Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is an important commercial crop grown for its aromatic rhizomes which is used both as a spice and a medicine. Ginger of commerce is the dried rhizome. It is marketed in different forms such as raw ginger, dry ginger, bleached dry ginger, ginger powder, ginger oil, ginger oleoresin, gingerale, ginger candy, ginger beer, brined ginger, ginger wine, ginger squash, ginger flakes etc.
Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc., a herbaceous perennial belonging to Zingiberaceae, and is believed to be native of south-eastern Asia. It is propagated through rhizomes. The rhizomes put forth erect, leafy stems, 30-90 cm in height. The base of the leaves sheathe the stem. The leaves are dark green, 15-20 cm long, narrow, lanceolate and with a prominent midrib. The flowers are small, yellowish, speckled, each with a purple speckled lip and borne on a spike. When the plants are about 9 months old, the green leaves turn yellow.
Fresh ginger is one of the main spices used for making pulse and lentil curries and other veg and non veg preparations. Fresh, as well as dried, ginger is used to spice tea and coffee. Ginger is also consumed in candied and pickled form.