Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 1. Botanical Information Scientific Name: Zingiber officinale Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family) Origin: Southeast Asia (likely originating from Maritime Southeast Asia) Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial plant Height: Grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall Parts Used: Rhizome (underground stem), commonly called “ginger root” 2. Appearance The rhizome is knobby, beige to light brown in color, with a fibrous, aromatic interior. Above ground, it has narrow green leaves and yellow-green flowers with purple edges (though rarely seen in cultivation). 3. Cultivation Grows best in warm, humid climates with well-drained, fertile soil. Propagated by planting pieces of rhizome with buds (“eyes”). Takes 8–10 months to mature for harvest. Major producers: India, China, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand, Indonesia. 4. Culinary Uses Fresh, dried, powdered, or as oil or juice. Used in savory dishes, sweets, beverages (like ginger tea, ginger ale), and pickles. Essential in Asia...