Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale
Common Names: Ancoas, African Ginger, ardraka, black ginger, cochin ginger, gan jiang, Imber, rhizoma zingiberis, shoga, shokyo, shunthi
What parts of ginger are used?
The underground stems (rhizomes) are used in teas, extracts and capsules both fresh and dried. It is also infused in oils or as juice.
How do you identify ginger and where is it grown?
Ginger grows about 2-4 feet tall and resembles a bamboo plant with its grassy looking leaves and yellowish-green flowers. It grows in tropical climates such as China, the Middle East, India, Jamaica, Japan, Nigeria and Malaysia.
A valuable spice?
A common spice today, found in most kitchens, ancoas was considered a luxury 5,000 years ago. It was used to treat many common ailments by the ancient Chinese, Romans and later by American Indians. It was also used to flavor sweets. Many people enjoy attempting to grow this aromatic plant at home.
