How to Store Fresh Ginger (Fridge, Freezer and Room Temperature)

Fresh ginger keeps surprisingly well when stored correctly. Over the years I have tried several methods depending on how much ginger I have at home and how quickly I plan to use it.

I use fresh ginger almost daily in my kitchen, so finding reliable ways to keep it without waste has become essential.

Here are the simple ways I store fresh ginger in my own kitchen so that it stays fresh, flavoursome and ready to use whenever I need it.

Originally published in 2026.

My favourite way to store fresh ginger

If I know I will be using ginger regularly, my preferred method is simply to keep it in a cool, dark place in the kitchen. I often store it in a basket or pottery bowl alongside garlic and onions.

As long as the ginger has not previously been refrigerated or frozen, this works perfectly well for fairly fresh roots.

You can also store ginger in the fridge or freezer if you want it to last much longer.

Can you freeze ginger?

Yes, freezing ginger is one of the easiest ways to make it last for months, especially if you have bought a large piece.

There are several ways to freeze fresh ginger.

Freeze ginger whole

One of the simplest methods is to freeze the root whole with the skin intact. When needed, you can grate it directly from frozen. This is often the method I use because it is quick and creates very little waste.

Freeze grated ginger in portions

My favourite way to freeze ginger, a trick I learned from my Mam, is to finely grate it first and press it firmly into ice cube trays.

Once frozen:

Pop the cubes out
Store them in a container or freezer bag
Return to the freezer until needed

This gives perfectly sized portions ready for soups, curries, smoothies or tea.

How to peel ginger: my best kitchen hack

The truth is that peeling ginger is often unnecessary. Unless the skin is particularly tough or gnarly, I usually grate or juice ginger with the skin on, as long as it has been washed well.

Over the years I have seen many complicated ways suggested for peeling ginger. In reality, it can be done very quickly using a simple spoon to gently scrape away the skin.

You can see my quick demonstration here:

How long does fresh ginger last?

How long ginger lasts depends largely on how fresh it was when you bought it.

At room temperature

Fresh ginger can often keep for one to two weeks in a cool place out of direct sunlight, provided it has not already been chilled.

In the fridge

Unpeeled ginger usually lasts three to four weeks when refrigerated. Wrapping it loosely in a paper towel helps absorb excess moisture.

Plastic wrapping tends to trap moisture and can encourage mould.

Cut ginger should be used sooner.

In the freezer

Frozen ginger keeps well for up to six months while maintaining flavour.

What is the best way to keep fresh ginger?

The best storage method depends on how quickly you plan to use it:

Daily use: store in a cool dark place
Medium term storage: refrigerate loosely wrapped
Long term storage: freeze whole or grated

Freezing is often the most reliable way to prevent waste.

What causes fresh ginger to become mouldy?

Excess moisture is the main cause of mould.

Ginger stored in sealed plastic or damp conditions tends to spoil more quickly. Allowing some airflow and keeping the root dry helps extend its life considerably.

Can ginger be left at room temperature?

Yes, fresh ginger can be left at room temperature if it has not previously been refrigerated or frozen.

Keep it:

out of direct sunlight
away from heat
in a cool, dry place

The exact storage time varies depending on how fresh the ginger was at harvest.

Using stored ginger in everyday cooking

Once stored correctly, fresh ginger is easy to use straight from the fridge or freezer. I often grate frozen ginger directly into soups, curries, teas and smoothies.

If you are looking for inspiration, you can explore my collection of fresh ginger recipes here:

10 Fresh Ginger Recipes that you’ll love