Candied Ginger Recipe

Candied ginger is sweet with a spicy zing that is both stimulating and soothing.  Besides tasting invigoratingly delicious, it may also be helpful for a cold, sore throat, digestive bloating, and nausea.  Do not over-eat, just one piece goes a long way!  See the research listed below for more information.

Candied Ginger Ingredients

• 2 cups of ginger
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 4 cups of water
• Cookie sheet lined with wax paper, and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to coat the ginger

Candied Ginger Instructions

• Peel the ginger and slice it into one inch cubes.
• Bring water and 2 cups of sugar to boil in a saucepan.
• Add the ginger and turn the heat down to medium.  Stir often and cook for 45 minutes, until the ginger is tender.
• Drain the ginger, and save the liquid to enjoy as a ginger syrup.
• Place the ginger on the lined cookie sheet and lightly coat with a dusting of the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar.
• Allow to dry for about 4 hours.  Once completely dry, store in air tight container.  It should last at least a month.

What to do with the drained ginger / sugar liquid?

Make ginger syrup!  Put the liquid back into the saucepan and continue to cook it down until it becomes thick and syrup-like.  Remove from heat.  Once cool, store in sealed glass jar and use as ginger syrup for breads, muffins, waffles, teas, and more.

Some Ginger Research

• In a multi-center, double blind, randomized study of over 500 cancer patients, ginger intake significantly reduced chemotherapy induced nausea.  From:  Ryan, J. L., Heckler, C. E., Roscoe, J. A., Dakhil, S. R., Kirshner, J., Flynn, P. J., … & Morrow, G. R. (2012). Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients. Supportive care in cancer, 20(7), 1479-1489.
• In two small studies of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, ginger intake reduced nausea.  From:  Hickok, J. T., Roscoe, J. A., Morrow, G. R., & Ryan, J. L. (2007). A phase II/III randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for nausea caused by chemotherapy for cancer: a currently accruing URCC CCOP Cancer Control Study. Supportive cancer therapy, 4(4), 247-250.
• In a randomized double blind study of 120 women with post operative nausea, ginger powder intake significantly reduced day surgery nausea and vomiting.  From:  Phillips, S., Ruggier, R., & Hutchinson, S. E. (1993). Zingiber officinale (ginger)–an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia, 48(8), 715-717.
• Ginger, peppermint, aniseed and fennel, citrus fruits, dandelion and artichoke, melissa and chamomile have digestive enhancing activities.  From:  Valussi, M. (2012). Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 63(sup1), 82-89.
• The following methanol extracts showed activity against Helicobacter pylori which causes gastrointestinal disorders:  Myristica fragrans (nutmeg seed), Zingiber officinale (ginger root), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary leaf), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel seed), Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Origanum majorana (oregano), and others.  From:  Mahady, G. B., Pendland, S. L., Stoia, A., Hamill, F. A., Fabricant, D., Dietz, B. M., & Chadwick, L. R. (2005). In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Phytotherapy research, 19(11), 988-991.
• The antioxidant activity of gallic acid and the inhibitory activity of cinnamic acid against Helicobacter pylori found in ginger rhizomes contributed to its gastroprotective ability.  From:  Nanjundaiah, S. M., Annaiah, H. N. M., & Dharmesh, S. M. (2011). Gastroprotective effect of ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale) extract: role of gallic acid and cinnamic acid in H. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011.
• Ginger was as effective as mefenamic acid and ibuprofen in treating dysmenorrhea. From:  Ozgoli, G., Goli, M., & Moattar, F. (2009). Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea. The journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 15(2), 129-132.
• Based on a review of research, the author concluded that ginger was the most effective herb for treating menstrual conditions.  Cramp bark and black haw were the most effective herbs for pain associated with menstruation.   From:  Rajabzadeh, F., Fazljou, S. M., Khodaie, L., Abbasalizadeh, S., & Sahebi, L. (2018). Effects of hot temperament herbs on primary Dysmenorrhea: a systematic review. Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, 7(10), 257.
• Ginger constituents may help relax smooth muscles of the throat related to asthma complaints.  From:  Townsend, E. A., Siviski, M. E., Zhang, Y., Xu, C., Hoonjan, B., & Emala, C. W. (2013). Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation. American journal of respiratory cell and molecular biology, 48(2), 157-163.
• The immunity boosting, antimicrobial actions of ginger were discussed.  From:  Shakya, S. R. (2015). Medicinal uses of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) improves growth and enhances immunity in aquaculture. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 3(2), 83-87.
• Clove and ginger showed immuno-stimulatory activity in mice. From:  Carrasco, F. R., Schmidt, G., Romero, A. L., Sartoretto, J. L., Caparroz‐Assef, S. M., Bersani‐Amado, C. A., & Cuman, R. K. N. (2009). Immunomodulatory activity of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Salvia officinalis L. and Syzygium aromaticum L. essential oils: evidence for humor‐and cell‐mediated responses. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 61(7), 961-967.

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA, LMT

4/11/18

This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.