Candied ginger

Candied ginger consists of strips of ginger root slowly cooked in a sugar syrup, which mellows the sharp, spicy flavour of fresh ginger into a warm, sweet-spicy taste. Its texture is firm and slightly chewy, with a light crystallisation of sugar on the outside. Since the ginger is first candied and then often coated with a layer of crystallised sugar, a pleasant contrast is created between the sweet exterior and the spicy core. Candied ginger is often enjoyed as a treat on its own, but is also used in pastries, chocolate, or as an accompaniment to coffee and tea. Its spiciness also gives a light, warming sensation, making the sweet especially popular in cold weather.