TravelTalkOnline Forums People Talk Recipes Best way to keep fresh ginger or Nutmeg

What is the best way to keep fresh Ginger or Nutmeg, after grating some off for a recipe or drink recipe? Thanks

With ginger I wrap in a damp paper towel and put inside a baggie and store in fridge. Nutmeg I just put back in the container.

Just curious, how long will it last in the fridge like that...

I've never really noticed how long. I re-wrap in a clean damp paper towel after I use some of the ginger. I don't buy a huge piece to begin with. I have froze it but it is very watery after defrosting.

My nutmeg I just keep in a plastic container at room temp. It pretty much lasts forever. Ginger I keep in the freezer. It's very easy to grate from the frozen state, and I don't notice any problem with the flavor deteriorating. It is watery like Annie said if you defrost it, but if you just grate the frozen ginger, it measures like fresh ginger and works quite well in cooked dishes.

Georgia, I've grated the ginger right from the freezer and it still seems watery to me. I don't think it changes the taste, the texture is just different.

I always grate nutmeg fresh every time I use it...
The whole nuts will last a long time, as long as it's not grated...
Once it is grated, it starts losing flavor from day one...

I do the same, Brian. Nothing like fresh ground nutmeg.

+1 to GaKaye - I do just the same.

Thanks to all for the input.

Don't rule out the tube of ginger. It keeps in the fridge for a long time and it's very good! Also, I buy nutmeg pods and I grate nutmeg fresh each time I need it. It really is the best way to buy nutmeg. Good Luck!


<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> Contessa

I always buy the tubes of Tomato Paste, Garlic Paste & Basil (Pesto) Paste...
But, I have never seen tubes of Ginger Paste around here though... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

I love the tubes, as they are VERY concentrated! you don't need much...

You can buy it online if you cannot find it locally...
http://www.amazon.com/Oroshi-Shoga-ginger-paste-tube/dp/B0002YEXWK

Thanks, we always keep wasabi paste in the tube in the firdge too!

Speaking of herb paste in the tube, I use to buy ginger in root form, but found that buying the paste in a tube turns out to be the same product, more convenient and it lasts longer unless you keep your ginger root in the freezer. That works too. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />