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Ginger

 Latin Name : Zingiber Officinale
 Family : Zingiberaceae
 Nutritional Value : 12 g protein, 21 mg calcium, 0.5 mg iron, 90 IU vitamin A, 4 mg vitamin C per 100g serving
 Common names : Common Ginger, Cooking Ginger, Canton Ginger, East Indian Pepper, Jamaica Ginger, Jamaica Pepper
Ginger leaf

Ginger is a slender grassy perennial herb, native to tropical Asia.  The plant is widely grown for its edible rhizomes (underground stem), which have a distinctive scent and taste and is usually grown as an annual for harvesting as a spice.

The plant grows about 4" with tall, erect, dark green shoots and leaves around 3cm wide and 6-7" tall. The shoots grow from the branched aromatic underground stem (rizome). The rizome is yellowish brownon the outside and are covered with fine fibrous roots. The inner layer is pale yellow in colour. The small yellow-green flowers marked with purple speckles and cream coloured spots are borne in clusters in a separate leafless stem around 3" in height. Fruits contain small, black seeds and are rarely seen.

Ginger rizome is widely used around the world as a spice or food additive and marketed as fresh or dried spice.It is used as a taste maker and to add flavour to food. Besides its culinary uses, it is important for its medicinal qualities. It is an stimulant and helps digestion and circulation. Fresh ginger a fresh, cool ginger taste while the dried spice is hot and pungent taste of the dried powder.

Propagation, Planting and Harvesting : Ginger

Ginger is grown in all seasons through out the year. Most of the cultivars are sterile i.e flowers are rarely seen and is mainly grown for the rizome. The plant prefer rich, well-drained, sandy loam or clay soil and plenty of indirect sunlight and water. Generally gingers prefer shade, but it will tolerate full sun if adequate water is provided. Soil should be well draining and heavily manured with compost or dried leaf a few weeks before planting.

The plant is always propagated by portions of rhizomes known as seed rhizome or setts. Cut large rhizome into sections, making sure that each has some good buds or eyes cropping out. Before planting, wash the rhizome pieces in running water and plant these pieces on the ground about an inch below the surface of the soil. Water sparingly until the new growth sprouts occur.It will grow well in containers also.

The time from planting to maturity will vary with the climatic conditions.Plants should be allowed to grow for at least three to four months before the rhizomes are harvested. Ginger is harvested by digging out rhizomes when the tops have died down. The rhizomes are lifted from the earth, cleared of all adhering matter by washing, and then is sun-dried to help preserve them. The rhizome reach mature size 6-9 months after planting and the leaves dry down naturally. If left undisturbed, the rhizomes will sprout new buds and the plant will repeat the growth cycle.

Problems and Care :

Soft rot is the most destructive disease of ginger which results in total loss of affected clumps. Selection of well drained soils for planting is important for managing the disease, since stagnation of water may result in plant infection. Selecting healthy seed rizomes will prevent incidence of rhizome scales (Aspidiella hartii), plant parasitic nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp. and Radopholus similis) and bacterial wilt. Herbicide may also be used.

Weeding should be done regularly depending on the intensity of the weed growth. Mulching is also beneficial as it increases organic matter, conserves soil moisture and prevents washing of soil due to heavy rains. Flowered canes should be removed yearly.

Questions of
 Questions & Answers
 1.  Posted on : 26.4.2012  By  :  Geetha , Coimbatore View Answer (0) Post Answer
 

Sir, I would like to grow cardamom in my home garden. Is it possible to grow in this place? Where can i get the seeds or sapling?

 
 2.  Posted on : 4.9.2010  By  :  Radhika , Pune, Pune View Answer (2) Post Answer
 

What are Burdock seeds called in India and where can i get them here in India?

 
A1: 

Arctium lappa, commonly called greater burdock, gobō, edible burdock, lappa, ... Propagation is achieved through sowing the seeds midsummer. More : https://jkmpic.blogspot.com/2020/08/gobo-seeds-for-sale.html

  Posted By :Sheikh Gulzaar , Kashmir | On 16.9.2020
A2: 

In marathi it is called ghagra. Burdock is a plant that is related to the daisy family. It is also closely related to Echinacea, Dandelion, and Feverfew. Burdock is an herb but it is one that has been much neglected when it comes to getting attention. Back in ancient times the Greeks used the roots, the seeds, and the greens and used them for healing purposes. Throughout the Middle Ages Burdock was used for both food and medicine. Today, Burdock is still used for such things as easing liver problems and digestive disorders. It was also found to be very effective for cleansing the skin for problems such as acne and also to assist in digestive problems. To this day throughout Europe the stalk and the greens are still eaten because they hold such valuable nutrition and vitamin values. As more and more research is being done on Burdock many new and interesting discoveries are cropping up. A relationship is being examined between Burdock and its anti fungal and anti bacterial properties, and even more important it is showing signs of possibly being able to fight against tumors and could be a cancer fighting agent as well. Research has shown that since many of the cancer causing compounds are in almost all foods which are then eaten and stored in the human fat tissues that Burdock might very well be of help in fighting cancer because of the role that it can play in depleting these mutagens. Burdock is also very helpful in strengthening the immune system when it has become weakened by environmental factors. When mixed with other herbs such as Dandelion and Ginger it can be a very powerful blood purifier. The most unique fact about Burdock is that it has a very high amount of inulin which is a natural occurring chemical within the body that mimics actions of insulin. Because of this, Burdock has been successful in helping combat hypoglycemia and pre diabetes conditions. If you look for Burdock in the market you may find it called gobo instead as that is what some refer to it as. It is often combined with other vegetables or added to Tofu. Some boil Burdock while others sautי or deep fry it. Many have said it might not be such a good idea to look at Burdock before you eat it because you might change your mind about taking a bite. It looks thick, dark, and woody but indeed the opposite is true when it comes to the taste. Burdock is well recognized as a health food because it has low calorie content and a high fiber intake. It is also loaded with potassium, iron, and calcium. People claim that Burdock tastes like nothing else. In other words it has a taste all of its own. The best description that people can agree on when it comes to the flavor of Burdock is that it is sweet yet earthy, with a tender and crisp texture. It is often added to stews, soups, and stir fries. In the form of food, Burdock is highly nutritional and full of vitamins but in retrospect Burdock is also an effective herb for bringing the body back into balance.

  Posted By :Yashashri Joshi , Thane | On 14.3.2012
 3.  Posted on : 28.3.2010  By  :  Linda , Michigan View Answer (1) Post Answer
 

Can a Clove tree be bonsai or grow as house plants like bay leaf or allspice?

 
A1: 

Yes, Clove is a nice tree to plant in a house, Also you can maintain as a bonsai.

  Posted By :Rynco Orchids , trivandrum | On 17.4.2010
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