Ginger is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant, which originated in Southern Asia. It is in the same family as turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. In western cuisine, ginger is often used in sweet foods and drinks, like gingerale and gingerbread cookies. However, in eastern cuisines, it is often used in more savory foods like curries and stir-fries. (Read more on Wikipedia.)