All About Ginger

Loved the world over, ginger might be the most famous herbaceous spice there is! Botanically known as Zingiber officinale, and sometimes called ginger root, ginger is in fact a rhizome and not a root at all.

Fresh ginger has a powerfully pungent flavor. It tastes earthy with peppery heat, and citrusy in its sharpness. When added as a spice, ginger imparts a warm, spicy flavor that has slightly acidic sweetness.

Because ginger is considered a rhizome, or a rootlike stem portion of the plant, and not a fruit, it does not need any time to ripen, and is ready to use at the moment of harvest. On the outside, ginger has a light brown and paper-thin skin covering it’s knobby shape. Inside, the flesh is a sandy yellow color. Chunks of ginger on average are about six inches long, although they can be much smaller or larger.

Ginger is believed to have originated in island regions of Southeast Asia known today as  Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and East Timor. Today, fresh ginger root is cultivated throughout the world including China, India, Hawaii and in the Middle East and Mediterranean. The ginger “root” grows from an herbaceous perennial plant that can get up to three feet tall, and is considered a false stem or rhizome. Therefore, ginger is considered a spice rather than an herb or fruit.

Ginger is believed to have originated in island regions of Southeast Asia known today as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and East Timor. Today, fresh ginger root is cultivated throughout the world including China, India, Hawaii and in the Middle East and Mediterranean. The ginger “root” grows from an herbaceous perennial plant that can get up to three feet tall, and is considered a false stem or rhizome. Therefore, ginger is considered a spice rather than an herb or fruit.

Good news for anyone who loves ginger, this potently flavorful rhizome is available year round!

Ginger and turmeric are two immensely flavorful rhizomes (thick, rootlike components of certain plants) that are considered to be culinary spices. They are prepared and consumed in similar fashions in foods and beverages, and even originate in similar parts of the world in Asia. At first glance, they even appear somewhat similar in shape and texture.

Despite their similarities, ginger and turmeric each have distinct flavors and color that make them easy to distinguish. Ginger has a warming sensation on the palate that’s sweet and citrusy, and the heat can be quite intense. Turmeric, on the other hand, has an earthy flavor with peppery heat. On the inside, ginger has yellow, fibrous flesh. Turmeric is deep orange just beneath it’s papery, brown skin with a similar texture to ginger.

Whether ginger is certified organic or not will depend on the farm where it was grown. At FruitStand, we only partner with the best specialty farms for exceptional quality of produce. When each harvest is available, we'll tell you whether the fruit is considered organic or conventional.

If you’ve ever wondered where to buy ginger, we’ve got great news for you! FruitStand is proud to partner with small, specialty farmers to bring you exceptional quality ginger. To be the first to know when FruitStand is shipping ginger harvests, join our email newsletter!

Still curious about ginger? Send us your ginger questions any time on Instagram @Fruitstandcom!