SEEDS & SPICES

Ginger, (Zingiber officinale), herbaceous perennial plant of the family Zingiberaceae, used as a spice, flavouring, food, and medicine. The spice has a slightly biting taste and is used, usually dried and ground, to flavour breads, sauces, curry dishes, confections, pickles, and ginger ale.

Ginger is used medically to treat flatulence and colic. These days, most ginger still comes from Asia. India produces the largest quantity, followed by China and Indonesia. Other ginger-producing countries include Nepal, Australia, Nigeria and Fiji.