Crystalized(Candied) Ginger - Van Holten's Chocolates (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between candied ginger and crystalized 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.

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.

It is young root ginger that has been peeled and cooked then preserved in a sugar syrup. It comes in a jar and is submerged in the sugar syrup. For NIgella's books we tend to use candied (crystallized) ginger instead of preserved root ginger as it is the closest substitute that is readily available in the US.

In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.

One piece of candied ginger can have 3 to 5 grams of sugar and about 20 calories. A few pieces of candied ginger will also help lower stress levels and raise vitality and energy, according to a study by phytotherapist Erica Verrillo from 2008.

Trader Joe's sells both crystallized and uncrystallized candied ginger.

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.

The only difference between uncrystallized ginger and crystallized ginger is the amount of sugar that is coated. The uncrystallized has less sugar coating and can be used in the same way as crystallized ginger. Ginger slices helps with indigestion, nausea, colic, heartburn, morning sickness, and acid reflux.

Properly stored, crystallized ginger will generally stay at best quality for about 2 to 3 years. To maximize the shelf life of crystallized ginger purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store in containers with tight-fitting lids.

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.

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.

Candied Ginger (Crystallized Ginger)

Stem ginger is candied ginger that is stored in the cooking sugar syrup and is available in cans and jars. This ginger is as sweet as the dried candied ginger pieces, but the texture is softer and you get the bonus of the syrup it is packed in.

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.