ZINGIBER 



I2 3 



the edges. It yields 8 per cent, of oleoresin. Green ginger consists 

 of the rhizome sent to market without drying; black ginger, of the 

 rhizome steeped in boiling water before drying, after which it has a 

 black, horny structure. The preserved ginger is an article on the 



FIG. 39. Zingiber officinale. 



market which consists of soft, yellowish-brown pieces, obtained by 

 steeping the fresh ginger in hot syrup and carefully bottling. 

 Powder. Characteristic elements: See Part iv, Chap. I, B. 



CONSTITUENTS. Volatile oil, i to 2 per cent, (consisting of camphene 

 and phellandrene), and gingerol, the former probably giving to it 

 its aromatic properties, and a resinous, viscid, inodorous extractive 

 its hot, pungent taste; also resin, starch (20 per cent.), and mucilage. 

 Jamaica ginger yields about 5 per cent, of oleoresin, the East India 

 ginger about 8 per cent. Ash, not exceeding 8 per cent. 



