Ginger has been used for thousands of years and originates from South East Asia, but 2,000 years ago it was also already an ingredient, used by the Greek. Ginger is healthy and often used against sicknesses like those resulting from pregnancy or travel. It is used in the Japanese kitchen, cut in thin slices and preserved in sugar and vinegar (gari), and served with sashimi and sushi. Young gingerroot is cooked in syrup and dried, and served as a sweet. Ginger powder is made of dried gingerroot and often used in sweet dishes and cakes.