Easy Ginger Candy Recipe (Crystalized Ginger) | A Spicy Perspective (2024)

Easy Ginger Candy Recipe – Homemade Ginger Candy is wonderfully spicy and sweet – and has many health benefits! Try this Crystallized Ginger recipe for a fun treat that’s perfect for gifting during the holidays.

Easy Homemade Ginger Candy

There is nothing better, in my humble opinion, than giving gifts of food for the holidays.

Nothing.

Think about it… Yummy edible gifts check all of the boxes for what makes a perfect present. They are best when made from scratch, food gifts are budget-friendly yet super thoughtful, they create an experience and fond memories. Plus, there’s no household clutter.

See? Perfect!

This recipe for Easy Ginger Candy is a fun and memorable gift that your family and friends will certainly love. It is a tasty and extremely healthy treat. Even when cooked and covered in sugar, crystallized ginger still has many health benefits – including easing nausea and helping to reduce inflammation.

Homemade ginger candy, also commonly known as crystallized ginger, is surprisingly easy to make, and tastes so much better than store-bought candies. Make a batch for your loved ones to give as delicious Christmas gifts, but be sure to save some to keep for yourself!

What Ingredients You Need

Here are the handful of simple ingredients needed to make fresh and zesty crystalized ginger from scratch:

• Fresh ginger root
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

I also recommend adding either vanilla extract or orange extract to this recipe. Either is a lovely addition of flavor that really balances the spicy bite of the ginger root.

How to Make Crystalized Ginger Candy

This easy Ginger Candy recipe requires only a few simple steps to make from scratch, and creates the most flavorful and wonderfully bold treat.

1. First, prepare the raw ginger root by peeling it completely and slicing it into thin rounds. The pieces should look like small potato chips.
2. Place the ginger slices in a large 6 quart saucepot. Add the exact amount of water called for in the full recipe, and bring to a simmer. Cover and let the ginger simmer for about 30 minutes, until just softened but not mushy.
3. Remove the lid and check the liquid levels. There should be approximately 1/4 – 1/3 cup of water in the bottom of the pot. If needed, scoop out some water with a ladle, or add water, to make sure you have about ¼ cup.
4. Next, stir in the sugar and salt. Bring the sugar syrup to a simmer. Simmer, stirring regularly, for 15- 20 minutes, until the syrup starts to crystalize and become sticky. The color will range from pale cream to golden.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla or orange extract, if you are using it.
6. Then set out a baking rack, and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Use tongs to move the ginger pieces to the rack, and spread them out evenly in a single layer.
7. Allow the ginger to rest on the rack for 2-4 hours, or until all the pieces are completely dry.

Place in an airtight container. The ginger candy will last for at least 1 month if kept in a cool, dry place. There’s no need to refrigerate!

Get the Complete (Printable) Easy Ginger Candy Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!

Different Ways to Enjoy Homemade Crystalized Ginger

Eat pieces of crystallized ginger as a spicy and sweet treat.

They are also great to chop into small pieces and use as a fun topping for Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, mix into Homemade Granola, or use them to make a batch of Double Chocolate Cookies with Ginger and Cherries.

And little boxes filled with ginger candy made from scratch are wonderful to give as holiday gifts!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do These Candies Last?

Place in an airtight container. These ginger candies will last for at least 1 month if kept in a cool, dry place. There’s no need to refrigerate!

What Does Spoiled Ginger Look Like?

You can tell by the color of the ginger root if it has gone bad. When you cut into the root, if the color is dull brown, has black rings, or looks gray, it is time to dispose of it and use a different piece.

Use only fresh ginger root to make this recipe.

What Is Ginger Candy Good For?

Fresh ginger is an immune booster, so ginger candy is actually kind of good for you! Ginger is notorious for helping with stomach pain and nausea, and is a germ killer! This ginger nausea candy can not only help settle a nauseous stomach, but it can also subdue arthritis pain, and even heal sore muscles! So don’t feel like this candy isn’t good for you, it totally is!

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