136 FLAVORING AND BEVERAGE PLANTS 



Fig. 131. — Ginger (Zingiber officinale. Ginger P^imily, Zingerbcracew). 

 Plant showing roots, rootstork, leafy and flowering stems. Flower. 

 Floral diagram. (Baillon.) — A biennial or perennial herl), about 

 60 cm. tali, with smooth leaves; flowers dingy yellow, aromatically 

 fragrant; fruit a dry pod. Native home, India. 



of black pepper is due to the volatile oils they contain, the 

 hot biting taste of these spices depends to a considerable 

 extent upon certain resinous substances which are present 

 in small amount. A somcAvhat similar substance, of even 

 greater power, causes the fiery taste of red pepper. 



