How To Make Crystallized Ginger. Have you ever come across a recipe calling for crystallized ginger but passed because you didnt have any, couldnt find any in the store, or just didnt want to bother trying to find it Or have you thought about making it yourself but werent sure how or figured it would be too much work Well this is for you If you like crystallized ginger just wait until youve tried homemade The flavor is worlds better so much fresher with a stronger, more vibrant flavor. How to Make Crystallized Ginger. Crystallized ginger, which is also called candied ginger, is a sweet, chewy, and spicy treat made from fresh ginger. You. And if you dont care for crystallized ginger, youll be converted once youve tried it in a few recipes see ideas below. Because its so fresh, and you know the source, you can also reap the health benefits of ginger. Ginger, including crystallized ginger, has been used medicinally for centuries. Ginger is an extremely healthy herb with a variety of benefits. Research has shown it to be effective in treating upset stomachs, nausea, motion sickness, pregnancy eat up, mothers, lowering cholesterol and inflammation, preventing clogged arteries and even killing cancer cells. So while you obviously want to eat crystallized ginger in moderation because of its sugar content, it has some great health benefits that can override the sugar to some degree and it is most certainly a better alternative to candy. C742&ssl=1' alt='How To Make Ginger Syrup' title='How To Make Ginger Syrup' />This ginger syrup can be used to flavor just about anything, but we love adding it to plain seltzer for homemade ginger ale. This elderberry syrup recipe is an easy way to keep your family healthy and happy. Enjoy a scrumptious treat and save pennies, too with this easy recipe. Health benefits of ginger aside, some of you may be asking Why would I even want crystallized ginger  Ill tell you Crystallized ginger aka candied ginger is not only a yummy snack on its own, its a versatile ingredient that will liven up so many dishes Bottom line  This makes a large batch, keeps for months, and you will be so glad to have it on hand. Here are just a few ideas of how you can use crystallized ginger Add it to the following  Banana bread, sugar cookies, citrus salad, granola bars, cakes, pies, muffins, cupcakes, shortbread, pancakes, waffles, sprinkled over ice cream, lemon bread, pound cake try my Preserved Lemon Ginger Pound Cake, ginger snaps, cranberry relish, pear or apple crisp, homemade jam, and the list goes on and on Or add it to this delicious Healthy Homemade Granola or this phenomenal Pineapple Mango Coconut Crumble with Candied Ginger. These are just a few ideas and the skys the limit Leave a comment below  What are some other ways youve used candied ginger Okay, are you ready to rockThen lets get started Generally you want to use young, small ginger roots because theyre less woodymore tender. But medium sized will work just fine as well. How Long To Boil Eggs For Hard Boiled. Most ginger is imported from China and I recommend buying organic for that reason. Peel the ginger and slice it thinly and evenly. You can either do it by hand or use a mandolin. I highly recommend the Swissmar Borner Mandolin. If you slice it paper thin the result will be crunchy crystallized ginger, but you also dont want it too thick. Youll want about 1 pound of sliced ginger. Place the sliced ginger in a medium sized pot and cover with water and just a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3. Reserve 12 cup of the ginger water and then drain the sliced ginger you can also keep the ginger water for tea or a tonic. Place the reserved ginger water and sugar in the pot. Add the sliced ginger, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered for about 3. The mixture will become somewhat thickened as the sugar turns to a syrup. Simmer until a candy thermometer reads 2. F.  You dont have to use a candy thermometer but it sure makes it a lot easier than guesswork. The Chef Remi Cooking Thermometer has great reviews and can be used for both candy and meats. A thermometer, in my opinion, is an essential kitchen gadget. Once the ginger mixture has reached 2. F drain the ginger immediately while hot. Use a colander over a bowl so you can collect the drained syrup. Dont discard it. This recipe produces a delicious by product GINGER SIMPLE SYRUPAdd a teaspoon or two to your drinks for a refreshing ZING Lay out the ginger slices on a large cooling rack over a cookie sheet, separating the individual slices the best you can this is the more tedious part of the process. Let the ginger sit for 2 hours so theyre sticky but not wet you want the sugar to be able to adhere without dissolving. Toss the pieces in a bowl of sugar to coat all sides. Lay the crystallized ginger back on the cooling rack to sit overnight to dry. Store the crystallized ginger in an airtight container in a dark, cool place. Because its cooked and sugar and then coated with sugar, it will keep for several months.