Are you trying out a fancy recipe that requires crystallized ginger? Now, you are wondering where have you heard about it? Crystallized ginger is an easily available ingredient in any superstore. Yes, we can understand you might be running out of time and can’t fetch some from the market. So, we have jotted down a list of substitutes for crystallized ginger. Go through it and see which one is available.
The spicy and pungent ginger flavor gives a necessary punch and enhances the taste of any dish. Crystallized ginger has extensive uses in the cooking arena. Making it at home is also easy. Ginger is cooked in water and sugar to bring out the final ingredient. In baking, you can sprinkle these on a brownie or an apple pie. You can add these in cookies and quickbreads. Furthermore, it can also be used with nuts as a filling in cakes. Other uses include serving with chicken or salad.
As far as health benefits are concerned, ginger has been used as a remedy for centuries. Gingerol, an essential ingredient, has anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in digestion and chronic indigestion issues. Ginger is effective in treating different types of nausea including morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It can also prove to be a great friend in a weight loss journey. Arthritis has long been treated by ginger. Furthermore, it has extensive benefits in improving heart and brain health.
Substitute For Crystallized Ginger
1) Fresh Ginger
It is an obvious answer. No? But it works. Fresh ginger can be the best alternative since it is the main ingredient of crystallized ginger. The spicy kick of ginger is neutralized to some extent by sugar in crystallized ginger. However, it never loses its actual flavor.
When using fresh ginger, see how much amount is required. If the recipe calls for a half-cup of crystallized ginger, add one teaspoon of ginger. The sweet, sugary part of crystallized ginger is compensated by adding sugar, sucralose, or stevia. Another wonderful addition is of certain nuts like walnuts.
Usually, recipes for candies and other baking items call for crystallized ginger. So, you can easily substitute it by using fresh ginger. However, some experts tend to bend towards the notion that fresh ginger can’t substitute a crystallized one while baking. If you think that way, replace it with the spices we have mentioned below.
2) Ginger powder
A powdered form may answer your question. Add some water in ginger powder with sugar. For half a cup, add 2-4 teaspoons of ginger powder with an equivalent amount of sugar, sucralose, or stevia. Mix it and then use it to get the pungent and sweet taste of crystallized ginger.
3) Allspice
In case you do not have ginger in any form, consider using some spices. This spice generally does not taste close to ginger but adds reasonable flavor to the dish. Allspice, formed by dried unripe berries, has a sweet-spicy taste. Hence, it is a mixture of the flavor of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Thus, you can also use this spice as an alternative.
4) Other spices
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and mace are some other spices that can replace crystallized ginger. Cinnamon, especially, spices up the flavor of baked items like cakes, pastries, and quickbreads. Nutmeg, on the other hand, has a sweet flavor that can replace ginger. Mace, another spice, is mainly used for baking purposes like cookies, cakes, or donuts.
5) Nuts
Crazy idea? Right? It does not guarantee ginger flavor, but it somehow resembles the texture of crystallized ginger. Add walnuts and pecans in lemon juice to make a tarty flavored mixture.
6) Ginger candy
It seems like an impressive option, but we do not suggest it. A candy contains other additives like pectin and gelatin, so it can alter your recipe.
If you are making a recipe that calls for crystallized ginger, then the best thing is to buy it beforehand. Although there are some reasonable substitutes for crystallized ginger, nothing can replace the original ingredient. However, do not get upset about crystallized ginger unavailability. Use the above-mentioned alternatives in a reasonable amount. Constantly check the flavor to avoid adding an extra amount. Remember, cooking is all about playing with ingredients. You will always find something that will work for you.