Introducing how to freeze ginger and recipes [Explanation with photos]

Did you know that ginger can be frozen?

Myoga has a refreshing and unique flavor that is essential as a condiment for somen noodles and hiyayakko (cold tofu), and it is also delicious when chopped as is and served with bonito flakes and soy sauce.

However, when asked about Myoga's cooking repertoire, many people may not be able to think of it.

Freezing is recommended for those who grow their own ginger, get a lot of ginger from their neighbors, or those who buy ginger for condiments and end up spoiling it without using it all up.

Introducing a convenient way to freeze ginger and 5 recommended recipes.

Advantages of freezing ginger

Freezing ginger allows for long-term storage.

Ginger grows in abundance during the season, so it's common to harvest a bucket full of it, and then share it with your neighbors because you can't eat it all.

It's quite difficult to eat a lot of ginger at once.

Although it is difficult to enjoy the crunchy texture of fresh ginger when frozen, you can still enjoy the unique flavor of myoga.

Ginger can only be stored for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but it can last for 2-3 months if frozen, which is a nice benefit.

How to freeze ginger

How to freeze ginger as it is

We will show you how to freeze ginger as it is, which is convenient when you want to preserve its shape and use it for cooking.

1) Wash the ginger thoroughly.

If you are growing your own rice, please wash it carefully as there may be sand and dirt inside.

2) Wipe off the moisture thoroughly.

3) Place it in a ziplock bag and remove the air.

4) Freeze the food at a low temperature as quickly as possible by using rapid freezer or increasing the freezer setting.

You can freeze the food faster and at a lower temperature by placing a metal bat or aluminum foil on it.

How to chop and freeze ginger

We will show you how to chop ginger and freeze it, which is convenient if you mainly use it as a condiment.

We recommend freezing the ginger using this method if you plan to chop it up and use it, as the crunchiness of the ginger will remain rather than freezing it as is.

1) After cleaning the surface of the ginger, cut it in half lengthwise and wash it thoroughly.

2) Cut the ginger.

You can chop it into pieces, cut it in half lengthwise and then cut it diagonally, or use whatever cutting method is convenient for you.

3) Wipe off the moisture thoroughly.

4) Place it in a ziplock bag and remove the air.

It is convenient to wrap it in small portions in plastic wrap or spread it thinly to make it easier to take out each dose.

5) Freeze the food at a low temperature as quickly as possible by using rapid freezer or increasing the freezer setting.

You can freeze the food faster and at a lower temperature by placing a metal bat or aluminum foil on it.

How to thaw frozen ginger and how long it can be stored

How to thaw frozen ginger

Frozen ginger can be cooked even while frozen.

If you want to use it as a condiment, you can eat it by defrosting it naturally, but refreezing is not recommended, so please thaw only the amount you need and use it up without leaving any leftovers.

Storage period of frozen ginger

Frozen ginger can be stored for 2 to 3 months.

If stored in the refrigerator, it will last for only 2 to 3 days, and if stored in water, it will only last for about 10 days, so freezing it will allow you to preserve it for a long time.

>> 3 points to keep in mind when preserving vegetables

A nutritionist explains! About the nutrition of ginger

Nutrition of myoga
Myoga is a member of the ginger family and is often used as a flavoring vegetable.
Ginger is 95% water and contains potassium and dietary fiber. It also contains various nutrients such as anthocyanin, which has antioxidant properties, and alpha-pinene, which helps increase appetite.

Potassium helps excrete sodium and suppresses increases in blood pressure.

Great for getting tired of summer and increasing your appetite!
The distinctive odor of ginger comes from a component called alphapinene. It has the effect of making you feel sleepy and clear your head, and activates blood flow to the brain.

It also increases metabolism by increasing appetite, digestion, and blood circulation, making it a suitable food for those feeling tired during the summer.

Relax with ginger?
Ginger also contains a fragrant ingredient called geraniol.

Geraniol is found in roses, lemongrass, geraniums, etc., and has antibacterial and insect repellent effects, but it is also said to have sedative and analgesic effects on the human body.

It is also known to stimulate the secretion of dopamine, a component that is said to bring about a feeling of happiness, and to have a strong relaxing effect.

How to identify ginger
1. Must have a plump shape
2. Things that are stuffed inside
3.The tip is closed and the skin is firm and shiny.

When the myoga grows, it will bloom. If the flowers grow to the point where they are about to bloom, the flavor will be poor, so be sure not to miss the timing.

Nutritionist Ruri

Obtained nutritionist qualifications from Toita Women's Junior College and graduated from the same university. After graduating from Kyorin University, she also obtained a qualification as a food hygiene manager. Currently at DayBreak Co., Ltd., she oversees various food freezing research and writing informative content about food. Her hobbies are traveling and hula dancing.

5 easy recipes using frozen ginger

Perfect for snacks! Frozen ginger tempura

☑〈材料〉
・するめ　適量
・みょうが　するめの半量くらい

<How to make>
1) If the surume is hard, soak it in water to soften it.
2) Cut the frozen ginger in half lengthwise, then into strips.
3) Squeeze out the water that comes out when thawing.
4) Drain the dried squid in a colander and sprinkle with flour.
5) Do not throw away the water in which you soaked the dried squid.
6) Make tempura flour by dissolving the tempura flour in the water in which the dried squid was soaked.
7) Add the dried squid and ginger to the tempura flour and mix.
8) Fry in oil until crispy and it's done.

A simple salad that is quick and easy to make and goes well with any meal.

Easy! Delicious! Frozen ginger cooked rice

☑〈材料〉
・冷凍みょうが　3～4個
・米　2合
・だし　2カップ
・酒　大さじ2
・しょう油　大さじ2
・白だししょう油　少々
・塩　小さじ1/4

<How to make>
1) Wash the rice quickly and drain it in a colander.
2) Use frozen ginger that has been cut into coarse strips or chopped and frozen.
3) Add the washed rice, stock, seasonings, and ginger to a pot and bring to the boil.
4) Pour it into a bowl and it's done.

If you like, sprinkle with chopped green onions, chopped seaweed, and shredded ginger.

Use frozen ginger as a main dish! Meat wrapped ginger

Source: https://cookpad.com/recipe/1360345

☑〈材料3本分〉
・冷凍みょうが　3本
・豚ロース薄切り　3枚
✩味噌　大さじ1
✩みりん　小さじ1
✩おろし生姜　小さじ1/2
✩梅肉（小さくちぎります）　1/2個分
・おろしにんにく　小さじ1
・塩コショウ　少々
・酒　小さじ1

<How to make>
1) Season the pork with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with sake.
2) Make ginger miso by combining the ingredients in ✩.
3) Cut each piece of frozen ginger in half lengthwise, spread a generous amount of ginger miso on one side, then put the other half on top to make a ginger miso sandwich.
4) Spread out the pork and spread 1/3 of the grated garlic around the center.
5) At the beginning of rolling the pork, place the ginger miso sandwich diagonally and roll it up so that the ginger is covered as much as possible.
6) Place the meat with the rolled end facing down in a heated frying pan with oil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and fry slowly.
7) Check it occasionally and roll it, and it's done when it's browned on both sides.

Increase the flavor with frozen vegetables! Lightly pickled ginger

☑〈材料〉
・きゅうり　1本
・冷凍なす（生でも可）　1本分
・冷凍みょうが　1～2個
・塩　小さじ1
・かつお節　ひとつかみ
・しょう油　小さじ1

<How to make>
1) First, remove the frozen ginger and frozen eggplant from the freezer.
2) Slice cucumbers into thin rings, and cut eggplants into thin slices before using frozen ones, or if fresh, cut them in half lengthwise and then thinly slice them.
3) Place the cucumber, eggplant, and salt in a plastic bag, and shake to distribute the salt evenly.
4) Once the salt is completely absorbed, remove the air from the plastic bag and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5) If you want to use frozen ginger, cut it in half lengthwise and then thinly slice diagonally.If you have cut and frozen ginger, leave it as is and lightly drain the water.
6) Squeeze the vinyl tightly to drain the water, then add thinly sliced ginger, bonito flakes, and soy sauce, mix, and it's done.

You can eat it right away, or you can leave it in the refrigerator for a while before eating.

The seasoning is just a guideline, so please adjust it according to the size of the vegetables and your preference.

Good for preserved foods! Frozen ginger miso

☑〈材料〉
・みょうが　5本
・しその実　大さじ2
・かつお節　適量
・味噌　適量
・砂糖　適量
・いりごま　適量

<How to make>
1) Finely chop the ginger.
2) Mix all the ingredients on a cutting board while beating with a knife and it's done.

It's a versatile seasoning that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, whether it's on rice, mixed with hot water to make instant miso soup, or added to cold tofu or ohitashi.

You can also use perilla leaves instead of perilla seeds, or you don't need to add perilla.

It is okay to freeze myoga miso made with frozen or fresh ginger, but it is not recommended to freeze myoga miso made with frozen ginger.

Conclusion

How do you like the frozen preservation method for ginger and recommended recipes?

Even just a little bit of ginger can dramatically change the flavor, so it's convenient to keep it frozen and use it as a condiment.

If you have a lot of ginger, we recommend freezing it for long-term storage.

Please try freezing the ginger so you don't have any left over.

>> Click here for how to freeze meat

>> Click here for how to freeze fish

>> Click here for other ways to freeze vegetables