Ginger is a flavoring from a tuberous root
of Zingiber officinale, a plantin the Ginger
family. The root is often dried and ground
or "crystallized" with sugar.
Geographical
Sources
It
is grown in India and Jamaica.
Traditional
Ethnic Uses
Ginger
is used in gingerbread, ginger ale, gingersnaps,
and Asian dishes.
Taste
and Aroma Description
Ginger
has a slightly biting and hot note. Its aroma
is rich, sweet, warm, and woody.
History
/ Region of Origin
No
one is sure how old Ginger is, or where it
came from, since it has never been found growing
wild. It was first cultivated by the Chinese
and Indians. It was one of the important spices
that led to the opening of the spice trade
routes. The name Ginger comes from the Sanskrit
word "sinabera" meaning "shaped
like a horn" because of its resemblance
to an antler. In the 19th century it was popular
to keep a shaker of Ginger on the counter
in English pubs so the patrons could shake
some into their drinks. This practice was
the origin of ginger ale.
