QUALITY EVALUATION IN GINGER (ZINGlBER OFFlClNALE ROSe.) IN RELATION TO MATURITY

Abstract

Yield of rhizomes (fresh and dry weight) as well as quality parameters like essential oils, oleoresin, gingerol, starch, protein and fibre were determined for 14 popular cultivars of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose.) at 150, 180, 210 and 240 days (Cull maturity) after planting. The maximum yield of fresh and dry weight of rhizome was obtained in cultivars 'Nadia' and 'Maran', Though the" percentage of essential oils and oleoresin decreases with increasing maturity t the final yield per hectare of these two quality components were maximum at full maturity. Cultivars 'Maran' , 'Ernad Chernad' and 'Nadia' are recommended for fresh rhizomes and 'Maran', 'Ernad Chernad', 'Karakkal' and 'Nadia' are recommended for the production of dry ginger. Correlation matrix involving maturity and percentage dry recovery, essential oils, oleoresin, gingerol and crude fibre are described.