Ginger is a highly aromatic and pungent root spice harvested from the flowering plant species, Zingiber officinale. It's native to Southeast Asia and has been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. Ginger has a knobby, irregular shape and a rough, beige-brown skin, beneath which lies the spice's prize - a fragrant, slightly sweet, yet spicy, pale yellow flesh. It can be used either fresh, dried, or powdered.

When used fresh, ginger offers a robust and zingy burst of flavor. Its spicy taste has a warming effect and it can add a depth of flavor to a wide range of dishes, both savory and sweet. In dried or powdered form, ginger offers a more mellow, sweeter flavor. It is an essential ingredient for various beverages, marinades, sauces, soups, desserts, as well as many Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Ginger is easy to store and has a long shelf life, making it a kitchen staple around the world. Besides adding a punch of flavor, ginger is also renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with numerous health benefits. It's often used to soothe digestion, combat colds, and alleviate nausea and motion sickness.

Ginger can usually be found in the produce section of a grocery store, usually near the fresh herbs and other root vegetables. You can also find ground ginger in the spice aisle.