Chewy ginger candy with warming, spicy ginger flavor is a traditional Chinese confection. A family treat with fresh, soothing properties.
Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin coins, about 1/8 inch thick for even cooking.
Bring 1 cup of water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add ginger, and simmer for 45 minutes until softened.
Drain the ginger, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid in the saucepan. Add sugar and lemon juice to the pot with the ginger.
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the syrup thickens and reaches 245°F (firm ball stage), about 30–40 minutes.
Remove from heat, quickly stir in the cornstarch for extra chew, then use a fork to separate pieces onto a parchment-lined pan. Allow candies to cool completely before handling.