Easy Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe | Montana Happy (2024)

FAQs

Is there a difference between candied ginger and crystallized ginger? ›

Fresh ginger is first peeled and then cut into thin slices or chunky cubes. The pieces of ginger are then candied in a sugar syrup to make chewy pieces. This is why crystallized ginger is also known as candied ginger. Crystalized ginger has many uses and can even be eaten on its own as a spicy-sweet snack!

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.

Are there any potential side effects of consuming crystallized ginger? While crystallized ginger is generally safe for most people, consuming large amounts may lead to digestive discomfort or heartburn in some individuals.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ginger has a very low glycemic index (GI), which means it breaks down slowly into glucose and doesn't trigger a spike in blood sugar like high GI foods. Read more about the glycemic index. Studies have shown that ginger can reduce blood sugar levels and help regulate insulin in people with diabetes.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.

What medications should not be taken with ginger? ›

by Drugs.com

Over 60 drug interactions are reported with ginger, and may include anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners and pain medicines like morphine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.

Several studies in both humans and animals have shown that ginger consumption can lower blood pressure levels in certain ways. Ginger acts as a natural calcium channel blocker and ACE inhibitor. Meanwhile, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are both medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Generally, ginger is safe for consumption by individuals with diabetes. It may also offer several health benefits that can support diabetes management. Evidence notes that ginger can be beneficial for digestive health and reducing nausea and vomiting.

How Can You Use Crystallized Ginger? Crystallized ginger has a bold, invigorating flavor which can be used as an ingredient in a variety of sweet and spicy food products, or eaten as a snack by itself. It pairs well with many flavors, including citrus, turmeric, garlic, nuts, berries, and chocolate.

“You do not want to put it into a plastic bag, either in the fridge or out,” Ferris says. “Even in the fridge, the condensation builds up because this root is constantly releasing moisture, and so the buildup of condensation inside that plastic bag makes it get yucky and slimy, and it will mold faster.”

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.

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.