Zenzero

The Romans tried unsuccessfully to bring this root to Europe from the Middle East, although it originates from Asia. In the Middle Ages it started to be used in Tuscany, along with many exotic spices like cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon and others to make a bread called Panpepato and this recipe is still used today to make panforte. The ginger plant, which has only a few leaves and pretty pink or red flowers from a cane-like stem, is cultivated in Africa, China, India, Jamaica and Japan, although the best comes from Australia.