
Keeps for 2-5 days
Keep ginger root in the pantry and count the days from when you bought it.
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Fridge
Keeps for 2-3 weeks
Put unpeeled ginger in a resealable plastic bag in the vegetable drawer, or wrap peeled raw ginger in a paper towel.
Watch out Throw away ginger that looks rotten.
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Freezer
Keeps for 6 months
Peel the raw ginger, wrap it in plastic wrap, and seal it in a plastic container.
Ginger root lasts 2 to 5 days in the pantry, 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, and 6 months in the freezer, counted from the day you bought it. Those times come from USDA FoodKeeper. Throw away ginger that looks rotten, and rinse it under plain running water before you peel or cut it.
Buying ginger this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
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Ginger root lasts 2 to 5 days in the pantry, 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, and 6 months in the freezer. Those times come from USDA FoodKeeper, and they count from the day you bought it.
This guide shows where to keep fresh ginger, how to freeze it, and what to do when it looks rotten.
How long does ginger last?
Fresh ginger root lasts 2 to 5 days in the pantry, 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, and 6 months in the freezer. USDA FoodKeeper lists these three times for ginger root, and all of them count from the date of purchase. It gives no separate times for peeled or cut ginger.
| Where | How long ginger root lasts |
|---|---|
| Pantry | 2 to 5 days |
| Fridge | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Freezer | 6 months |
How to store fresh ginger
Keep fresh ginger root in the pantry for 2 to 5 days, in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for 6 months. Start with ginger that isn’t bruised or damaged, as the FDA advises for all produce.
How long does ginger last in the pantry?
Ginger root lasts 2 to 5 days in the pantry. Count those days from the day you bought it. If you want it to last longer, put it in the fridge or freezer.
Does ginger need to be refrigerated?
No, but the fridge keeps ginger root much longer than the pantry. FoodKeeper gives 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, against 2 to 5 days in the pantry. Refrigerate ginger you won’t use within 5 days.
How long does ginger last in the fridge?
Ginger root lasts 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge. Put unpeeled ginger in a resealable plastic bag in the vegetable drawer. Wrap peeled raw ginger in a paper towel instead.
Can you freeze ginger?
Yes, ginger root lasts 6 months in the freezer. Peel the raw ginger, wrap it in plastic wrap, and seal it in a plastic container. That makes the freezer the right place for ginger you won’t use within 3 weeks.
How can you tell if ginger is bad?
Throw away ginger that looks rotten, as the FDA advises for all produce. If ginger is only bruised or damaged in spots, cut those areas away before you prepare or eat it.
Dates help too. FoodKeeper counts its times from the date of purchase, so note the day you bought your ginger.
Should you wash ginger root?
Yes, wash ginger root under plain running water before you prepare or eat it, even if you plan to peel it. Peeling or cutting can carry dirt and bacteria from the surface, so wash first. Gently rub the root as you rinse, as the FDA’s tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables suggest.
Skip soap, detergent, and produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Dry the ginger with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them.
Frequently asked questions
How do you store peeled ginger?
Wrap peeled raw ginger in a paper towel and put it in the fridge. FoodKeeper lists times for ginger root and none for peeled ginger.
Do you have to thaw frozen ginger before using it?
Not for a smoothie, because frozen ginger goes straight into the blender. For cold dishes, stir-fry, or baked goods, thaw it first.
Can you refrigerate pre-cut ginger?
Yes. The FDA says to refrigerate all produce you buy pre-cut or packaged, which includes ginger.
Does ginger last longer in the freezer than in the fridge?
Yes. FoodKeeper gives ginger root 6 months in the freezer and 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge.
