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 simmering fresh ginger slices in sugar syrup until softened, then drying them and coating them with crystal sugar. It is also known as "candied ginger."
The simmering process softens ginger's sharp bite while increasing its sweetness; the result is a texture that carries both sweetness and ginger's characteristic bite at the same time.
Nutritional Value of Crystallized Ginger
100 grams of crystallized ginger contains around 340 kcal of energy; due to its sugar coating it has a high sugar ratio. Values vary by brand and are approximate.
How Should Crystallized Ginger Be Consumed?
Crystallized ginger is consumed in moderate amounts as a high-sugar confection, as part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; crystallized ginger is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. People monitoring their blood sugar are advised to pay attention to its high sugar content.
How to Choose Crystallized Ginger?
Good crystallized ginger is light yellow-cream in color, has a soft-chewy texture, and its sugar coating is evenly distributed. Pieces that are excessively hardened or dried out may be stale.
- Should be light yellow-cream in color, not darkened
- Texture should be soft-chewy, not hardened like stone
- Sugar coating should be evenly distributed
How to Store Crystallized Ginger?
Crystallized ginger can be stored for months tightly sealed in a container in a dry cupboard; exposure to air can cause it to harden.
Using Crystallized Ginger in the Kitchen
Crystallized ginger is used most as a direct snack, chopped into cake-cookie batter, and dipped in chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do crystallized ginger and fresh ginger do the same job?
Partly; both give a ginger aroma, but the crystallized type is sweet and softer, while fresh ginger contains no sugar and has a sharper taste.
Can crystallized ginger be made at home?
Yes; ginger slices are simmered in sugar syrup until softened and drained, then coated with crystal sugar and dried.
Is crystallized ginger available in Turkey?
It can be found at gourmet markets, nut shops, and spice shops, and online.