Candied Ginger

Candied ginger is a treat that can be made at home with just a few ingredients. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of fresh ginger
  • 200 g of granulated sugar
  • 250 ml of water
  • Extra sugar to roll the ginger pieces

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the ginger and cutting it into thin slices. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can blanch the ginger slices in boiling water for a few minutes before proceeding with the candying.
  2. In a saucepan, put the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  3. Add the ginger slices to the sugar and water solution and let it simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the ginger becomes translucent and the syrup reduces.
  4. Once the ginger is cooked and the syrup has reduced, use tongs or a fork to remove the ginger pieces and lay them out on a rack to cool and to let them dry slightly.
  5. When they are still sticky but cool enough to handle, roll the ginger pieces in the extra sugar to cover them completely.
  6. Let the candied ginger dry completely on a rack, then store in an airtight container.

Curiosity

Candied ginger, in addition to being enjoyed as a sweet snack or used to decorate cakes and desserts, is also known for its digestive properties. In Italy, it’s not among the most common sweets, but it’s gaining popularity for its unique flavor and the health benefits it offers.

If you want an Italian twist to this recipe, you could flavor the sugar syrup with a stick of cinnamon or a few cloves during the ginger cooking process. These flavors complement the pungent sweetness of ginger well.