How long does ginger last?

Fresh ginger root keeps 2 to 5 days at room temperature from purchase, 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge, and about 6 months in the freezer.

Food	Fridge	Freezer	Pantry
Fresh ginger root	2–3 weeksfrom purchase	6 monthsfrom purchase	2–5 daysfrom purchase

Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.

How to tell if ginger has gone bad

Soft, mushy or wet patches instead of firm, smooth skin.
Mold, white, gray or blue-green, often at the cut ends.
Dark, gray or yellowed flesh when cut, or a sour smell. Wrinkled skin means it's drying out: still usable, with less juice.

How to store ginger

Keep unpeeled ginger in a sealed bag in the crisper drawer, with the air pressed out.
Pat it dry before storing: moisture brings mold.
Peel only what you need; the skin protects the rest.
Wrap cut ends tightly, or keep peeled ginger in a sealed container and use it within a few days.

Can you freeze ginger?

Yes, for about 6 months, and it's the easiest way to keep it. Freeze the whole root unpeeled in a bag, and grate it straight from frozen with a fine grater; there's no need to peel it. You can also freeze grated ginger in small portions.

Questions

Should ginger be refrigerated?

Yes, for more than a few days: about 2 to 3 weeks in the fridge against 2 to 5 days at room temperature.

Can you eat ginger that has sprouted?

Yes, if it's still firm. Remove the sprouts; the root may be a little more fibrous.

Is blue ginger safe?

Some ginger varieties naturally have a bluish-gray ring inside, which is harmless. Blue-green fuzzy mold on the outside is not: throw it out.

Add ginger to ShelfLife, and get a reminder before it dries out or molds.

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