Candied Ginger Recipe (2024)

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Wanted to make your own candied ginger? It's a simple process that's a lot of fun! You'll enjoy this spicy candied ginger on its own as a snack, or as a great way to spice up your baked goods.

Looking for more homemade candy? You'll love these candied orange slices, candied lemon slices, and this lemon and orange mixed peel.

Candied Ginger Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serve
  • Store
  • Expert Tips
  • Other Candy Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Comments

Why This Recipe Works

  • Not much is wasted during the peeling process. Using a spoon to scrape off the papery skin reduces waste instead of using a veggie peeler. Use a sharp knife to shave off the skin in hard-to-reach places.
  • The ginger is thinly sliced. This creates the best textured candy and helps it cook and dry faster. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get it at least ⅛ inch thick.
  • The candying step is foolproof. The candy is done simmering in the sugar syrup when it's translucent, the syrup has thickened, and it's at least 235°F (soft ball stage).

Ingredients

Candied Ginger Recipe (2)

Curious what ingredients you need to make this candied ginger at home? Fortunately, you only need three simple ingredients!

  • Ginger: Try to choose organic rhizomes that are young, as they will be less fibrous. Also try to get ones that are thicker rather than thin, nobbly ones, as they'll be much easier to peel.
  • Sugar: Granulated white sugar is used in the syrup. You'll need a little extra for decoration as well.
  • Water: Use filtered water for the best taste. You'll use this to blanch and also to make the syrup for candying.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make

Candied Ginger Recipe (3)
  1. Peel the ginger roots using a spoon to scrape off the papery skin. Use a sharp knife to cut off the skin in hard-to-reach places.
  2. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the roots in ⅛-inch slices.
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3. Repeat until all the ginger is sliced.

4. Blanch it in 5 cups of water and simmer for 30 minutes.

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5. Drain, reserving all of the blanching liquid.

6. Pour ½ cup of the blanching liquid into the pot and stir in the 2 cups of sugar until it's dissolved. Add the blanched ginger and simmer for 35-40 minutes.

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7. Let the ginger drain and cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes, then roll it in extra granulated sugar before the coating on the candy hardens.

8. Let it cool completely, then enjoy as a snack or use in baking.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between candied ginger and crystallized ginger?

Most people use these terms interchangeably, but technically there are differences. Candied ginger can be stored in sugar syrup (stem ginger in the UK), while crystallized ginger is rolled in sugar and is not served in syrup. Since more people use the term "candied ginger," that title was selected for this recipe even though it's technically crystallized.

What is candied ginger good for?

Candied ginger tastes great as a snack or home remedy for colds and coughs and upset stomachs. It tastes especially great in baking, like cakes, scones, quick breads, and cookies.

How much crystallized ginger equals fresh ginger?

½ cup of minced, candied ginger is equivalent to 4 tablespoons of fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon of dried ground ginger.

Is candied ginger good for upset stomach?

Yes, many studies have shown that ginger can effectively reduce nausea and soothe the stomach. Read more about its health benefits.

Serve

You can enjoy this treat on its own as a snack or candy, but you can also use it in a variety of baked goods like cakes, quick breads, or scones. It makes a pretty decoration on top of frosted sheet cakes or cupcakes as well.

The reserved blanching liquid is very spicy, but tastes great when mixed with simple syrup and sparkling water to make homemade ginger ale. You can also add a splash of it to mocktails or brewed tea.

Want to make other types of candied fruit? Try our recipes for candied orange slices, candied lemon slices, candied grapefruit peels, and mixed peel.

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Store

Storage: Store this candy in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 1 year.

Expert Tips

  • Be sure to slice it thinly (around ⅛ inch) for best results.
  • For a sweeter, less fiery candy that's better for snacking, repeat the blanching step an extra time. For a punchy result that will taste best in baking, only blanch once.
  • This will keep in a cool, dark place in an airtight container for up to 1 year. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 year.

Other Candy Recipes

  • Candied Grapefruit Peels
  • Candied Lemon Slices
  • 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
  • Candied Orange Slices

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Recipe

Candied Ginger Recipe (12)

Candied Ginger Recipe

Want to make your own candied ginger? This delicious candy is easy to learn how to make with this easy recipe. Use crystallized ginger in a variety of baked goods, like scones, cookies, and cakes.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Candy

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 3 cups

Calories: 40kcal

Author:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ginger roots, preferably younger, thicker roots
  • 5 cups water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Peel the ginger roots by using a spoon to scrape off the skin. Use a sharp knife to trim off hard-to-reach bits of skin when necessary. Slice in ⅛ inch slices using a mandoline or a sharp knife.

  • Blanch to remove some of its fiery flavor by dumping the sliced ginger into a 3-quart saucepan and covering it with 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.

  • Use a skimmer or sieve to drain the ginger, reserving all of the blanching liquid. You'll need ½ cup of this liquid for the next step, but the rest can be enjoyed in drinks such as homemade ginger ale or other recipes.

  • Pour ½ cup of the reserved blanching liquid back into the pot and add the sugar. Stir over medium heat until dissolved, then add the blanched slices and cook for 35-40 minutes over medium-low heat. It will be transulcent, the syrup will thicken and almost crystallize, and it should be at least 235°F.

  • Working quickly before the syrup hardens, use a skimmer to remove the ginger from the hot syrup and let it drain further on a wire rack set over a large cookie sheet. Try to separate the pieces so they don't stick together in large clumps, but be careful, as the mixture is very hot.

  • Once it has cooled enough but is still tacky to the touch, about 3-5 minutes, immediately roll it in extra granulated sugar. Let the candy cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 year.

Video

Notes

  • Be sure to slice it thinly (around ⅛ inch) for best results.
  • For a sweeter, less fiery candy that's better for snacking, repeat the blanching step an extra time. For a punchy result that will taste best in baking, only blanch once.
  • This will keep in a cool, dark place in an airtight container for up to 1 year. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 year.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 40kcal (2%)Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)Protein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSodium: 1.3mgFiber: 0.2g (1%)Sugar: 8.5g (9%)Vitamin C: 0.5mg (1%)Calcium: 1.6mgIron: 0.1mg (1%)

Serving sizes and nutritional information are only an estimate and may vary from your results.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Donna

    Candied Ginger Recipe (13)
    Made it! Worked perfect. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Emma Fajcz

      You're welcome, Donna! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the candied ginger.

      Reply

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Candied Ginger Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between candied ginger and crystallized ginger? ›

Crystallized ginger tends to have a spicier ginger flavor and a chewy texture, while candied ginger is softer, sweeter, and less intense in its ginger flavor. Both versions are popular for their unique tastes and can be used in a variety of culinary applications.

Can I use crystallized ginger instead of fresh ginger? ›

Crystallized ginger is a great ginger substitute in baked goods or sweets and will add texture to the finished dish. You'll need to add more than fresh or dried to achieve the same flavor. We recommended 1/3-1/2 cup for every tablespoon.

Does candied ginger still have health benefits? ›

Iron is essential in our bodies as it helps increase blood count. Candied ginger is rich in this vital mineral. Iron is also great in helping your body cells produce energy and it is also an essential aspect of boosting your immunity.

Is candied ginger anti inflammatory? ›

Experts suggest a daily dose of 2 grams of ginger will reduce pain and inflammation caused by exercise. Whether you make a batch of candied ginger at home or buy a bag at the grocery store, you will certainly find many uses.

What does eating crystallized ginger do for you? ›

One of the most outstanding benefits of crystallized ginger is its ability to ease motion sickness, morning sickness and general feelings of nausea. Dried ginger supports a healthy digestive system. It can also ease the discomfort associated with intestinal gas. Ginger provides support to your immune system.

How much crystallized ginger equals fresh ginger? ›

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.

How long does crystallized ginger last? ›

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

How long does homemade crystallized ginger last? ›

Storage of Homemade Varieties

Location: Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Duration: Properly stored, homemade crystallized ginger typically lasts for up to two months. Refrigerating it can extend its shelf life up to six months.

What are the side effects of candied ginger? ›

Other side effects of crystallized ginger — and sugary foods in general — include a greater risk of cavities, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Ginger itself is considered safe. However, it may cause bloating and heartburn in some individuals, warns the University of Rochester.

How long does candied ginger last in the fridge? ›

Once opened, refrigerate and consume within three months. Once opened, if stored in an airtight container, crystallised ginger will last for two years. Our candies are individual wrapped and enjoyed in one or two bites.

How much crystallized ginger should you eat a day? ›

How much ginger should you take daily? 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.

Who Cannot take ginger? ›

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.

Can you eat too much crystallized ginger? ›

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source states that too much ginger can cause gas, bloating and abdominal pain.

What form of ginger is the healthiest? ›

"Ayurvedically dry ginger is considered better than fresh ginger. Dry ginger is better for gas, bloating compared to fresh ginger. Fresh ginger increases Vata while dried ginger balances Vata. Hence chewing fresh ginger or drinking fresh ginger tea for gas, bloating is not a great idea.

What can I use in place of candied 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.

Does Trader Joe's sell crystallized ginger? ›

What's So Great About Trader Joe's Uncrystallized Candied Ginger? Trader Joe's sells both crystallized and uncrystallized candied ginger.

Does crystallized ginger dissolve? ›

[13] You can also make a simple ginger tea by steeping crystallized ginger for a few minutes in a cup of hot water. You won't even need to add sugar to this spicy herbal tea, as the sugar from the crystallized ginger will automatically dissolve.

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