zingiber officinale

Botnical source

Dried rhizomes of zingiber offiinale Roscoe belonging to family zingiberaceae.

Ginger is a perennial plant in the family Zingiberaceae - its rhizome is commonly used as a cooking spice throughout the world. The ginger plant has a long history of cultivation known to originate in China and then spread to India, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean.

cultivation and collection:

Ginger is grown in all seasons through out the year. Most of the cultivars are sterile i.e flowers are rarely seen and is mainly grown for the rizome. The plant prefer rich, well-drained, sandy loam or clay soil and plenty of indirect sunlight and water. Generally gingers prefer shade, but it will tolerate full sun if adequate water is provided. Soil should be well draining and heavily manured with compost or dried leaf a few weeks before planting.

The plant is always propagated by portions of rhizomes known as seed rhizome or setts. Cut large rhizome into sections, making sure that each has some good buds or eyes cropping out. Before planting, wash the rhizome pieces in running water and plant these pieces on the ground about an inch below the surface of the soil. Water sparingly until the new growth sprouts occur.It will grow well in containers also.

The time from planting to maturity will vary with the climatic conditions.Plants should be allowed to grow for at least three to four months before the rhizomes are harvested. Ginger is harvested by digging out rhizomes when the tops have died down. The rhizomes are lifted from the earth, cleared of all adhering matter by washing, and then is sun-dried to help preserve them. The rhizome reach mature size 6-9 months after planting and the leaves dry down naturally. If left undisturbed, the rhizomes will sprout new buds and the plant will repeat the growth cycle.

Important constituents

Oleo-resin: gingerol, zingiberene.

Identification test

The pungency of ginger powder, which is due to gingerol, is destroyed by boiling with 2% potassium hydroxide for 10 minutes.

Uses

Carminative, Stimulant,anti-inflammatory,appetizer.