on Jun 13, 2021, Updated Jul 18, 2024
About Ginger Candy (Crystallized Ginger)
Ginger Candy (Crystallized Ginger, Candied Ginger Chew) is a sweet and spicy confectionery (condiment) made using fresh ginger and sugar. It is chewy and crunchy in texture and bursting with zingy flavor. Making crystallized ginger at home is fairly easy, requiring just 3 ingredients. Homemade candy is also free of additives, preservatives, and colors and is budget-friendly. But remember that the homemade one will be darker in color than the store-bought one as no lightning chemical is added. The shelf life will also be shorter because of no preservatives. This ginger candy recipe can be easily halved, doubled, or tripled per your requirements. It is vegan and gluten-free too.
Ingredients
Ginger – You will need fresh ginger root to make the candied ginger. Try to get organic ginger. Sugar – Use granulated white sugar to cook the ginger. To make it healthier, you can also use organic raw sugar; the candy color will be darker. Castor Sugar – Coat the candied ginger with castor sugar for a crunchy bite. Variations – Add a little ground cardamom, vanilla, or orange extract to the sugar syrup for a nice taste change.
How To Make Ginger Candy
Cook The Ginger
Peel 8 ounces (225 g) of fresh ginger and cut into thin coins (⅛ inch thick). You can also cut the ginger into small cubes instead of slices. Add the sliced ginger to a medium saucepan along with 3 cups of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and cook the ginger for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, strain the ginger, and discard the water. Cook the ginger coins in water similarly 2 more times. Drain and set aside. Note – This process removes the bitterness from ginger and breaks down its fibrous cell wall, making it soft to eat. It also makes the absorption of sugar syrup easier.
Make The Ginger Syrup
Heat 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated white sugar in a pan over medium heat. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring 1-2 times.
Make Crystallized Ginger
Add the cooked ginger slices to the sugar syrup and cook undisturbed for 20-30 minutes on low heat or until it turns translucent. Do not stir during this process; otherwise, there will be crystallization. Strain the syrup using a fine-mesh strainer and store it for future use (Apple Iced Tea, cocktails like Spicy Watermelon Margarita, or any other drink). Note – Be careful while handling the pan at this stage, as the syrup is very hot. Transfer the crystallized ginger to a bowl and let it cool down for 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup of castor sugar to the bowl and toss until all the ginger pieces are coated. Arrange the pieces on a wire cooling rack in a single layer and let them dry for 6-8 hours. Tip – Cover the rack with a thin muslin cloth to prevent dust from settling on the candy. Store the candy in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or 2 months in the refrigerator.
Usage Ideas
You can serve candied ginger as candy to satisfy your sweet tooth. Chop it finely and then add it to your cookies, cakes, or bread. Add it to your desserts, such as brownies, pies, and tarts, or drinks like lemon soda. Dip these candied ginger pieces in melted chocolate or peanut butter. Once done, let them cool down and serve as a special after-dinner treat. It is a great addition to salads. Finely chop the candied ginger before mixing it with the salad ingredients. Ginger candies also make for a great holiday gifting idea. Pack in cute glass bottles and gift to your loved ones. It is also a soothing travel treat.
Storage Suggestions
Since homemade ginger candy is made without artificial preservatives, its shelf life is less than store-bought ones. It will keep good in a sealed container for 15 days at room temperature and 2 months in the refrigerator. You can use oxygen absorbers or pack them in a vacuum-sealed bag to increase the shelf life. You can also freeze the candy for about 6 months.
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