Ginger (Tangawizi)
A knobby rhizome whose name gives us the Swahili word tangawizi - Zanzibar takes its ginger seriously enough to brand it.
HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
Choose firm, smooth-skinned rhizomes that snap cleanly and smell sharp and citrusy-hot. In markets you'll also find it dried, ground, candied, and as the base of tangawizi soda - a fierce local ginger ale.
CULTURE & KITCHEN
The backbone of Swahili teas, juices and remedies; fresh ginger tea with lime is the standard answer to any complaint of cold, fatigue or heartbreak on the island.