Crystallized or Candied Ginger

Ingredients and Weight:

• Fresh Ginger Root: 500 grams
• Sugar: 500 grams
• Water: 500 milliliters
• Glucose (corn syrup): 100 milliliters (for extra stickiness)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Peel and wash the ginger root thoroughly.
2. Slice the ginger into thin pieces.
3. In a large pot, bring water and sugar to a boil.
4. Add the ginger slices and let them boil for 10 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat and let the ginger simmer in the syrup for another hour.
6. Add the glucose (corn syrup) to enhance the stickiness of the candy.
7. Using a slotted spoon, remove the ginger pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Let the ginger cool and harden at room temperature.
9. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Nutritional Information: (Based on the given ingredients)

• Calories: Each piece of candied ginger contains approximately 20 calories.
• Carbohydrates: A significant source of carbs due to the sugar content.
• Fiber: Ginger is a good source of fiber.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Provides small amounts of various vitamins and minerals due to its natural content in the ginger root.

Dish Characteristics:

• The dish is sweet and spicy with a strong ginger flavor that is appealing to Americans who enjoy bold flavors.
• The candied ginger has a crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy center, providing a unique eating experience.
• It can be served as a standalone snack or used as a topping for various dishes such as ice cream or yogurt.

User Comments:

• "The flavor is amazing! The perfect balance of sweet and spicy." - John Doe, New York.
• "I love how crunchy the outside is while the inside is soft and juicy." - Jane Smith, California.
• "This is an excellent dish to serve as a snack or even as a gift to friends." - Michael Johnson, Texas.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Handle ginger carefully while slicing to avoid cuts or injuries.
• Use fresh ginger for best results as older ginger may have a more pronounced flavor that might not suit everyone's taste.
• Ensure to boil the sugar syrup well to dissolve all the sugar before adding the ginger slices.
• Store in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the texture or flavor of the candied ginger.