Easy Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between candied ginger and crystallized ginger? ›

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. Both versions are popular for their unique tastes and can be used in a variety of culinary applications.

Fortify your immune system with the natural powers of crystallized ginger. Its properties help combat colds, soothe sore throats, and act as a decongestant. Keep this spicy remedy on hand during flu season, and stay healthy.

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.

Once candied, it can be stored in its own syrup or drained and tossed in sugar. I use it when baking, but it's also nice served after dinner, just as is, or with the pieces dipped halfway in dark chocolate. One caveat: most fresh ginger that you buy is quite firm and may have fibers in it.

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.

If you're a woman, try not to exceed 25 grams. Just one serving of crystallized ginger contains 30 grams of sugars, which is higher than the recommended maximum daily intake for women. As Harvard Health Publishing notes, excess sugar consumption may put you at risk for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems.

Key Nutrients in Crystallized Ginger

Fiber: Crystallized ginger is a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help prevent constipation.

It is rare to have side effects from ginger. In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.

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.

Why does ginger go bad so quickly? ›

Avoid storing ginger in a plastic bag or airtight container, which will trap moisture and cause the ginger to decay more quickly. “You do not want to put it into a plastic bag, either in the fridge or out,” Ferris says.

Candied ginger is a sweet-spicy snack that can be enjoyed by everyone, even the youngest ones. A treat, medicine and a snack. Ginger is a spice plant brought to Europe after the Crusades from China and India, where it was revered and used due to its various health benefits for more than seven millenniums.

Once opened, refrigerate and consume within three months. Once opened, if stored in an airtight container, crystallised ginger will last for two years.

Crystallized ginger is a great ginger substitute in baked goods or sweets and will add texture to the finished dish. You'll need to add more than fresh or dried to achieve the same flavor. We recommended 1/3-1/2 cup for every tablespoon.

Yes, you can freeze crystallized ginger! Store in a tightly sealed jar indefinitely. You can freeze for up to a year, but 6 months is ideal. For up to 3 months, keep candied ginger in an airtight container away from heat and light.

Crystallised Ginger has been used to treat stomach upsets, sea sickness, linked with helping morning sickness in pregnant mums and has also been found to lessen pain caused by inflammation. Suitable for snacking and home baking. Why not sprinkle over vanilla ice cream, or add to your morning coffee.

Substitute For Crystalized Ginger

If you have a recipe that calls for this ingredient, you can substitute 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of crystallized ginger. You may need to add sugar, to taste, to compensate.

Other authorities suggest a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger is the equivalent to 1 1/4 teaspoons of ground or 1 tablespoon crystallized ginger.