Sweet ginger paste, a sweet, thick and flavorful condiment, isn't common in America. However, it's not unusual to find the paste in Canada, England, India or other countries that have a tradition of serving afternoon tea and light refreshments. Ginger is the star flavor of the paste, and it contains just a bit of sugar to cut its sharp taste.
Ingredients
Each recipe for sweet ginger paste varies; not all have the same ingredients and not all are sweetened in the same way. The core ingredient of any version of the product is ginger, usually fresh ginger that has been grated or pureed. Different versions of sweet ginger paste may contain white granulated sugar, honey or corn syrup to add sweetness. In most cases, the sweet flavor is subtle and the focus is on the sharpness of the fresh ginger.
Nutrition Facts
One tsp. of sweet ginger paste contains about 20 calories and virtually no fat, carbohydrates, sodium, fiber or protein. Sugar content varies but is usually negligible because a serving size of the paste is so small. Using a large amount as a spread or in a recipe, such as a half-cup or even a full cup, could top 200 calories and contain more than 20 g sugar.
Uses
Often, sweet ginger paste is used as a condiment or an accompaniment to a bland food, much like a jam, jelly or chutney would be used. You might spread it on bread or crackers, serve it with fresh fruit, bake it into muffins or add it to a smoothie to diversify the flavor. In countries where afternoon tea is common, sweet ginger paste is served with tea snacks and used to make small sandwiches and finger foods.
Recipe
You can make sweet ginger paste at home in a couple of ways. One of the simplest is to buy crystallized ginger, which is already sweetened, and dice it into small pieces. Heat the ginger in a saucepan until it becomes soft, let it cool briefly and puree the result. To get a more texturized version of the paste, grate fresh ginger and place it in a saucepan with granulated sugar or honey to taste. Puree if you would like a smooth paste or simply let the mixture cool if you would prefer it thick.
Considerations
Sweet ginger paste should be stored in the refrigerator because the fresh ginger in the product can be perishable, according to RecipeTips.com. Although the paste does contain vitamins and minerals, it's low in beneficial nutrients and needs to be eaten along with a variety of wholesome foods to form a healthy diet. The National Institutes of Health recommends whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nonfat dairy and lean proteins.
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