Ginger is one of the most delicious and healthy roots you can enjoy; it brings a zesty kick to sweet and savory foods and is fantastic for treating nausea, bloating, and even for revitalizing your cells. However, peeling ginger can be a pain, and pre-peeled ginger only lasts two to three weeks; this is the best way to preserve it for longer.

Peeled stems of ginger actually keep the best when stored in a container with alcoholic spirits instead of water, since spirits stop the plant’s enzymes from breaking down, allowing it to remain firm. To store your ginger, slice it up and seal it with your choice of booze in a jar — sherry or brandy work best — then stick it in the fridge.

Once you cook your preserved ginger, the alcohol will burn off, or you can use the ginger as a liquor-enhanced garnish for desserts or cocktails — perhaps ones including the ginger-infused alcohol that you used for preserving. Feel free to experiment with other spirits such as vodka, sake, dry sherry, or rice wine as your preservative.