Ginger

Ginger, an underground creeping rhizome of the tropical plant, is an important and valued spice worldwide. Ginger evolved in Southeast Asia and grows abundantly in the tropics of India and in most of Asia. Cochin ginger yield the most resin and volatile oil. Ginger has been used both as a spice and as a medicine in India since ancient times. It was among the first oriental spices to reach Europe. It was one of the priced imports of the ancient Roman Empire; as far back as 2000 years ago it was imported to Rome in little clay jars. Gingers fragrance is sharp and aromatic and its taste is spicy and biting. When chopped and fried, the hot and spicy taste gives way to a mild, rich flavour. Dried and powdered ginger is widely used in Ayurvedic medicines. The popular soft drink Ginger ale is simply sugar, ginger extract and carbonated water.