Aromatic, pungent, and spicy, ginger adds a special flavor and zest to any category of dish, particularly in Asiatic, African, and Chinese meat fries, and a variety of vegetarian dishes. This spicy herb is cultivated in several parts of the world, but India, China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Australia, Fiji, Jamaica, and Nepal are at the top, amongst them. Amongst them, India and China are the dominant suppliers to the world market. It originated in India and has grown in almost all the states. In India, it is grown in Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Orissa, Jammu, and Kashmir, and northeast states like Meghalaya, Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. More than 50% of total ginger production takes place in North East, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim states. Most ginger in North Eastern states is produced under organic conditions. India has identified/developed several superior and high-yielding cultivars.

Description of Commercially Grown few Varieties Shows the Varietal Characteristics of Commercially Grown Ginger

Some of the recently improved varieties are Suprabha, Suruchi, Surabhi, Himigiry, IISR-Rejatha, IISR-Mahima, IISR-Varada, Manantoddy, etc.

Variety/ Grade Classification for Dry Ginger in International Market

• Garbled Non-Bleached Ginger (whole)
• Un-Garbled Non-Bleached Ginger (whole)
• Garbled Bleached Ginger (whole)
• Un-Garbled Bleached Ginger (whole)
• Ginger Powder

AGMARK has specified Grade designations to indicate the quality of spices under the rules of Spices Grading and Marking Rules, 2005. As per these rules they have defined characteristics of spices (whole and powder) to control Quality.

The wellness of Ginger

Ginger has a long tradition as an effective herbal medicine in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Apart from being an excellent ‘carminative’, it is also an established intestinal spasmolytic agent.

• Gastrointestinal Relief: Ginger has an unbeaten success story in eliminating gastrointestinal disorders. It has also a proven record as very effective in preventing symptoms of motion sickness, especially sea sickness. Experiments have shown that ginger is superior to ‘Dramamine’ a commonly used drug for motion sickness.
• Effective Relief for Nausea and Vomiting: The anti-vomiting action and effectiveness in nausea especially during pregnancy in women has a long track record for ginger. It is a wonder drug in severe cases of prolonged nausea/vomiting like ‘hyperemesis is gravida ‘ a condition that requires hospitalization. Unlike common anti-vomiting drugs, which have some side effects, ginger is extremely safe and only a small dose is required.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds viz., gingerols, shogaols, and other phytochemicals. These substances possess remarkable relief in reducing pain levels due to these ailments and improving mobility when ginger is consumed regularly.
• Protection against Colo-rectal Cancer: Gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone, the main flavor components in ginger also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, as evident from clinical trials conducted at the Hormel Institute of Cancer Research, University of Minnesota.
• Immune Boosting Action: Ginger induces positive energy by giving warming sensations on a cold day but can also promote healthy sweating which is often helpful during colds and flu fevers. In that context, a cup of ‘tea’ made from fresh ginger by steeping two slices of 1inch each when taken daily can certainly improve the immune system and positive energy of the human body.