With just two simple tips below, you can keep ginger fresh and flavorful for up to six months without worrying about it drying out or going bad.

Ginger is not only a must-have spice that enhances the flavor of dishes but also a natural “miracle remedy” in traditional medicine. A few slices of ginger in soup, stew, or a hot cup of tea can help eliminate odor, warm the body, aid digestion, and boost immunity.

However, a common issue in many households is that ginger tends to dry out, shrivel, or become mushy shortly after purchase. Especially in humid or hot weather, if not stored properly, ginger can quickly lose its freshness. Don’t worry - these two tricks will help you solve that problem completely.

1. Store ginger in rice – Simple yet surprisingly effective

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep ginger fresh is to use… rice - something every household already has. Here's how to do it:

• Step 1: Rinse the ginger under running water to remove dirt and soil.

• Step 2: Use a clean towel to dry the ginger thoroughly. This step is crucial - if the ginger is still damp, the preservation method won’t work.

• Step 3: Place the dry ginger in a container or directly in the rice bin, covering it completely with rice.

Why rice? Rice has mild moisture-absorbing properties, helping to keep the surrounding environment dry. This prevents the ginger from becoming moldy or mushy. Even better, the ginger’s natural oils help repel insects, protecting your rice from pests - two benefits in one!

With this method, you can keep ginger fresh for 4 to 6 months without needing to refrigerate it. When needed, simply take it out, rinse, and use.

2. Store ginger in soil – "Back to nature" method

Another effective method, especially great for gardening enthusiasts, is to bury ginger in soil. Think of it as “bringing ginger back to its roots” - a very natural way to store it.

How to do it:

• Prepare a plant pot with loose soil, or buy ready-to-use potting soil.

• Wash and dry the ginger just like in the rice method.

• Bury the ginger about 5–7 cm deep in the soil. Avoid watering directly on the ginger; lightly water the surrounding soil to maintain moisture.

• Place the pot in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

This method allows ginger to stay moist and fresh, thanks to the nutrients in the soil. Alternatively, if soil isn’t available, you can use dry sand. However, when stored in soil or sand, ginger stays fresh for about 2–3 months, as some parts may still be exposed to air and begin to dry out over time.

Ginger – More than just a spice

Ginger is not only valuable in cooking but also a trusted home remedy. When the weather turns cold, drinking a cup of hot ginger tea can help warm the body, relieve colds, soothe stomach pain, and boost immunity.

Especially in today’s world of processed foods, fresh ginger becomes even more valuable. It helps balance yin and yang in meals, removes the fishy smell of meat and seafood, and adds a spicy kick that stimulates digestion.

Tips for storing ginger properly:

• Don’t store bruised or damaged ginger—it’s more prone to mold.

• Avoid placing ginger in humid areas or near hot appliances.

• If using a refrigerator, wrap ginger in a paper bag or dry cloth to prevent sweating or freezing.