Candied Ginger

Candied ginger is a delight that can be prepared at home with few ingredients. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

• 250 g fresh ginger
• 200 g granulated sugar
• 250 ml water
• Extra sugar for rolling the ginger pieces

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the ginger and slicing it thinly. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can blanch the ginger slices in boiling water for a few minutes before proceeding with candying.
2. In a saucepan, combine 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 gently over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the ginger becomes translucent and the syrup has reduced.
4. Once the ginger is cooked and the syrup has reduced, use tongs or a fork to remove the ginger pieces and spread them on a rack to cool and dry slightly.
5. When they are still sticky but cool enough to handle, roll the ginger pieces in the extra sugar to coat them completely.
6. Allow the candied ginger to dry completely on a rack, then store in an airtight container.

Curiosities

Candied ginger, besides being enjoyed as a sweet snack or used to decorate cakes and desserts, is also known for its digestive properties. In Italy it is not among the most common sweets, but it is gaining popularity for its distinctive flavor and the benefits it provides.

If you would like an Italian twist on this recipe, you could flavor the sugar syrup with a cinnamon stick or a few cloves while cooking the ginger. These flavors pair well with the pungent sweetness of ginger.