DIY Homemade Crystallized Candied Ginger Recipe

Do you like ginger ?? I bet you use it often in the kitchen. So, I’m sure you’ll also love this homemade candied ginger recipe too ;-).

For me it is a spice that I use quite a lot actually. Whether it’s lemon ginger drink, golden milk or a simple ginger lemonade I always like adding a dash or two in my recipes. Not only for its pleasant spicy taste, but also for the numerous health benefits this root has to offer for us.

In western Algeria a lot of dishes are made with it, in combination with turmeric, which is also very present.
So I grew up with this taste lingering on my palate. I love it especially in harira, couscous or whatever ..you name it. I will most likely throw some ginger in there. it’s a healthy and delicious spice when it is well dosed, and can give your dish that extra touch you were looking for.

A Bit More Info About Ginger: Where Did It Came From?

Ginger was previously called zenj by Arab merchants, a word by which they also referred to the inhabitants of the east coast of Africa and from which the name “Zanzibar” came, where the Arabs went to fetch ginger.

In the thirteenth century St. Hildegard wrote about the Zingiber officinale Roscoe ” a healthy man has no interest in eating it, because it makes him stupid, ignorant and lascivious. But if you are dry and already well weakened, reduce ginger powder and take…. in a drink…. this will improve his condition “.

In the Middle Ages, Ginger was considered an aphrodisiac magic plant too.

Ginger is grown mainly in Asia: China , Indonesia, India…and is consumed for its spicy taste(which I really love) and medicinal properties :

It is used in Indian, Chinese , Thai cuisine, to flavor dishes, drinks, and also in pastry in its candied form.

And what I offer you today, is to make your own deliciously sweet homemade candied ginger.

I assure you, it is not at all complicated. It takes a little time, of course, but the result is very satisfying.

I found this recipe in an old book, dedicated to homemade cooking.

The method is really very simple, and the taste of ginger here is very pronounced of course.

If you want something softer with less punch on the palate, you can use the method I saw from my friend in which you dip the ginger for several hours in water and then rinse it repeatedly, it’s up to you. But I like it spicy

In any case, know that once you try it you be hooked for life with it. I had used it to flavor gingerbread and pear cake, and many other recipes will follow with candied ginger.

This candied ginger can be a very nice gourmet gift too, which will please your loved ones or friends and will not cost you almost anything either 😉

What are The Health Benefits of Ginger?

What are the real benefits of ginger?

It is easy to find many articles on the subject nowadays, but few mention its aphrodisiac effects that made it famous around the world. However, it is much more than just a libido stimulant. Ginger is endowed with many benefits for our health. It’s an ally for your health during any season, and is perfect for many occasions. We’ll look at the hidden natural powers of ginger, and  will go through its extraordinary therapeutic and medicinal properties.

For a long time, Ginger has been consumed around the world to relieve common ailments, such as nausea, headaches, colds or rheumatism. And indeed, known to be an exceptional aphrodisiac, it is far from being just a simple sexual stimulant.

Ginger is a millennial plant that belongs to the family Zingiberacea. Its scientific name is Zingiber officinale. This is a tropical plant that is most often used as a spice in the cuisine of different countries. The part of the plant that is usually consumed is the rhizome.

Today, it is mainly produced in Asia, and more precisely in China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.

The Chemical Composition of Ginger

The powers of this Asian plant have nothing magical actually. It’s the composition that makes it so interesting and that is at the core of its benefits. Ginger consists of 90% water, but it is also very rich in carbohydrates and fiber. In addition, there is an important source of vitamin B9, as well as vitamins C, E, A, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 in smaller amounts.

The rhizome of the plant is distinguished by its content of mineral salts and trace elements, such as calcium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and iron. Ginger is known to be particularly rich in potassium and manganese. Finally, the rhizome also contains powerful antioxidant compounds, which give it some of its incredible powers.

The Health Benefits Of Ginger

Often referred to as a spice, ginger is also a full featured food in its own right that is consumed in many forms. It is often enjoyed for its hot spicy after taste, which is similar to that of hot chili peppers, but not as strong/harsh and thus  more tolerable and enjoyable, and also for what it brings to recipes and meals.

But we often forget how valuable it can be and the many health benefits it offers. Here are the different properties of ginger, an exceptional millennial plant, according to the various scientific studies carried out.

A powerful antioxidant

Ginger contains antioxidants, which are compounds that have the role of protecting cells from the effects of free radicals. The latter are particularly reactive molecules. They are involved in the aging of cells, and in the development of certain diseases related to them.

Two studies, a first conducted by Nakatani N. in 2000 and a second conducted by Kikuzaki H, Nakatani N. in 1996 confirm that ginger contains about forty. Among them, some would withstand heat and release at the time of cooking. It is therefore beneficial to consume fresh or cooked ginger, powdered ginger will do too if you don’t have fresh laying around.

The active ingredients responsible for the spicy taste of the rhizome are – gingerol and shogaol. In particular, they are known to have very important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, science is currently looking at their anti-cancer potential, especially in the context of prostate treatment.

Ginger is a great natural anti-inflammatory agent

A summary article written by Grzanna R, Lindmark L and Frondoza CG which lists the studies carried out on the plant allows to demonstrate that ginger is a 100% natural and powerful anti-inflammatory. It limits the secretion of prostaglandins. This is how the inflammatory process can be reduced by eating ginger.

The rhizome also relieves ailments that are related to these inflammations, such as pain related to arthritis, tendonitis or low back pain. Its effects are very promising to counteract the pain associated with osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis. The rhizome of the plant would be as effective as drugs like ibuprofen, for example.

Ginger also has a powerful action on certain ailments such as flu conditions, fever and allergies. This Asian plant has the power to alleviate our pains and help us to better prevent them by regular consumption.

Promotes better digestion

One of the many virtues of ginger lies in its power over our digestive system. It acts as a natural stimulant of our metabolism. Its rhizome acts on the production of enzymes involved in digestion, and stimulates it. It promotes the secretion of bile.

This property was highlighted in a summary paper listing all studies conducted on this subject by Platel K, Srinivasan K. in 2004. Thus, the consumption of ginger will promote the process of digestion of food. But it does not merely act on this function of the body.

By consuming it regularly, it is also possible to benefit other organs of the digestive system such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon.

Finally, ginger is also known to be an excellent natural fat burner. By promoting digestion, it improves the breakdown of fats and stimulates our metabolism! People who are looking to lose weight are therefore also advised to consume it regularly.

Homemade Candied Ginger Recipe

If you don’t want to bother preparing the recipe, you can buy ready-made candied ginger too!

List of ingredients you will need:

• 500 g fresh ginger
• 800 g sugar
• 1/2 liter of water

Recipe preparation :

1. Remove the skin from the roots of green ginger and then dice or chop into sticks according to the shape you want to give your candied ginger. The finer and smaller the pieces will be, the less strong the candied ginger will be.
2. Soak the pieces for 1 h in cold water in a large saucepan. Drain, then again cover with cold water and boil.
   When the water starts to boil, cook for 5 min. Drain the ginger and repeat this step 2 times for a very spicy candied ginger, 3 times for a moderately strong ginger, or 4 times if you prefer it to be softer. Then put the pieces of ginger root in a heat-resistant container.
3. Pour 500 ml of water and sugar into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until boiling, then pour the syrup over the ginger pieces without burning yourself.
4. Cover and leave on the side for 12 hrs. then strain the syrup, boil it again for 10 min to thicken and pour it over the ginger.
5. Leave it sit that way for about 2 days. Then boil the ginger and syrup for 5 min and let stand covered for 2 to 3 days.
6. If the ginger has become very tender and translucent, i.e. if it has marinated/soaked well, then it’s ready! If not, boil for another 5 min and it’s ready to go!

Preparing candied ginger yourself at home following the classic recipe is ultra-simple, and despite the process of cooking could be quite long, it’s worth it!

If you don’t have the time or energy to make your own, here’s a version on Amazon that we like:

Candied ginger is consumed mainly for pleasure, followers are almost addicted to this sweetness and spiciness. It is also used for healing or to prepare desserts. For example, it goes perfectly with chocolate and all types of chocolate desserts too.

Have you made this easy crystallized candied ginger recipe at home before? Let me know in the comments below.

Kisses!