Introduction: Sweet & Spicy Homemade Candied Ginger
Crystallized (or candied) ginger is a great addition to baked goods, trail mix, or even as a chewy snack with a bit of a kick. You can buy it already candied at many groceries, but it's way, way cheaper to make it yourself. I like to think it's a lot more satisfying, too!
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Step 1: What You Need
- fresh ginger root,
- granulated sugar
- water
- vegetable peeler
- sharp knife
Step 2: Peel Away
Cut the ginger into pieces, and peel all the skin off each piece.
Step 3: Slice and Dice
Slice each piece thinly - no more than 1/8" thickness.
Step 4: Turn Up the Heat
Boil all the pieces over medium-high heat for about 45 minutes, until they're softer and no longer crisp.
Drain the water from boiling, except for 1/8 cup (assuming a half-pound of ginger).
To the ginger and water, add sugar in approximately the same amount as your ginger. Stir it together, and boil it down until it evaporates and starts to look like sugar grains again. Stir constantly to keep everything separated and evenly-coated.
Step 5: Dry It Out
Put all the pieces on a cooling rack to dry. I don't have one, so I just used a foil-lined cookie sheet.
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10 Comments
8 years ago
A little FYI... Ginger is now CONTRADICTED for use during pregnancy esp the first trimester as it can cause miscarriage. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
Otherwise ginger is absolutely DELICIOUS!!
Great recipe..
11 years ago on Introduction
I don't think I've ever had ginger before! Candied ginger sounds tasty and definitely worth a try :)
11 years ago on Introduction
Sounds good. But I do not understand why you refer to this as Sweet and SPICY Ginger.
Where is the spice? Some jalapeno or poblano pepper or seeds could add the spice (and a bit of fire).
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It's actually quite spicy, Frmeyers, simply due to the natural flavor of the ginger. Cooking it down concentrates that spiciness a bit.
Adding some additional spice flavoring might make for a nice snack, but it would also render the candied ginger less appropriate for use in recipes. If you wanted to just eat it like candy, I'd say some pepper might be a nice way to go!
11 years ago on Introduction
Mouthwatering! I ate candied ginger religiously to help me through both my pregnancies. It really works!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Very interesting! Does it help with nausea? I might've heard that but can't remember now. I'm intrigued!
11 years ago on Introduction
Yum! I just made some the other day. Ginger might be my favorite food.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
How did yours turn out? Did you use larger pieces like I did, or did you try something smaller? I think I'll see how smaller bits go for next time.
And I definitely share your love of ginger!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Mine were around the same size as yours! I made ginger syrup with it first, though, so they got a little shriveled and very soft. I just strained the ginger from the syrup and then laid them out to dry on wax paper. They don't turn out as pretty but they're delicious! I like getting two products out of one chunk of ginger. :D
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Too funny - I was planning on making ginger syrup for a cocktail next time I candy the ginger. Great minds!