Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Processing of ginger & its medicinal uses

International Conference and Exhibition on Food Processing & Technology

November 22-24, 2012 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Ciba C

Posters: J Food Process Technol

Abstract:

Ginger (zinger officinal rose, 2n = 2x =22) is an important spice crop of the world. Ginger is usually available in three different forms: fresh (green) root ginger, Preserved ginger in brine or syrup, dried ginger spice or ground ginger spice. The processing of ginger products is an important practice in the food processing industry. There are two important factors to consider when selecting ginger rhizomes for processing; 1. the stage of maturity at harvest 2. native properties of the type grown. The processed products from ginger is ginger bread, ginger snaps, ginger sticks,ginger oil, ginger candy, ginger crystallized, ginger tidbits, ginger powder, ginger in syrup & ginger pulp, ginger oleoresins, ginger ale and can be found in a variety of foods and drinks. Ginger plays an important role in indiam Ayurvedic medicine as a folk remedy to promote cleaning of the body through perspiration, to calm nausea and to stimulate the appetite. Ginger tea is also used as a carminative and in the symptomatic treatment of colds. Ginger contains gingerol, an oleoresin (combination of volatile oils and resin) that accounts for the characteristic aroma and therapeutic properties. Components of gingerol (Zingiberone, bisabolene, camphene, geranial, linalool and borneol) possess beneficial properties for the treatment of poor digestion, heartburn, vomiting and preventing motion sickness. Other uses include pain relief from arthritis or muscle soreness, menstrual pain, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, and bronchitis. Ginger is also sometimes used for chest pain, low back pain, and stomach pain. Some people pour the fresh juice on their skin to treat burns. The oil made from ginger is sometimes applied to the skin to relieve pain. In foods and beverages, ginger is used as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, ginger is used as for fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. One of the chemicals in ginger is also used as an ingredient in laxative, anti-gas, and antacid medications.