How long does fresh turmeric last and how do you store it

I've had fresh turmeric in the freezer for about 5 years now. When I take it out to use it, it's softer but still tastes like turmeric.

Tumeric and Garlic farmer in central North Carolina, website is www.DeepChathamGardens.com

If it is really fresh, my mom likes to store it in the potted soil, let it grow, and dig and take however much you need =)

Same with ginger.

http://www.tarladalal.com/glossary-fresh-turmeric-643i
How to Store
Fresh turmeric can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled. The fresh rhizomes store well if kept dry in the refrigerator - wipe dry if they are damp, then wrap with a paper towel before placing in a zip lock plastic bag.

There is an awesome Asian market in Stallins NC. They have very fresh turmeric and the best ginger anywhere. They also most all Asian vegetables that are fresh. There is also an even better one in Charlotte just past Matthews on 74/Indepence Blvd.

i've recently moved to south carolina (suburb of charlotte, nc) and cannot obtain fresh ANYWHERE--not even at the 'earth fare' market. i did find an asian market (thank the gods--i needed dried black mushrooms and cloud ear DESPERATELY) in charlotte, less than 20 miles away that has frozen turmeric AND galangal--but it seems that ginger and galangal keep their texture much better--i find the turmeric is less firm when defrosted... o, well, though--at least i have it!! making soup right now--all ingredients listed above plus lily buds, bok choy and scallions in stock.

In Roots, Diane Morgan recommends the following:

"Wrap turmeric in a dry paper towel and place inside an unsealed plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will keep for 1 to 2 weeks. If you see any spots of mold, just cut them off, replace the paper towel, and use the remainder. For longer storage, you can slice, wrap, and freeze turmeric for up to 2 months; however it will lose its firm texture. Use frozen turmeric when a recipe calls for minced or mashed turmeric."

I slice both on mandolin and freeze in zip locks. I have notices and degradation in potency for cooking or teas.

Thanks for the links! I had looked but did not find anything particularly reliable.

For ginger, looks like freezing is fine,
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.2504/abstract

As for turmeric, based upon the findings of this article with studies the medicinal benefits between fresh and powdered forms (freeze dried mostly),
http://ifrj.upm.edu.my/17 (02) 2010/IFRJ-2010-417-423_Yan_Malaysia[1].pdf

I'm inclined to think that any degradation is minimal; the powdered forms of the spice seems to have greater potency than fresh. From a cooking standpoint, freezing turmeric does not seem to affect the texture, flavor, or color, though old frozen turmeric is often dried out when not properly packaged for freezer storage.

Do you know how freezing affects the medicinal properties of ginger or turmeric? Or whether storing it so long decreases its potency?

I usually freeze fresh turmeric. Should be good, well wrapped in a freezer bag, for 6-9 months.

I store it like I store fresh ginger, to which it is related--I just refrigerate without wrapping. I think it would probably keep well for a week or two.