Candied Ginger Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is there a difference between candied ginger and crystallized ginger? ›

In summary, the main differences between crystallized and candied ginger lie in their cooking methods, flavor profiles, and textures. Crystallized ginger tends to have a spicier ginger flavor and a chewy texture, while candied ginger is softer, sweeter, and less intense in its ginger flavor.

Include it as part of a boxed mix for fruit loaves, cakes, or pastries. Use it as a topping for savory rice dishes and dessert dishes alike. Include it as a garnish in a drinks mix for co*cktails such as Moscow Mules. Heat it in fruit juice and reduce the mixture to a syrup to make a delicious drinks mixer.

The ginger is done when it's shiny and translucent, about 1 hour. Remove from the heat, cover, and set aside, to cool overnight at room temperature in the syrup. The next day, transfer the candied ginger and its syrup to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to six months.

Rich in essential oils, vitamin B and minerals potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper, ginger is universal medicine, so it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, improves circulation and heart function, stimulates the digestive system, reduces allergy symptoms and strengthens the immune system.

Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.

Experts suggest a daily dose of 2 grams of ginger will reduce pain and inflammation caused by exercise. Whether you make a batch of candied ginger at home or buy a bag at the grocery store, you will certainly find many uses.

Are there any potential side effects of consuming crystallized ginger? While crystallized ginger is generally safe for most people, consuming large amounts may lead to digestive discomfort or heartburn in some individuals.

Crystallized or candied ginger is made by cooking fresh ginger in sugar syrup. Sometimes, it's also rolled in granulated sugar after cooking. Crystallized ginger is a great ginger substitute in baked goods or sweets and will add texture to the finished dish.

Other side effects of crystallized ginger — and sugary foods in general — include a greater risk of cavities, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Ginger itself is considered safe. However, it may cause bloating and heartburn in some individuals, warns the University of Rochester.

If crystallized ginger has gone bad, there will typically be noticeable signs such as mold growth, an off smell, changes in texture, or discoloration.

Why does ginger go bad so quickly? ›

“You do not want to put it into a plastic bag, either in the fridge or out,” Ferris says. “Even in the fridge, the condensation builds up because this root is constantly releasing moisture, and so the buildup of condensation inside that plastic bag makes it get yucky and slimy, and it will mold faster.”

To help your ginger stay fresher for longer, make sure to place it in an air-tight food storage container or sealed plastic bag, and then store it in the crisper drawer in the fridge. This will help keep it fresh for a month, or even longer. Once you begin to see greenish-blue mold spots, it's time to toss your ginger.

Up to 4 chews per day.

One of the most outstanding benefits of crystallized ginger is its ability to ease motion sickness, morning sickness and general feelings of nausea. Dried ginger supports a healthy digestive system. It can also ease the discomfort associated with intestinal gas. Ginger provides support to your immune system.

Chewing on a piece of ginger candy can curb pain caused from inflammation, GI distresses, nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and other forms of pain. This isn't to suggest that ginger candy is a magical food item that cures all ailments, but in some cases, it can help.

The uncrystallized has less sugar coating and can be used in the same way as crystallized ginger. Ginger slices helps with indigestion, nausea, colic, heartburn, morning sickness, and acid reflux. Ginger slices can added to trail mixes, cakes, cookies, scones, muffins, ice-cream, chocolates and in savoury sauces.

Substitute one tsp of ground ginger. for every half cup of crystallized ginger. Another option is to look for dried ginger chunks. Simply slice or dice the dried ginger.

While it is safe to eat ginger every day, doctors and nutritionists recommend limiting daily intake to a maximum of 3-4 grams.