Ginger is a popular ingredient in many dishes, not only for its spicy, warming flavor but also for its incredible health benefits. In this article, we’ll share 3 simple ways to make bold and flavorful homemade ginger jam just in time for the Lunar New Year celebration. Let’s head into the kitchen and create this irresistibly warm, mildly spicy, and delicious treat together!
The Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger and Tips for Choosing the Freshest Roots
Ginger is widely known for its impressive range of health benefits, especially for older adults and middle-aged individuals. Consuming ginger regularly can help combat nausea, support detoxification, and relieve bloating or indigestion caused by poor dietary habits. Beyond its digestive benefits, ginger is also a powerful natural remedy for respiratory issues, such as sore throats and persistent coughs, making it a valuable addition to any home kitchen, especially during cold weather.
When it comes to making delicious ginger jam, choosing the right type of ginger is crucial. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to select ginger that is at the “medium-mature” stage, not too young, and not too old. Overly mature ginger tends to be fibrous and tough, while very young ginger can lack the bold, spicy kick that makes ginger jam so irresistible. Look for firm, fragrant roots with smooth skin and minimal wrinkling to ensure the best results in both taste and consistency.
How to Make Dried Ginger Jam Easily at Home
Making dried ginger jam at home is simpler than you might think and the result is a fragrant, slightly spicy, and sweet treat that’s perfect for the Lunar New Year or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy this traditional delicacy made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
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500g fresh ginger
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250g rock sugar (or granulated sugar)
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1 fresh lemon
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Start by peeling the ginger thoroughly and soaking it in a bowl of cold water. This helps prevent the ginger from oxidizing and turning dark.
Step 2: After soaking, rinse the ginger and slice it thinly. Then, soak the slices in a mixture of water and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This not only enhances the color of the ginger but also helps reduce its sharpness.
Step 3: Rinse the ginger slices again and transfer them to a pot filled with enough water to cover. Boil for about 10 minutes. Once done, remove and rinse the ginger to eliminate some of its pungency.
Step 4: Repeat the boiling process with a fresh pot of water. This time, add the juice of one lemon into the water before boiling. After another 10 minutes of cooking, drain and rinse the ginger again. This second boil helps mellow the flavor further while preserving its pleasant aroma.
Step 5: Place the drained ginger slices into a large bowl, sprinkle them evenly with 250g of rock sugar, and mix gently. Let the ginger marinate in the sugar for about 3 to 4 hours, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve and soak into the ginger.
Step 6: Transfer both the ginger and the melted sugar syrup into a large pan or wok. Cook over medium heat. Once the syrup begins to bubble, lower the heat and stir continuously. This step is crucial to ensure even coating and to prevent the ginger from burning or sticking to the pan.
Continue stirring until the sugar begins to crystallize and forms a fine white coating over the ginger slices. At this point, turn off the heat, spread the ginger out on parchment paper or a tray to cool, and allow it to dry completely.
Once cooled, your homemade ginger jam is ready to be enjoyed by the whole family perfect with a cup of tea or as a festive snack during the holidays!
How to Make Soft and Chewy Ginger Jam at Home
If you’re a fan of rich, chewy textures and gentle spiciness, then soft ginger jam is a must-try. With the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and fragrant notes, this traditional treat is especially popular during festive occasions. Here’s how you can make this delicious jam with a delightful twist from young ginger, green papaya, and pineapple.
Ingredients:
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250g young ginger (peeled)
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150g green papaya
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½ ripe pineapple
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500g rock sugar (or granulated sugar)
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Lime water (prepared from slaked lime)
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Salt
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1 lemon
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Roasted sesame seeds
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Roasted peanuts
Instructions:
Step 1: Peel the ginger and cut it into thin matchstick-sized strips. In a bowl, mix 50g of sugar with 1 tablespoon of salt in enough water to submerge the ginger. Soak the ginger in this solution for about 6 hours. This helps reduce the intense heat and pungency. After soaking, rinse the ginger thoroughly several times under clean water.
Step 2: Peel the green papaya and shred it into thin strips. Prepare the lime water by dissolving slaked lime in water and letting it sit for about an hour until the lime settles. Carefully pour off the clear water on top this is your lime water. Soak the shredded papaya in this solution for 6 hours to help it stay crisp during cooking.
Step 3: Cut the pineapple into small pieces or mince it. Squeeze out the juice to reduce the sourness, then place it in a bowl to drain and set aside the juice for later.
Step 4: Add the ginger to a pot with some water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and the squeezed half lemon. Bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce to low heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse the ginger to remove any lingering sharpness.
Step 5: In a new pot, boil the ginger again with a tablespoon of salt and juice from the other half of the lemon. After 5 minutes, add the shredded papaya to the pot and boil together for another 5 minutes. Once done, drain the mixture and immediately soak it in ice water for about 10 minutes to help it stay firm and vibrant. Drain well.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ginger and papaya. Pour in the pineapple juice reserved earlier and mix well. Add 500g of rock sugar and toss everything until evenly coated. Let it sit until the sugar fully dissolves and soaks into the mixture.
Step 7: Once the sugar has melted, strain off the excess liquid and transfer the ginger-papaya mix to a large non-stick pan or wok. Begin the candying (sên) process by cooking over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir every 1–2 minutes to avoid sticking or burning.
Continue simmering and stirring until all the liquid has evaporated and the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and sticky. Just before finishing, sprinkle in some roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Remove from heat, spread the jam onto a tray, and let it cool.
Now you have a batch of fragrant, chewy ginger jam that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a hot cup of tea!
How to Make Honey-Infused Ginger Jam at Home
For those who love a naturally sweet and slightly spicy treat, honey ginger jam is the perfect fusion of flavor and health benefits. This variation combines the gentle warmth of young ginger with the soothing sweetness of honey, creating a jam that not only tastes amazing but also supports digestion and immunity ideal for festive days or cool-weather snacking.
Ingredients:
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1kg young ginger (peeled)
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600g rock sugar
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100ml pure honey
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20g refined salt
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Coarse salt
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Fresh lemon
Step-by-step Instructions:
Step 1: Begin by peeling the ginger and slicing it into thin, even pieces. Immediately place the slices into a bowl of water to prevent oxidation and darkening. After soaking for a few minutes, rinse the ginger thoroughly to remove any dirt and bitterness.
Step 2: Transfer the ginger to a pot of boiling water mixed with a bit of coarse salt. Let it boil for about 10 minutes to reduce its pungency. Drain and rinse well several times under running water.
Step 3: In the second round of boiling, place the ginger back into a clean pot. Add a pinch of salt and the juice from a fresh lemon. Boil for another 10 minutes. Once done, drain and rinse again. Taste the ginger if it still feels too spicy or sharp, you can repeat the boiling process one more time.
Step 4: Place the ginger slices in a large bowl and add 600g of rock sugar. Let the mixture rest until the sugar dissolves fully and soaks into the ginger, forming a sweet syrup.
Step 5: Pour the ginger and its syrup into a large non-stick pan. Add 20g of refined salt and cook over low heat. Stir continuously to ensure the jam doesn’t burn or stick. Once the sugar thickens and the mixture becomes a bit sticky to stir, pour in 100ml of honey and continue mixing gently.
Cook until the mixture becomes glossy and thick. When it starts forming a sticky consistency and the syrup clings to the ginger, turn off the heat. Keep stirring for a few more minutes until the sugar crystallizes and forms a fine white coating on the surface of the ginger slices. At this point, the jam should separate easily into individual pieces.
Step 6: Let the finished ginger jam air dry in front of a fan or place it in an oven at 70°C (160°F) for about 4 hours to achieve the perfect chewy texture.
The Result: A beautifully finished batch of honey ginger jam mildly spicy, delicately sweet, and infused with the floral fragrance of honey. Each piece is coated with a fine, white crystallized layer that adds both texture and visual appeal. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea
Readmore: 4 Easy Ways to Make Tamarind Jam: Sweet and Sour, Spicy, and Chewy Whole Tamarind Treats
Tips to Help Your Ginger Jam Stay Fresh and Delicious Longer
To ensure your ginger jam retains its flavor, texture, and aroma over time, it’s important to follow a few essential tips during the cooking and storage process:
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Control the heat carefully while cooking: Start by simmering the jam over medium heat, then switch to low heat once the mixture begins to boil. Avoid using high heat, as it can cause the sugar to burn or prevent it from crystallizing properly. Low and slow is the key to achieving that perfect, dry finish with a delicate sugar coating.
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Stick to the ideal ratio: For the best results, maintain a sugar-to-ginger ratio of 1:2. Using too much ginger in proportion to sugar can make it difficult for the sugar to fully crystallize and preserve the jam properly.
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Store it the right way: To keep your ginger jam fresh for weeks or even months, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight glass jar or seal it in food-grade plastic bags. Make sure the container is tightly closed to prevent air exposure, which can lead to moisture buildup and spoilage.
By following these simple but important steps, you’ll enjoy your homemade ginger jam with its full flavor and chewy texture long after it’s made perfect for sharing or enjoying as a daily treat!
Enjoy Authentic Soft Ginger Jam – A Specialty from Khô Bò CALI
If you don’t have time to make it yourself but still want to enjoy a delicious, authentic, and hygienically prepared ginger jam that captures the essence of traditional flavor, don’t miss out on the soft ginger jam from Khô Bò CALI.
Handcrafted from carefully selected young ginger, combined with fresh green papaya and natural pineapple juice, Khô Bò CALI’s soft ginger jam offers a mildly spicy, gently sweet taste with the perfect chewy texture and the fragrant aroma of fresh ginger. Free from artificial coloring and preservatives, every piece is lovingly cooked with care and attention, ensuring absolute safety for your entire family.
What’s more, the ginger jam from Khô Bò CALI comes beautifully packaged, making it an ideal gift for family and friends during the Lunar New Year or simply a wholesome snack to enjoy every day.
Order today to indulge in this deliciously soft and mildly spicy ginger jam that’s both flavorful and good for your health!
Contact Khô Bò CALI now to place your order:
📞 Call: +1 (714) 452-7679 / +1 (714) 234-6899
💬 Message the Khô Bò CALI fanpage for the fastest support!
