Easy Ginger Candy Recipe (Crystalized Ginger) | A Spicy Perspective (2024)

FAQs

Is candied ginger and crystallized ginger the same thing? ›

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.

How much ginger should you take daily? 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.

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.

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.

Crystallized ginger can be incorporated into your diet in many ways. The simplest way to begin enjoying the health benefits of candied ginger is to eat a few slices each day. The slightly sweet, tangy and peppery flavor of crystallized ginger makes it a tasty, healthy snack.

Can you eat too much ginger? Yes, you can to the point where it leads to an upset tummy. The biggest side effect of ginger is that it tends to accelerate the passage of food and stool via the intestines, inviting restlessness and weakness.

Eating ginger can cut down on fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas. Wear and tear on cells. Ginger contains antioxidants. These molecules help manage free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells when their numbers grow too high.

Possible Interactions

Blood-thinning medications: Ginger may increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger if you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. Diabetes medications: Ginger may lower blood sugar.

According to one 2019 systematic review , ginger can cause mild side effects. However, this is rare. Some side effects — such as heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort — might occur when a person consumes more than 5 grams (g) of it per day.

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

Can you remove the sugar from crystallized ginger? ›

Pour the ginger out on to a sheet pan and let cool completely. Remove any excess sugar and save that for tea or baking. Let the crystalized ginger cool completely and toss in granulated sugar.

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.

It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term. It might cause skin irritation for some people.

Key Nutrients in Crystallized Ginger

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

As a rule of thumb, 1 tablespoon of crystallized ginger is equal to 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger. For larger quantities 1/2 cup of candied ginger can be substituted for by 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. The latter has been dried and the flavor concentrated which accounts for the lesser amount.

Iron is essential in our bodies as it helps increase blood count. Candied ginger is rich in this vital mineral. Iron is also great in helping your body cells produce energy and it is also an essential aspect of boosting your immunity.

What's So Great About Trader Joe's Uncrystallized Candied Ginger? Trader Joe's sells both crystallized and uncrystallized candied ginger.

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.