Organic Diced Crystallized Ginger 8-20mm (Cane Sugar Coated) (Certified Fairtrade)

Our organic diced crystallized ginger is imported in small batches from a fairtrade certified company in the Fujian province of China. Grown on small plots by locals using traditional methods, they are sold to a few privileged customers.

Farmers grow a variety of Taiwanese ginger, which is less pungent and more citrusy than the common ginger most grown in China. They harvest the ginger rhizomes while they are still young, so that the final product is of better quality. The ginger is then less fibrous and more tender, but the yield is lower, since the rhizomes are smaller.

Ginger has been cultivated in the Fujian province for over 3,000 years. In this fertile land with its pure water, ginger is naturally and traditionally grown organically. It was one of our French partners, who helped ginger growers set up an association to obtain fairer prices for their harvests. As a result, they benefit from a price that is more representative of the quality of their production, and higher than the price generally offered on the market. In addition to this price, a premium is also paid to the association for the development of community projects.

After harvesting, the fresh ginger rhizomes are taken to a local confectioner. Indeed, China has an ancient tradition of confectionery, transforming ginger into sweets of all kinds.

Far from the clichés of China's large urban centers and the cheap manufacture of disposable products, we want to show another side of the country with this wonderful candied ginger. A greener region with an ancestral culture, focused on know-how and quality, and populated by women and men who take care of their environment.

Our organic candied ginger makes a perfect snack and can be added to yogurt, salads, granola bars and baked goods for some chewy goodness. These cubes are 8-20 mm in size.

What is crystallized or candied ginger?

• After harvesting the ginger, its washed, peeled and cut. It is then cooked in water and sugar to preserve it. It is finally dried and rolled in cane sugar. It's the sugar added in the process that softens the tangy taste of ginger. The result is a very aromatic candied ginger, which is eaten like a treat.

What does Fairtrade certification mean?

• Fairtrade products are far more than just fair prices, they create sustainable impact in three interconnected areas: economic, social, and environmental. These are known as the three pillars of sustainability:
• Economic: Fairtrade sets economic Standards for farmers and workers to benefit from income security and financial independence. These include the Fairtrade Minimum Price for most commodities, which aims to provide producers with a safety net against falling prices, along with the Fairtrade Premium that provides producers with additional money to invest as they choose. Fairtrade also emphasizes long-term partnerships that help yield sustainable and decent livelihoods.
• Environmental: Environmental criteria emphasize ecologically and agriculturally sound practices, including responsible water and waste management, preserving biodiversity and soil fertility, minimal use of pesticides, and the prohibition of the use of GMOs. Organic production is promoted and rewarded by higher Fairtrade Minimum Prices for organically grown products.
• Social: Social criteria for small-scale producers include requirements on democratic self-organization, participatory decision-making, transparency, and non-discrimination. For hired labour, our Standards require non-discriminatory employment practices, fair pay, freedom of association, and safeguards for worker health and safety. Forced labour and child labour are prohibited under the Fairtrade Standards.

Who is Ginger Food?

• Ginger Food is based in Zhangzhou in the Fujian province of China. It is one of the very rare Fairtrade certified ginger operations in China. Rethinking the relationship with its partners, it focuses on the people and the high quality of its products.
• They have built up the first organic ginger production in Jiaohu Town, Jiangxi province in 2000. Jiangxi province borders Fujian province and are two very forested and mountainous regions of China.
• Ginger Food shows another face of China that we generally know little about, a greener region with an ancestral culture, populated by women and men who take care of their environment and who aspire to a simple and peaceful life.