Sweet and Spicy Delight: How to Make Candied Ginger

Candied ginger is a delicious and healthy snack that you can easily make at home with just a handful of ingredients. Ginger has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and aiding digestion. Plus, candied ginger is the perfect sweet and spicy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

Making candied ginger is surprisingly simple and can be done in just a few easy steps. All you need is fresh ginger, sugar, and water. By following these simple instructions, you can enjoy the sweet and spicy taste of candied ginger any time you want, without having to spend a lot of money at the store. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making candied ginger at home, so you can enjoy this sweet and spicy treat with your family and friends.

Gather Ingredients

To make candied ginger, you will need a few ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores or online. These include fresh ginger, granulated sugar, water, and optionally, lemon juice.

Preparing the Ginger Root

Before you begin making candied ginger, you’ll need to prepare the ginger root. Peel off the outer skins of the ginger root with a vegetable peeler or the edge of a spoon. Then, thinly slice the ginger using a sharp knife or mandolin.

Boiling the Ginger

Place the sliced ginger in a pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for 30-45 minutes, until the ginger is soft. Drain the ginger and discard the water.

Making the Syrup

In the same pot, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continually until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat and add the ginger back into the pot, stirring to coat each piece in the syrup.

Cooking the Ginger

Simmer the ginger in the syrup for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened and the ginger looks slightly translucent. Be sure to stir the ginger frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Drying the Ginger

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the ginger from the syrup, shaking off any excess syrup. Transfer the ginger to a wire rack or parchment paper to cool and dry for several hours.

Finishing the Candied Ginger

Once the ginger has dried, roll the pieces in granulated sugar or superfine sugar to coat them completely. Store the candied ginger in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Alternative Flavorings

While traditional candied ginger is made with sugar syrup, you can give yours a unique flavor by experimenting with different spices or extracts. Try adding cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla to the syrup for a hint of warmth and flavor.

Using Candied Ginger

Candied ginger can be consumed as a sweet treat or added to baked goods such as cakes, cookies, or bread. You can also use candied ginger in savory dishes such as stir-frys or marinades.

Health Benefits

Aside from its delicious taste, ginger has long been used for its medicinal properties. Candied ginger can help alleviate nausea, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to consume candied ginger in moderation as it is high in sugar content.

Ingredients Needed to Make Candied Ginger

Making candied ginger is a great way to sate your sweet tooth, and adding this ingredient to your baked goods can give them a unique kick that is hard to resist. But before we go into the recipe, let’s go through the basic ingredients you’ll need to have on hand.

1. Fresh Ginger: The most important ingredient here, of course, is fresh ginger. You can find it in any grocery store or market.

2. Granulated Sugar: You’ll use plenty of sugar to make candied ginger, so be sure to have enough on hand.

3. Water: Water is used to make the syrup for candying ginger.

4. Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice can help the ginger stay bright in color.

5. Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is optional, but it can help make the texture of the crystalized ginger smoother.

6. Salt: A pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the syrup that you’ll use to candy the ginger.

7. Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract is optional but can add a lovely flavor to the final product.

8. Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to dust the finished product.

9. Parchment Paper: You’ll need parchment paper to line the baking sheet where you’ll let the ginger dry.

10. A Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is key to making sure you get the right temperature of the syrup while you’re candying the ginger.

Now that we’ve gone through the basic ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe for making delicious, homemade candied ginger!

How to Make Candied Ginger: A Step-by-Step Guide

After gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment in the previous section, it’s time to start making your candied ginger. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and perfect batch of homemade candied ginger:

Step 1: Preparing the Ginger

Peel and slice the ginger into thin pieces of approximately 1/8 inch thickness. If you find it challenging to cut thinly without wasting any ginger, consider using a mandoline slicer. This process requires some patience as ginger can be tough to cut. Once sliced, rinse the ginger with cold water to help remove any dirt and possible residual pesticides. Take note; you don’t want any dirt or pesticides as they can affect the overall taste of your candied ginger, as well as your health.

Step 2: Boiling the Ginger

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, then add the sliced ginger. Boil for around 20 minutes or until the ginger becomes soft and tender. This process helps remove the bitterness and spiciness of the ginger and prepares it for the next step.

Step 3: Preparing the Sugar Syrup

In a separate saucepan, prepare the sugar syrup. Add water and sugar to the pan and bring it to a boil. Mix well, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely before proceeding. Once dissolved, add the ginger and simmer for another 20 minutes. The ginger should become translucent and coated with the sugar syrup.

Step 4: Coating the Candied Ginger with Sugar

Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the ginger slices from the syrup mixture to the lined pan. The ginger might stick together at first, so separate them carefully with a fork. Leave space between the slices to avoid them clumping together. After separating them, let the ginger cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. After cooling, pour some sugar onto the ginger slices, ensuring that each piece is coated with a layer of sugar. Shake off the excess sugar and let the ginger dry totally.

Step 5: Storing the Candied Ginger

Once the ginger has cooled and dried, store it in an airtight container. The container should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. Properly stored candied ginger can stay good for up to three months.

Recommended Serving for Candied Ginger

Candied ginger can be eaten as it is, but it can also be added to other dishes, such as pies, cakes, and muffins. Candied ginger is an excellent accompaniment to hot beverages like tea, coffee and cocoa, as well as cocktails. It can be consumed as a snack on its own as it offers several health benefits. According to studies, ginger can help with nausea, inflammation, migraines, and menstrual pain. Also, because of its sweet and spicy taste, candied ginger can satisfy your sweet cravings.

In conclusion, making candied ginger is a relatively simple process that requires three basic ingredients: ginger, sugar, and water. The steps above will guide you towards a successful homemade batch of candied ginger that can be enjoyed as it is or added as an excellent ingredient in different dishes. Remember to prepare the ginger correctly and store correctly for the best results. Enjoy your homemade candied ginger!

Enjoy Your Homemade Candied Ginger!

Now that you know the step-by-step process of making candied ginger, it’s time to enjoy your sweet and spicy treat. Snack on it between meals or add it to your baking recipes for an extra zing. Thanks for reading and we hope you try out this recipe again soon. Don’t forget to come back for more cooking and food ideas!