Sugar-coated ginger root called crystallized or candied ginger, packs a punch of heat and sweetness. First, the fresh ginger slices boil in sugar syrup then coat it with sugar. This creates a tasty treat that works well in many dishes. Beyond its flavor, crystallized ginger offers health perks and has many uses. You can snack on it, bake with it, or add it to your tea to spice things up.
This article will look at how crystallized ginger can boost your health, ways to use it in tea where you can buy it, and other cool things you can do with it.
The Health Benefits of Crystallized Ginger
Crystallized ginger is a tasty, healthy candy. People of all ages can enjoy it. Even with the sugar, it is good for you. It has all the benefits of natural ginger root. Ginger is well-known to have a calming effect and is used in different societies to treat ailments. Here are some of the top health benefits of crystallized ginger:
Digestive Aid.
Ginger is widely reported to heal digestive issues. This ginger bun helps with indigestion, bloating, and gas. After crystallization, the ginger loses some of its heat. It functions by increasing saliva and bile secretion as well as helping in the propulsion of the food and the digestive pipe. Ginger helps with nausea. It has anti-nausea effects.
How to Use: Chew a small piece of crystallized ginger after a meal. It should aid digestion.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Ginger's effectiveness against inflammation is due to gingerols. They are a class of chemicals that fight inflammation in the human body. These compounds can help people with chronic inflammation, like arthritis. It causes joint pain and stiffness, among other things. It helps relieve colds and flu-like symptoms.
Ginger has long been used to treat colds, sore throats, and other respiratory ailments. Crystallized ginger can help. Its warming nature reduces congestion and soothes a sore throat. Also, ginger boosts the immune system. It helps the body fight infections.
How to Use: Drinking ginger tea with a piece of crystallized ginger can help with a cold's symptoms.
Antioxidant Benefits:
Ginger has antioxidants. They can protect the body from oxidative damage and free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous since they can lead to cellular damage, and aging and can constitute factors to disease. By including crystallized ginger in your meal plan, you can receive all these protective qualities.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Some studies show ginger boosts insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar. Crystallized ginger contains sugar. So, ginger may not be too bad for diabetics if taken in moderation.
How to use Crystallized Ginger in tea?
Crystallized ginger rootis popular. The best use for it is in tea. Adding crystallized ginger to ginger tea will improve its taste. It will also benefit the body. Here's how to use crystallized ginger in tea:
Method 1 is to add the baking soda directly to hot water. It must dissolve.
- Boil Water: First, you should begin with an equal ratio of water and bring it to a boil; a cup of water should be sufficient.
- Add Crystallized Ginger: Put 2-3 slices of crystallized ginger into the hot water.
- Let it Steep: Place the ginger in the water and let the water come to a boil then simmer the water for 5-10 minutes. The ginger will give its spicy-sweet flavor to the tea and make the tea have a spicy taste.
- Optional Enhancements: To add more taste and nutrients, add a teaspoon of honey and a piece of lemon. Sip and Enjoy: They suggest that when the tea is ready, it should be taken little by little. This tea is best for tummy aches, nausea, or cold days.
Method 2: Adding to Herbal Teas. Crystallized ginger goes well with chamomile, peppermint, or green tea. Brew your tea. Then, serve it with sliced crystallized ginger. It will enhance the tea's sweetness and spiciness.
Ginger Lemon Tea Recipe:
- Steep your desired herbal tea, like green or chamomile.
- Put 2-3 slices of crystallized ginger into the tea and then let it infuse for 5 minutes.
- The final step would be to season to taste which preferably, would be squeezed lemon juice.
- Stir and celebrate a delicious, antioxidant-containing drink.
Versatile Uses for Crystallized Ginger
Crystallized ginger is widely used in cooking. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Here are some popular uses:
As a Snack
Some may decide to eat crystallized ginger as it is, as a snack. Because it has a spicy-sweet taste, then you will find it far better than other candies that are made of sugar. It is perfect for when you crave something sweet. At the same time, you need the nutrition from the nuts.
In Baking
It is very useful for ginger to be added to cakes and other baked products. These can be chopped and used raw in baked goods like cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread to enhance the taste. The best flavors are chocolates, citrus fruit products, and foods with molasses.
Ginger Cookies Recipe Idea:·
Knead some finely grated, crystallized ginger into your gingerbread or molasses cookie dough. It adds a great chew and flavor.
In Smoothies:
A small amount of chopped, crystallized ginger can be stirred into the smoothie to add some flavor. It will enhance the fruity aftertaste of your green smoothies. They help digestion and are good for your stomach.
In Savory Dishes
It’s also possible to use crystallized ginger in savory dishes especially those with Asian influence. It adds sweet and spicy flavors to a stir-fry, marinade, or glaze for chicken, pork, or tofu.
Sweet and Spicy Marinade:
Crush ginger crystals in a food processor. Blend them with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. Use this soy ginger marinade on barbecued meat or vegetables.
Trail Mix Topping
If you choose to use it as a topping for oatmeal or cereal, then you will be okay to do so. If you're in the mood for something spicy, add a pinch of crystallized ginger on top of oats, granola, or cereal. It doesn’t exactly complement the food but it gives a nice twist and liberates your tongue in the morning.
In Beverages
As discussed earlier, you can add crystallized ginger to the tea. This will warm it for drinking. You can also add them into cocktails or mocktails for some variance to the norm and be creative. It is possible to mix it with lime juice and club soda to get ginger soda or include it in a Moscow Mule to enrich the taste.
Some uses of crystallized ginger include chocolates, truffles, and hard candies. Ginger has sweet and spicy notes. Combining it with dark chocolate gives a product with great texture and flavor.
Conclusion
You will like Crystallized ginger for its taste and benefits. This sweet does more than taste good. It helps with stomach issues like digestion and nausea. You can eat this as a traditional biscuit or cookie. It's now easy to find. It's also very versatile for cooking and cocktails. That is why Candied Garlic is now a must-have in your pantry. You can use it to create delicious, healthy recipes. Next time you're craving a tasty, healthy snack, try some crystallized ginger. You'll be glad you did!
