Ginger

Ginger is a herbaceous perennial that sends up leafy pseudostems about a metre tall from a thick, branched, aromatic rhizome. Its flowers, pale yellow with purple edges, rise on separate shoots. It originated in Maritime Southeast Asia and is now a major crop in India, with Kerala well known for its dried ginger.

The rhizome is used fresh or dried. Ayurveda calls dry ginger Shunthi and regards it as a warming herb traditionally used for digestive and respiratory comfort. It is a key ingredient in many classical formulations, including Trikatu, and in herbal teas and everyday Indian cooking.