Origin of the Spice and History

Ginger is a warm, aromatic spice, which is believed to have originated in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, though some dispute this and claim that it actually originated in China. It is said to have been used for more than 5,000 years, making it one of our oldest known spices.

There are several reports of ginger coming to Europe in the eleventh century – the British were said to have relished the spice due to its warming properties in their cold climate. Evidence suggests that by the fifteenth century it had made its way to the Caribbean and South America, where Jamaica, Mexico and Brazil are all reported to have successfully cultivated it.