The recent hike in vegetable prices across India is a matter of concern for everyone. After the rise in tomato prices, ginger is now in the news due to its rising prices. In Kerala, ginger is currently being sold at Rs 300 per kg, while in other parts of India, it ranges between Rs 220 to Rs 250 per kg. However, this price hike should not discourage you from including ginger in your meals. Instead of skipping it altogether, we recommend making maximum use of it and avoiding any kind of wastage. To do this, proper storage of ginger is important to keep it fresh for a long time. Today, we will tell you about some simple hacks to store ginger effectively and make the most of this valuable ingredient.
Also Read: DIY Dry Ginger Powder: A Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Your Daily Cooking
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Here are 5 ways to store ginger and use it for a longer time:
1. Wrap it with a paper towel:
This is the most popular way to store ginger. First, wash and dry the ginger thoroughly, then wrap it in a paper towel and store it in an airtight container. Keep the container in the freezer to avoid moisture or air.
2. Preserve it with vinegar:
Peel some fresh ginger, chop it into pieces and store them in a container with a good amount of vinegar. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice or any acidic liquid. This process helps kill bacteria, germs and other harmful microorganisms, keeping the ginger effectively safe.
3. Make Ginger Paste:
Prepare ginger paste at home and store it in the freezer for longer shelf life. Clean and peel the ginger, then add some salt to it and make a paste. Store the paste in an airtight container to preserve the flavour.
4. Dry the ginger and make powder:
Another effective way to store ginger is by dehydration. Peel the ginger, soak the excess water with a paper towel and bake it until it becomes crisp. Then, grind the ginger crisps to prepare dry ginger powder, which you can use whenever you want.
5. Store Ginger Peels:
To make the most of the ginger we have, we can also use its peels. Clean, dry and dehydrate the peels and add them to tea, soda and other beverages. Alternatively, you can make a paste of the peels and keep it in the freezer to make a marinade.
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To make the most of ginger, it is important to cut it correctly. Use a brush to clean the peel thoroughly under running water. Then, scrape the peel with a spoon so that as little pulp as possible is wasted. After peeling, you can chop, mince, or make a paste of ginger depending on your needs.