Ginger is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. There are several types of ginger, but the most commonly used for culinary and medicinal purposes are:
- Common ginger (Zingiber officinale): This is the most widely used type of ginger and is the one typically found in grocery stores. It has a spicy, slightly sweet flavor and a pungent aroma.
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense): This type of ginger is native to North America and has a milder flavor than common ginger. It is often used as a substitute for common ginger in recipes.
- Sand ginger (Kaempferia galanga): Also known as "Thai ginger," this type of ginger is used in Southeast Asian cuisine and has a more earthy flavor than common ginger.
- Yellow ginger (Curcuma longa): This type of ginger is also known as turmeric and is commonly used as a spice and natural dye in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Galangal (Alpinia galanga): This type of ginger has a citrusy flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Indonesian cuisine.
- Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora): This type of ginger is native to Thailand and is believed to have various health benefits, including improved sexual function and athletic performance.
- Baby ginger (Zingiber mioga): This type of ginger is young and tender and is often pickled or used in salads. It has a mild flavor and is popular in Japanese cuisine.
- Chinese ginger (Zingiber sinense): This type of ginger is commonly used in Chinese cuisine and has a warm, spicy flavor.
- African ginger (Zingiber officinale var. officinale): This type of ginger is native to Africa and has a more intense flavor than common ginger. It is often used in traditional African medicine.
- White ginger (Hedychium coronarium): This type of ginger is also known as butterfly ginger or ginger lily. It has a sweet, floral fragrance and is often used in perfumes and aromatherapy.
- Jamaican ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum): This type of ginger has a reddish-brown skin and is known for its spicy flavor. It is often used in Jamaican jerk seasoning and other Caribbean dishes.
- Australian ginger (Alpinia caerulea): This type of ginger is native to Australia and has a fruity, citrusy flavor. It is often used in desserts and baked goods.