Crystallized ginger is candied whole ginger root. Pieces of fresh ginger are cooked in a sugary syrup, then rolled in coarse sugar. You can eat the candy alone or add it to baked goods and confections. Crystallized ginger offers many of the nutritional properties of fresh ginger, but in a more palatable form.
Calories and Macronutrients
In 1.4 ounces of crystallized ginger, or about seven slices, you get 150 calories. Most of the calories come from the 37 grams of carbohydrates. Only 1 gram of the carbs comes from fiber, and 33 grams come from sugar. Crystallized sugar does not contain any notable amounts of fat or protein.
Vitamins and Minerals
Crystallized ginger is not a major source of any vitamins and minerals. A 1.4-ounce serving offers just 4 percent of the daily value for calcium, 2 percent for iron and 4 percent for vitamin C, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Benefits
Ginger can be used to treat nausea due to morning sickness, motion sickness or chemotherapy. Raw ginger root might be too pungent, but crystallized ginger tastes mellower and might be helpful. Ginger might also help reduce inflammation due to arthritis or colon problems. Although less pungent than fresh ginger, crystallized ginger still tastes spicy and is hard to overeat. If you are trying to lose weight and crave something sweet, a slice or two of crystallized ginger might satisfy your sweet tooth without too many calories.
Comparison
Compared with fresh ginger, crystallized ginger is calorie dense. A 1.4-ounce serving of fresh ginger contains just 32 calories. The fresh ginger also provides more vitamin C per serving.
Member Comments