What is Ginger Root?

Ginger Root is the whole dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale, ginger, a tropical perennial in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The whole dried root holds its aromatic character longer than pre-ground powder and is the format for traditional decoction.

About the plant

Ginger has been used across Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian traditions for more than five thousand years and is now grown in tropical regions worldwide. Fresh ginger carries compounds called gingerols; drying converts some of these into shogaols, which is why dried ginger has a related but distinct flavor from the fresh root. It is a familiar culinary spice with a pungent, aromatic character.

Related herbs

• Galangal Root — a related rhizome with a sharper, piney flavor.

Ginger Root: form & sizes

We carry Ginger Root as organic whole dried rhizome, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Ginger Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Ginger Root at a glance

Botanical name

Zingiber officinale

Family

Zingiberaceae

Native region

Southeast Asia

Plant part

rhizome

Sourcing

Organic

Compounds

Gingerols (fresh), shogaols (formed when dried)

Form

whole dried rhizome

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb