DEAR SUN SPOTS: I usually store fresh ginger root in the cupboard or refrigerator but this morning when I went to make butternut squash soup and peeled and cut the ginger stored in the fridge it was wet inside with the texture feeling different than usual. What is the best way to store ginger so it doesn’t spoil? — No name, Lewiston

ANSWER: I used to store fresh ginger root in the produce drawers in the fridge, but it did seem to spoil before I could use it, especially if I left it in the plastic bag from the supermarket.

Not only does ginger get moldy on the outside but it will also develop gray or black spots inside and become spongey. Ginger root should be firm and dry.

I started freezing whole hands of ginger in freezer bags and discovered that worked well and made it easier to peel, and to chop or grate when frozen. There is no need to thaw it first. You do want to rinse it and dry it thoroughly before storing.

You can also puree fresh ginger in a food processor or high-speed blender then freeze the paste in ice cube trays. Once frozen, these cubes of paste can be stored in freezer bags for future use.

Pickling ginger for future use to serve with sushi and other Asian dishes is so easy. Peel and thinly slice 8 ounces of ginger,  put it in a bowl and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes. Transfer to a clean glass jar. Combine 1 cup rice vinegar and 1/3 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and pour the mixture over the ginger. Allow it to cool, close the jar and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. The ginger may turn pink and that is OK!

To simplify your use of ginger even more, there is a Litehouse Brand freeze-dried ginger which is so handy and there is also Ginger People brand ginger juice sold in the Asian food section or in the liquor aisle at the grocery store. Both products are great for stir-fries and soups. The ginger juice stirred into sparkling or tonic water with a bit of sweetener added makes a delicious ginger ale. It can also be added to hot tea.

Ginger has many healing properties so include it in your recipes whenever you can.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Where are Dennis and Davey playing music now? They are no longer playing at Deacon Street Restaurant in North Conway. I’m looking for help in finding them. — Donald, no town

ANSWER: I spoke with an employee at Deacon Street and she explained that the restaurant no longer hosts live music. She also said Dennis and Davey (FourFeetTwoShoes) aren’t playing regularly at venues any more, but that they will be playing at Rek-lis  Brewing Co. for St. Patrick’s Day on Friday from 7 p.m. until closing at 10 p.m.

The venue is at 2085 Main St. in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. It sounds like a great way to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day, for sure!

You could try sending a private message to the pair on their Facebook page if you have more questions at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=fourfeettwoshoes.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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