Ginger is the underground rhizome of a plant with Lanceolote leaves and spikes of yellow flowers, borne on stems. Dried ginger is obtained by peeling off the outer skin of the rhizome and drying in the sun after cleaning. Bleached ginger is obtained by coating the dried ginger with a solution of lime. The uncoated variety is called 'unbleached ginger'. Propagation of ginger is by portions of rhizome with one or two buds.
Ginger is a tuber that is consumed whole as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. Ginger cultivation began in Asia and has since spread to West Africa and the Caribbean. The North Eastern states are known for their high quality ginger with very high oleoresin and volatile oil content. Popular varities of ginger include Nadiya and Shing Bukhir.