The acceptance of ginger is growing quite rapidly, thanks to the enormous benefits of this unassuming-looking root with a bright, distinctive taste. It is used in different forms, including ginger in sugar, and retains its exceptional properties after all kinds of processing. Ginger is especially popular in eastern countries, where it is a common delicacy. There it is consumed as a dessert and added to baked goods.
It is successfully used in healing and preventing many diseases. Usually, for its production, underground parts of young plants are used, from which the peel is removed. However, not everyone can consume ginger because of its specific bitter taste. A unique delicacy was invented for them - candied ginger. It has a much more attractive and delicate taste.
Beneficial features
Ginger is a seasoning that is used in most cuisines of many peoples of the planet.
Its taste is unique, giving the dishes sophistication and sophistication. But this root is valued not only for its taste. He has a very solid range of positive qualities, which we have learned to use quite fruitfully.
Ginger root is considered a wonderful remedy that helps cope with a large number of problems:
- normalizes metabolism in the body;
- participates in the treatment of many abdominal organs, which include the gallbladder, liver, kidneys;
- normalizes the functioning of the stomach and intestines, improves digestion, eliminates intestinal disorders and infections, as well as constipation;
- effective against intestinal parasites;
- helps eliminate muscle and joint pain;
- improves immunity during the cold season;
- has a warming effect for colds or hypothermia, treats bronchitis and cough.
And this is only part of the beneficial qualities of ginger, which can be easily grown at home.
How to choose raw ginger for candy?
To prepare candied fruits, it is recommended to choose a young pale root - it has not yet absorbed the hot juice, so the candies turn out to be spicy and at the same time dessert-like.
Thrill-seekers may prefer bright ocher ginger, then the candies will have a sharper and spicy taste.
The roots must be juicy and fresh - with whole skin, not wrinkled or dehydrated. You need to understand. That old ginger has another disadvantage - a tough fibrous structure, which is not quite suitable for candy.
Calorie content of candied root
Ginger dried in sugar is a candied fruit. Sugar, of course, is not a dietary product; it is contraindicated in certain diseases and predisposition to excess weight. However, in candied fruits it is used as a preservative, prolonging the shelf life of the product and preserving its medicinal qualities.
The human body needs sugar in limited quantities, but nutritionists recommend replacing it with other substances. However, the recipe for preparing ginger in sugar does not allow such a substitution, even substitution with honey. If you follow the rules of a healthy diet with a predominance of fruits, vegetables and cereals, eliminating processed foods, fats, alcohol, and sugar in limited quantities from your diet will not harm your health and figure.
You can eat dried ginger in sugar, the calorie content of which is not so high. On the contrary, its use helps control weight.
Candied fruits serve as a catalyst for metabolism. They usually eat no more than a few pieces, so there is no risk of weight gain; on the contrary, you can reduce your appetite and need for sweets. Ginger will bring undoubted benefits to those who regularly use it in small quantities.
Nutritionists who studied ginger in sugar calculated its calorie content a long time ago. It should be taken into account when consuming ginger in sugar: its calorie content per 100 grams is approximately 330 kilocalories. Compared to marmalade, it is much higher in calories.
Benefits of sweet ginger
Dried ginger in sugar has beneficial properties, even if it has been heat-treated. Candied ginger is effective in the treatment and prevention of colds. They destroy pathogenic bacteria, eliminate swelling and stop the inflammatory process, facilitate the discharge of sputum, and relieve chills.
Sweet ginger is a tasty and healthy treat that will help maintain health.
Dried ginger in sugar improves food digestion. It also stimulates the digestive system, eliminates belching, and normalizes gastric secretion.
Candied fruits are an effective antiparasitic agent that gets rid of worms in a short time. With the help of such a product, the blood is cleansed, cholesterol is removed and blood vessels are strengthened. It is used to treat atherosclerosis, reduce high blood pressure and eliminate loss of strength.
As a medicine for sore throat, you need to chew a piece of the candied product for several minutes, or better yet, dissolve until completely dissolved, as a result of which pathogenic bacteria are destroyed and the sore throat goes away.
The healing properties of ginger help treat rheumatism, arthrosis and arthritis. Substances in the root prevent cancer cells from multiplying.
This root vegetable is also useful for women. It relieves cramps during painful menstruation. It is used for infertility, because ginger root stimulates the uterus well. In addition, the spice will help cope with attacks of toxicosis. This product is often used for weight loss, because it burns fat.
In addition, candied fruits help:
- in the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, gall bladder and lungs;
- relieve muscle and joint pain;
- inhibit the aging process;
- freshen breath;
- eliminate cough;
- improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- normalize hormonal levels;
- increase libido;
- normalize cholesterol.
The product is recommended to be used as a prophylactic during the cold season. Microelements and vitamins included in candied fruits improve blood circulation, resulting in rejuvenation of skin cells, strengthening of hair follicles, and restoration of lipid composition. Eating ginger helps get rid of acne, furunculosis and allergic rashes.
Could there be harm?
It is undesirable to use candied ginger, the benefits and harms of which are comparable, for those who have health restrictions, and then the root can only cause harm instead of benefit.
First of all, you should avoid excess - you can eat only 4 g of candied fruit in one day. Otherwise:
- may cause stomach problems or diarrhea;
- in some cases, the plant causes a burning sensation in the throat;
- consuming it in excess of the norm threatens to dry out the skin, sometimes causing rashes.
Therefore, people with hypersensitive skin should not use this root.
People with cholelithiasis in the acute phase are prohibited from taking candied ginger, because it increases the amount of bile produced, after which the patient’s well-being may worsen. Dried ginger in sugar, the benefits and harms of which have been proven, is not recommended for use by patients with gastric ulcers or in preparation for surgery.
Experts say that dried ginger in sugar, the benefits and harms of which have been studied, will not harm those who do not abuse it and limit their use to the acceptable limit.
Calorie content and vitamin composition
Depending on the amount of sugar in candied ginger, its calorie content may vary. With a slight sugar content, the dish contains from 80 kcal per 100 g, and with more “serious” sugaring, the number of kilocalories can reach up to 300.
And although this is more than the calorie content of regular ginger root, the beneficial properties of the product still allow you to use it when losing weight.
The healing properties of ginger have found their application not only in dietary nutrition - this root is used in spa salons in compositions for therapeutic wraps for burning fat.
Ginger contains the following minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Among the vitamins, elements of groups A and B, as well as vitamin C, are present in significant quantities.
Despite the presence of sugar in the product, the vitamin composition of ginger root and its microelements are well demonstrated in combination with sucrose.
Candied ginger can be purchased at the market or in a store, or you can prepare this delicacy yourself.
How to use dried ginger in sugar?
In the winter and spring seasons, in cloudy weather, dried ginger in sugar, the beneficial properties of which are beyond doubt, will help maintain health and strength if you eat it correctly - in limited quantities. Just a couple of pieces is enough. You can use it as a snack to curb your hunger or suppress your cravings for sweets.
Some people put slices directly into their tea and enjoy the unusual aroma. It is very tasty to drink tea with a slice of candied fruit. In addition to pleasure, this ceremony will warm you up, increase your resistance and enhance your energy. Sugar cannot overpower the taste of spice; you need to get used to this delicacy.
Fans know how to cook ginger in sugar and how to use it for its benefit. It contains a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Ginger in sugar helps maintain weight due to its warming properties. Eating the root, which normalizes metabolism, allows you to burn more calories. Therefore, the plant is so valuable for maintaining a beautiful figure. Most often, ginger teas are used for this purpose. Although candied fruits are no less valuable, they can replace sweets and other treats for those with a sweet tooth.
How to cook
This dish is very simple to prepare: you need 100 g of ginger, 100 g of sugar and about 0.5 liters of water.
Important! The resulting dry slices should be stored in an airtight jar to prevent the sugar from melting.
Step-by-step cooking instructions:
- Peel the root and cut into slices several millimeters thick.
- Pour them with 1 glass of water and cook for about 30 minutes over low heat.
- Drain the water (you can drink it like tea), add sugar and add another glass of water.
- Boil in syrup until the slices become transparent.
- Place the finished mixture in a sieve or mesh colander.
- Roll the dried slices in powdered sugar or granulated sugar and dry on parchment.
Contraindications
Nutrition experts categorically do not recommend that parents include this treat in their children’s menu, although older children really like it.
That is why it should not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is forbidden to use it for burns and high temperatures, so that they are not complicated by the warming effect of the ginger itself. Ginger in sugar, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are of interest to many lovers, in some cases combines harm with medicinal qualities.
Before you start consuming ginger in sugar, you should definitely consult your doctor about contraindications, the list of which is quite long:
- the content of essential oils in the root can bring harm, rather than benefit, to people with chronic diseases;
- Ginger is also incompatible with certain medications, the effect of which it can enhance, thereby increasing side effects;
- it works well for flu or colds with low fever, but it cannot be used if the temperature is high;
- You should not use it if you have skin diseases, so as not to complicate them by excessive skin irritation.
You should observe moderation in everything; excessive consumption will only bring trouble - from allergic reactions to digestive problems and even excess weight, which, in principle, it should help get rid of. In such cases, you should stop taking this product immediately. Candied ginger is also contraindicated for diabetes.
Before consuming ginger in sugar, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been described more than once, you should compare your health capabilities and whether there is a risk of complications as a result of its use.
Use for weight loss
Despite the high calorie content of a product prepared with sugar, nutritionists recommend including ginger in your diet when losing weight. This decision is due to the fact that in moderate quantities the delicacy cannot harm the figure, but can saturate the body with essential microelements.
If you replace snacks with 2-3 pieces of candied ginger, you can satisfy your hunger for a long time. The chemical composition of the root will provide the body with vitamins and minerals, and sugar will help release energy for life.
You should not eat more than 25 g per day, since 100 g of the product contains 335 kcal . If you adhere to the recommended daily dosage, then you can enjoy sweets without harming your figure.
When losing weight, ginger helps:
- Cleanse the body.
- Remove excess liquid.
- Normalize digestion.
- Improve overall well-being.
- Stimulate fat burning.
At the same time, the calorie content of the product allows you to take fairly long breaks between meals.
If the diet is followed for late-stage obesity, then you can eat candied fruits no more than once a week, the same applies to people with diabetes.
Recipes for delicious sauces and seasonings
Name | Recipe |
Mediterranean sauce | Mix minced garlic (2 cloves), 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of basil. Suitable for seasoning vegetable dishes and warm salads. |
Tomato sauce | Chop 1 ripe tomato, green onion, parsley and dill, then add a little salt, black pepper and coriander. This sauce goes perfectly with meat dishes. |
Mexican dressing | Mix chopped parsley, 2 tbsp. spoons of olive oil, juice of half a lemon and a pinch of black pepper. Suitable for spicy salads with vegetables and legumes. |
Lemon-honey dressing | Mix 1 tbsp. a spoonful of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of wine vinegar. Stir thoroughly, add salt and a pinch of black pepper. Ideal with seafood and salads with bell peppers. |
Garlic seasoning | Finely grate 3 cloves of garlic, add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Stir, salt and add a pinch of basil. Before use, the seasoning must steep for at least 2 hours. Suitable for poultry dishes, warm salads. |
Ginger recipes
How to use ginger - even the most experienced cooks can get confused when answering this question.
There are a great many recipes with ginger root - these include candied fruits, teas, jam, and all kinds of warming and dietary drinks. Let's talk about the most popular ones.
Recipe for candied fruits “Candied ginger”
For those wondering how to make candied ginger at home, there is a simple, basic recipe. The big advantage of homemade candied fruits is that the amount of sugar can always be varied, reducing or increasing the calorie content of the product according to your taste.
Candied ginger, recipe in video:
Ingredients
- one root of fresh ginger (200-250 g),
- 1.2 glasses of water,
- one glass of sugar (for syrup),
- sugar for sprinkling.
Preparation of candied ginger:
- Peel the ginger like potatoes and cut into slices approximately 0.5-0.7 cm thick (can be cubes or strips).
- Fill with water and cook for about an hour so that the slices soften and the excess heat evaporates.
- Prepare the syrup: add sugar to water, stir until completely dissolved and bring to a boil.
- Place the pieces of future candied fruit in a colander and, when the water has drained, transfer the ginger into the syrup and cook until the slices become transparent.
- Let the candied fruits cool, roll them in sugar and place them on parchment until completely dry (you can dry them in the oven). You can then store the candied ginger root in the refrigerator or kitchen cabinet.
Tea “Ginger with lemon and sugar” - a healthy recipe for colds and coughs
Warming ginger tea has long been known for its healing powers, but not everyone knows how to brew ginger tea correctly.
The most economical way is tea with ginger syrup
You need to take a few teaspoons of hot sweet syrup that remains after preparing candied fruits, add lemon juice, boiling water, if desired, a little honey and brew like regular tea.
You can store the prepared ginger-sugar syrup in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ginger tea with lemon
Classic ginger-lemon tea
For this you will need: half a large lemon, a liter of water, 5-10 pieces (teaspoons) of sugar and a 4-5 cm ginger root.
- The ginger needs to be peeled and grated on a coarse grater.
- Then add lemon (juice or cut pieces, as for tea), sugar to taste and pour boiling water.
- When the drink is brewed, after 5-10 minutes, strain and let it cool slightly.
Ginger jam
If you don't like candied ginger, but want something unusual, try making your own ginger jam. This delicacy goes perfectly with citrus fruits; the classic recipe is ginger jam with lemon.
For preparation you will need: 200-250 g of fresh ginger root, one large lemon, 2 cups of sugar (heaped).
- The root needs to be washed, peeled and cut into plastic pieces 2-3 mm thick, the lemon - into small pieces along with the peel. Mix ginger, sugar and lemon and leave for 30 minutes so that the sugar dissolves a little.
- Then put the bittersweet-hot mass on the fire and cook, stirring, until the ginger slices become transparent. After the jam boils strongly, you need to boil it for another 5 minutes.
- Pour the ginger-lemon jam into sterilized jars hot and after cooling, put them in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to a year.
Orange-ginger jam, recipe in video:
Ginger drink for weight loss
If you strictly watch your figure and are an ardent supporter of a healthy diet, then this drink is ideal for you: kefir, cinnamon, ginger and red pepper.
Ingredients:
- 250 g low-fat kefir,
- half a teaspoon of finely grated ginger and ground cinnamon,
- a pinch of red pepper.
Mix everything in a blender and pour into a glass. You can’t even store such a drink in the refrigerator - you need to drink the ginger smoothie immediately after preparing it.
Where to buy ginger?
Despite the fact that this root vegetable grows in Asia, it can be found on the shelves in our supermarkets. Moreover, you can purchase this valuable product in several forms: ordinary unpeeled root, which still needs to be processed before further use. There is also a finished product that is sold in glass jars. It can be pickled root, candied ginger. In addition, manufacturers make ground root vegetables, so in this form they can also be found in any grocery store. It is also on supermarket shelves as an essential oil.
Step-by-step instructions on how to dry at home
Using an electric dryer
- Cut the rhizome into small thin slices.
- Place on the electric dryer rack at a short distance from each other.
- Select power sixty degrees.
- Dry for six to nine hours.
- In order for the workpiece to dry evenly, the dryer trays need to be swapped periodically.
In the oven
In addition to the electric dryer, ginger root can be dried in the oven . To do this you need the following:
- Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Add slices of chopped ginger.
- Preheat the oven to fifty degrees. If the oven is gas and it is not possible to track the exact temperature, then you just need to put the burner on minimum heat.
- Under these conditions, the root should spend up to two and a half hours.
- The drying itself is carried out with the oven door open.
- Next, you need to increase the temperature to seventy degrees and dry the ginger until fully cooked.
Important! If the oven has a convection function, it must be turned on. The total cooking time for dried ginger is five to seven hours.