College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Zingiber officinale
Common name:
Specimen location:
Ginger
Additional common name(s):
Ginger root
Class:
Magnoliopsida
Subclass:
Monocotyledonae
Clade:
Commelinids
Superorder:
Unassigned
Order:
Zingiberales
Family:
Zingiberaceae
Biological Interest(s)
Cultivated for its rhizomes, Zingiber officinale is an herbaceous perennial that grows 2 meters tall stems with and yellow blosoms. Endemic to the continent of India, Zingiber officinale no longer grows in the wild.
Ethnobotany
Ginger retains popularity in many culinary dishes and confections across many cultures. Making its debut in Europe in the first centuary A.D., giner was part of the extensive spice trade conducted by the Romans. Ginger makes its way into a variety of dishes in various forms. Gari, a sliced pickled ginger, is a part of sushi plates. Powdered ginger is a popular spice in many kitchens, but alchohlic beverages, candies, breads, soups, and confections also benefit from the aromatic spice.
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