Ginger

Synonym                                              :           Zingiber , Zingiberis , Sunthi .

Biological Source                                 :           Ginzer consist of whole or cut dried scrappled

                                                                          or unscrappled of Zingiber officinale Roscoe

Scientific Name                                    :           Zingiber officinale Roscoe.

Family                                                  :           Zingiberaceae.

Geographical Distribution                      :           India ,

Organoleptic Characters :

                        i) Colour                      :           Externally it is buff coloured

                        ii) Odour                      :           Aggreeable and aromatic

                        iii) Taste                       :           Aggreeable and pungent

                        iv)  Size                        :           Rizomes of ginger is about 5to 15 *1.5 to 6.5 cm

                        v)   Shape                     :           The rhizomes  are laterallyt compressed , bearing 

                                                                          short flat , ovate and oblique , brnches on the

                                                                            upper side with  bud at apex .

                       

Extra feature – Longitudinal strations and the occasional projecting fibres are present on the 

                         surface of the ginger . Transversely cut surface shows well-marked endodermis

                           and stele .

Chemical constituents –

i)                    A Volatile oil which contain Bisabolene , Zingiberence and Zingiberal

ii)                  Gingerol , an oily liquid responsible for pungency .

iii)                Shogaol and zingirone which are other  pungent principle .

iv)                There also olcoresin , starch and mucilage present .

Uses

i)                    It is used as condiment , stimulant . carminative , flavouring-agent , stomachic etc

ii)                  Ginger oil is used in mouth washes .