Do you like crystallized ginger (aka candied ginger) and wondering if you can make your own? I am going to show you just how simple it is to make it in your kitchen.
How To Make Crystallized Ginger
(aka Candied Ginger)
Ginger has always been one of my go-to natural indigestion treatment. But it can be a little pricey to buy the pre-made crystallized ginger or as some call it candied ginger. When you make your own it cuts the price way down.
If you grow your own ginger root at home, you can make this amazing treat super cheap!
If you are wondering what other health benefits ginger is good for, be sure to check out my post on Remarkable Health Benefits of Ginger.
Making Candied Ginger:
First thing you want to do is cut off the ends of the ginger. You only just need to cut a small amount off.
Next, you want to use a knife or a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin of the ginger. You want to make sure you get it all off so that just ginger is showing.
Now slice all the ginger into slices. I try and stick to about 1/8 of an inch thick pieces. Then add pieces into a small pot with water and sugar and boil for about 30 minutes on medium heat.
Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the ginger and place on a cooling rack or something else so the ginger can drain off any extra moister. Allow ginger to dry.
After the ginger is dry to the touch, coat it in sugar. I find it super easy to put sugar in a container or plastic bag and then shake the ginger around in it to get it coated.
What To Do With Ginger Liquid When Done?
When you have removed the ginger from the liquid, don’t toss it out. There are some wonderful ways you can reuse this liquid.
First off, after you have removed the ginger, you can turn the heat back up and let the liquid boil down a little more. You want to boil it until it gets to a syrup-like texture. Then remove from heat and allow it to cool down slightly.
Then you can store it in an airtight glass bottle in the fridge. Ways you can use this ginger syrup is in coffee, on waffles, baking, mixed drinks, smoothies and so much more.
Another way to use the syrup is to make homemade ginger ale! Simply add a little ginger syrup to a glass then add a club soda or seltzer water and stir. I add it slowly and taste it as I go till I get it to the taste I like.
You may also want to check out this Easy Homemade Ginger Ale Recipe!
How To Make Crystallized Ginger (aka Candied Ginger)
Do you like crystallized ginger (aka candied ginger) and wondering if you can make your own? I am going to show you just how simple it is to make it in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Water
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 8 Oz Fresh Ginger
Instructions
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Bring water and 1 1/2 cups sugar to boiling in a medium pot.
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While that is heating, slice ends of ginger and peel the ginger using a knife or a vegetable peeler.
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Then cut ginger into slices. Try and keep them about 1/8 of an inch thick pieces.
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Add to pot with water and sugar and boil for about 30 minutes on medium heat until tender.
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Use a slotted spoon, scoop out the ginger and place on a cooling rack or something else so the ginger can drain off any extra moister.
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Allow ginger to dry.
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After the ginger is dry to the touch, coat it in sugar. Add the leftover 1/2 cup sugar to a container or plastic bag and then shake the ginger pieces in it to coat.
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Store in an airtight container.
Mikal says
Have you ever tried using a spoon to peel ginger root? It’s brilliant!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
I have not tried that. I will have to give it a try next time, thank you for the tip!
Kellie says
I just used the spoon, worked great, thank you!
Shari W. says
Can you use honey instead of sugar
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
If you use honey it makes it to sticky. You need the sugar to give it that crystallized outside.
Bryan says
I’ve used a blend of sugar and buckwheat honey in mine before. To help the sticky side of honey I put them in a dehydrator for about 15min the the sugar coating stayed on properly.
Ron T. says
I want to make Cyristallised Ginger but I don’t seem to be able to get the small bits fresh root ginger tender even after an hour of boiling they are still hard? What am I doing wrong?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Ron, did you peel the ginger first? It needs to be peeled then sliced into thin slices before boiling. Hope that helps.
Samantha says
How long can you store the liquid in the fridge for?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
I would say for about a week.
Anonymous says
I store ginger syrup for up to 6 months in the fridge.
Debbie says
How long does the crystallized ginger last in the airtight container? Should I keep it in the fridge, can I freeze it? I’m asking because I’d like to make large batches of this to give to family/friends and keep some for myself but I need them to last like they do in the jars from the store. Then I can carry them in my purse and have them on hand when I’m having stomach issues. Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated, thank you!
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
While I have not tried freezing, I do not think it would work well. You can store it in the fridge if you would like. I keep mine on the counter in an airtight container for up to one week.
Dawn B. says
How long does it take for the ginger to dry?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Depends on how dry your house is. But normally take a few hours.
Kim says
Do you store the ginger syrup in the refrigerator also?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Yes, if you are going to use the syrup for anything you would store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it.
Linda says
Can you use sugar substitute?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Sugar substitutes will not work on this one.