How to Freeze Fresh Ginger

Yes, fresh ginger freezes well. Freeze pieces if you prefer to measure as you cook, or small portions of grated ginger if you often use the same amount. Rinse the ginger under running water and dry it before freezing.

Portioning grated ginger

Scrape off the skin and finely grate the ginger. On a small parchment-lined tray, spoon out separate teaspoon-size mounds. Freeze until firm. Transfer the portions to a freezer bag, press out the air and label the bag with the contents, portion size and date.

Freezing pieces and using them

Divide the ginger into pieces large enough to hold and seal them in a freezer bag. Grate what you need from a frozen piece and return the rest to the freezer promptly. Iowa State University Extension recommends using frozen ginger within about 3 months for best quality. Treat that as a guide to flavor and texture.

FAQ

Do I need to thaw it before adding it to soup?

Stir a small portion of finely grated ginger straight into simmering soup. Start with the amount of fresh ginger called for in the recipe.

Sweet potato soup with fresh ginger

Sources

Iowa State University Extension on storing fresh ginger · University of Kentucky on freezing and grating whole ginger · National Center for Home Food Preservation on freezer packaging · FDA on washing produce