Ginger

Botanically known as Zingiber officinale, is a plant species in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Ginger originally comes from tropical Southeast Asia, particularly from countries such as India and China. Today it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Look

The ginger plant can grow up to one meter tall and has narrow, lanceolate leaves. The flowers are yellow-green with purple edges and are in terminal, spike-like inflorescences. The underground part of the plant, the rhizome, is what is usually used as ginger. The rhizome is tuberous and branched, has a beige to light brown skin and a yellowish-white to slightly reddish interior.

Taste and Aroma

Ginger has a characteristic sharp and spicy taste, which is due to the gingerols and shogaols it contains. These substances not only give ginger its typical taste, but also its warming and slightly burning properties. Fresh ginger tastes like citrus and has a pleasantly refreshing aroma, while dried or ground ginger is more intense and concentrated.