Crystallized Ginger
Zingiber officinaleA sweet-spiced confection made by boiling fresh ginger in sugar syrup, then drying and coating it with sugar crystals. Eaten directly as a snack or added to baked goods.
What Is Crystallized Ginger?
Crystallized ginger is a confection made by boiling fresh ginger slices in sugar syrup until soft, then drying them and coating them with crystallized sugar. It is also known as “candied ginger.”
The boiling process softens ginger’s sharp heat while increasing its sweetness; the result combines a sweet flavor with ginger’s characteristic pungency.
Crystallized Ginger Nutrition Facts
Crystallized ginger provides approximately 340 kcal of energy per 100 g; because of its sugar coating, it is high in sugar. Values vary by brand and are approximate.
How Should Crystallized Ginger Be Eaten?
As a high-sugar confection, crystallized ginger is eaten in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet.
This is general information. Crystallized ginger is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People monitoring blood sugar are advised to pay attention to its high sugar content.
How to Choose Crystallized Ginger
Good crystallized ginger is light yellow to cream-colored, soft and chewy, and evenly coated with sugar. Pieces that have become excessively hard or dried out may be stale.
- It should be light yellow to cream-colored, not darkened or blackened.
- It should be soft and chewy, not rock-hard.
- The sugar coating should be evenly distributed.
How to Store Crystallized Ginger
Crystallized ginger can be stored for months in a tightly sealed container in a dry cupboard; exposure to air can make it harden.
How to Use Crystallized Ginger in the Kitchen
Crystallized ginger is most often eaten as a snack, chopped into cake and cookie batter, or dipped in chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crystallized ginger be used in the same way as fresh ginger?
In part. Both provide ginger flavor, but crystallized ginger is sweet and milder, while fresh ginger contains no sugar and has a sharper flavor.
Can crystallized ginger be made at home?
Yes. Boil ginger slices in sugar syrup until soft, drain them, then coat them with crystallized sugar and dry them.
Is crystallized ginger available in Türkiye?
It is available online and at gourmet markets, nut shops, and spice shops.