Ginger

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is the underground rhizome (Figure 15.1) of the herbaceous perennial, used as fresh and dry forms. It is an ancient and the third most important spice of the world and is prized for its ¡avor and medicinal properties. In addition to its use as spice and condiment, it is also used to treat liver complaints, ¡atulence, anemia, rheumatism, piles, and jaundice in Indian and Chinese systems of medicines. The genus Zingiber, consisting of about 150 species, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia. The other important taxa of this genus are turmeric, cardamom, and large cardamom, as well as several other species having economic and medicinal importance.