Ginger is in the family Zingiberaceae, to which also belong turmeric (Curcuma longa), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), and galangal. Ginger originated in the tropical rainforest in Southern Asia. 

Ginger root or simply ginger, is widely used as a spice or a folk medicine.

 Ginger can be made into candy, or ginger wine, which has been made commercially since 1940.

In Japan cuisine,  ginger is pickled to make sushi ginger.