ginger root

Ginger root, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, is the rhizome of a perennial plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. It appears as a knobby, beige to light-brown tuber with a fibrous texture. Its organoleptic profile is characterized by a strong spicy odor and equally spicy taste, making it a prominent natural spice. Known also by synonyms including canton ginger and zingiber root powder, ginger root is widely traded as whole or ground forms, often certified organic. It is principally derived from cultivated plants in tropical regions. This compound is linked to its PubChem entry(SID 135348368), which provides extensive chemical data. Its robust flavor and aroma underpin its extensive use in culinary and flavoring sectors worldwide.

Ginger root naturally occurs as the underground rhizome of Zingiber officinale plants, cultivated primarily in tropical Asia. It is widely applied as a spice and in other natural seasonings and flavorings. The compound has FEMA (US) designation number 2520 and is recognized for its spicy sensory attributes. It features prominently in baked goods, beverages, frozen dairy products, fruit ices, and meat products as a flavor enhancer. Beyond culinary usage, ginger root finds use in cosmetic products for skin conditioning purposes. Its versatility extends across commercial formulations, adhering to established guidelines and standards for use levels in various product categories.

The physical and chemical characteristics of ginger root influence its integration into diverse formulations. It is available in dehydrated or ground forms, facilitating ease of handling and consistent flavor delivery. The spicy odor and flavor stem from volatile compounds and oleoresins present in the root. Its stability under typical food processing temperatures makes it suitable for bakery and beverage products. The fibrous texture in raw forms differs from powdered preparations, affecting dispersion and sensory perception. Chemical constituents are responsible for the characteristic pungency, impacting formulation balance and sensory profiles effectively in both solid and liquid matrices.

FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
FDA Listing of Food Additive Status:	View
Wikipedia:	View

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
spices, other natural seasonings and flavorings
Recommendation for ginger root usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 3
Click here to view publication 3
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	2500.00000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	44.00000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	-
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	220.00000
fruit ices:		-	220.00000
gelatins / puddings:		-	-
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	-
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	1500.00000
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

ClinicalTrials.gov:search

Daily Med:search

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

zingiber officinale

Chemidplus:0977001389