Ginger
Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Native To: Cultivation of ginger began in South Asia and has since spread to East Africa , South America and the Caribbean.
Flavor, Aroma and Taste: Ginger is pungent and spicy, with a slight tang.
Brief History and Culinary Uses: Ginger, a fibrous rhizome, has a host of uses. Yong ginger is sometimes used because of its milder taste as a flavoring agent for oils and teas. Ginger tea, often accompanied by mint, lemon and honey, is a nice tea drink that in some cultures is used to cure ailments like the common cold! Munch on some ginger candy to prevent motion sickness, or as a spice in a stir fry. You can always get festive with gingerbread…and remember ginger ale and ginger beer is made from real ginger!
Nutritional Info: Its no surprise that ginger is looked at as a great healer—with over 50 antioxidants and high levels of Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese, ginger is a definitely good for you!