Turmeric root has a wide range of health advantages, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Although turmeric root is a great addition to many home-cooked recipes, it is seldom used regularly enough to consume the whole root before it spoils.
To get the most bang for your buck, store fresh turmeric root so you may utilize it for weeks or months rather than feeling pushed to consume it all before it expires.
That raises the question, can turmeric root be frozen?
Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to freeze fresh turmeric root for long-term preservation.
Contents
- How to Freeze Fresh Turmeric Root
- The Alternative: Freezing Turmeric Paste
- How to Store Fresh Turmeric Root
- How Long Does Turmeric Root Last?
- Ways to Use Frozen Turmeric Root
- Extend the Life of Your Fresh Turmeric Root
- FAQs
- How do you store turmeric root in the freezer?
- How can you tell if turmeric root is good?
- Does freezing destroy curcumin?
- Should I peel turmeric root before freezing?
- How long will turmeric root last?
- Is turmeric a storage root that is edible?
- Which is better turmeric or turmeric root?
- Is fresh turmeric root better than powder?
- Can you boil turmeric root and drink it?
- Does turmeric lose its potency when frozen?
How to Freeze Fresh Turmeric Root
Freezing fresh turmeric root involves just a few more steps than regular countertop or refrigerator storage and more than doubles the lifetime of this strong root. Follow the instructions below to have turmeric ready for your next dish.
1. Clean and Prepare
Initially, you need thoroughly clean the roots. You don’t want to freeze them with dirt or germs remaining on their skin. Clean the roots with your fingers or a scrub brush with a little produce wash. Place them on a chopping board after the dirt has been removed.
Dry each root with a paper towel to eliminate any remaining dirt and traces of wetness.
2. Cut
After that, prepare the roots for freezing by cutting them into tiny, manageable pieces. Aim for one- to two-inch pieces that are big enough for a single serving but tiny enough that there are no unnecessary leftovers.
Cutting them down before freezing avoids the need for further preparation when it comes time to utilize the root.
3. Wrap
Wrap all of your pieces in a single dry paper towel for now. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture on the roots or in the air, increasing its shelf life in the refrigerator.
4. Contain
Place the paper towel pouch in a freezer-safe plastic bag, preferably with a zip-top. Begin pressing the air out of the bag after the roots are in it. Begin slowly zipping the top, keeping the bag as airtight as possible.
5. Label
Remember to mark the bag so you know what’s inside and when you placed it in the freezer. Instead, you might mark the bag with the best by date.
6. Freeze
Put the turmeric root in the freezer’s main box. Place it away from the door since turmeric defrosts rapidly. If the turmeric comes into contact with heated air every time you open the freezer door, the roots’ integrity may be jeopardized.
The Alternative: Freezing Turmeric Paste
Can turmeric root paste be frozen instead of the full root?
To achieve this, combine your cleaned turmeric root with a little amount of water or oil. You may also add spices like black pepper or salt if you like.
After the root has been blended into a paste, put a tablespoon of the paste into each cube of an ice cube tray. Continue until the tray is completely filled with turmeric paste.
To use, just remove one or two of the cubes and place them in a skillet or roasting pan. It defrosts fast and adds taste and nutritional benefits to any meal.
How to Store Fresh Turmeric Root
If you want to keep fresh turmeric root out of the freezer, keep it in the fridge or on the counter.
Both methods will use the same amount of storage. Cut the roots into smaller pieces, wrap on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, and store in a plastic container.
Putting your root in the fridge or on the counter will not keep it as fresh as freezing it. Continue reading to find out how long it lasts.
How Long Does Turmeric Root Last?
Ways to Use Frozen Turmeric Root
To utilize your turmeric root, grate it from frozen for a less messy experience. Let the whole root to set out and thaw for a few hours before using. Unless you want to use the frozen turmeric paste in a cold meal, it does not need to be defrosted. Let it to thaw in a dish on the counter for about an hour.
If you want to utilize your frozen turmeric but aren’t sure what to do with it, consider one of these suggestions:
- Blend it into your smoothie for an antioxidant-rich superfood boost.
- In a skillet curry dish, grate some of the frozen roots.
- To prepare homemade tea, bring a cup of water to a boil with turmeric root.
- Blend plant-based milk with turmeric root puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg to make a golden milk latte.
- Pair fresh vegetables with a Mediterranean dip made of yogurt, turmeric, and tahini.
There are several methods to utilize turmeric root, ranging from sweet delights to substantial and warming recipes.
Extend the Life of Your Fresh Turmeric Root
Turmeric root is a potent root that provides antioxidants, anti-inflammatory qualities, and just the perfect amount of heat to any recipe. The main issue is that fresh turmeric root does not keep well in the refrigerator.
If you don’t want to waste perfectly fine turmeric root and want to prolong its shelf life, use the aforementioned steps for frozen turmeric root or turmeric root puree.