Crystallized Ginger
By: Anonymous

About

Crystallized Ginger.  Crystallized ginger is a sugar-coated dried ginger root.  It can be found in health food stores and candy shops or online.  It is hot and sweet and a sweet aid to digestion.

Information
Other names: Candied Ginger


Physical Description
The amber colored dried root has a chalky white exterior from the sugar coating it. 
Colors: Brown, amber, tan, yellow


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Sour, sweet, bitter, spicy
Mouthfeel: Dry
Food complements: Fruit
Substitutes: Candied pineapple


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november
Choosing: Crystallized ginger can be packaged by brand or bought in bulk.  Companies like Reed's offer the ginger in 'nice' packaging in varying quantities where you can select the amount you wish when buying in bulk.  Since the taste is not for everyone, you may wish to buy a small amount in bulk to find out if you like the flavor, then buy from a brand about who's source you are able to more easily find knowledge.  Avoid preservatives as the ginger is very absorbent.  
Buying: Crystallized ginger can be bought packaged by a brand or in bulk at health food stores.  Reed's is a good and reliable brand that specializes in ginger products.  There are other less well known brands that offer ginger products that may be equally good.  Try them out in small quantities before deciding on one.  When buying in bulk, try to find pieces that are not broken as they may have been broken by direct handling. 
Procuring: Ginger can be grown in warm climates and is grown in Asia and the Americas. 


Preparation and Use
Crystallized ginger can be packaged by brand or bought in bulk.  Companies like Reed's offer the ginger in 'nice' packaging in varying quantities where you can select the amount you wish when buying in bulk.  Since the taste is not for everyone, you may wish to buy a small amount in bulk to find out if you like the flavor, then buy from a brand about who's source you are able to more easily find knowledge.  Avoid preservatives as the ginger is very absorbent.  
Cleaning: Use as packaged since cleaning will remove part of the sugar that crystallizes it. 


Conserving and Storing
Store in an air-tight container if possible.  Store out of the light and in a cool place. 


Social/Political
Of Asian origin.  Also used in European baked goods.