Ginger

Ginger is a rhizome, pale tan in color, that grows underground in temperate and tropical climates. The plant’s Latin name is Zingiber officinale, and the Hindi word for ginger is adhrak. Select firm pieces of ginger, and store it in the refrigerator. Young ginger has thin pale skin; mature ginger has thicker tan skin and more fibrous flesh. To use, peel it, then thinly slice it, grate it, or crush it to a paste in a mortar, according to the recipes. Fresh (or “green”) ginger has a warm intense flavor; dried ginger has an intense hot taste.