Shell ginger (getto)

Alpinia zerumbet

leaf · infusion

Large cardamom-scented leaves, which wrap Okinawa's muuchii rice cakes and are steeped as tea.

Origin

Tropical East Asia (Okinawa)

Where to find it

On Okinawa, it is planted everywhere as a hedge; its leaves are sold at markets in Naha before the muuchii festival.

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

For tea, a dried leaf, or a crumbled teaspoon, steeps for five minutes in barely simmering water; the leaf is thrown away.

Did you know?

In Okinawa, muuchii is offered on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month, for children's health; the leaf flavors the cake and is not eaten.