Turmeric(Curcuma domestica)
It is native of Cochin, China and East Indies and is widely cultivated in tropics. In India it is chiefly cultivated in Maharashtra, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Orissa. A large part is consumed within the country but a portion is exported to United Kingdom, USA..
The plant is a robust perennial with a short stem and tufted leaves. The pale yellow flowers are found in dense spikes, topped by a tuft of pinkish bracts. The rhizomes, which yield the colorful condiment, are short and thick with blunt tubers. They are cleaned, washed and dried in the sun. It is very aromatic with a musky odour and yellow color. It has a pungent bitter taste.
Uses: It is used as a condiment. It is used to flavor and color pickles, and food stuffs. It is one of the principle ingredients of curry. It used to control pitta.
Asafoetida(Ferula assafoetida)
It is a perennial herb. In India, it is commonly grown in Punjab and Kashmir. The gum resin, obtained from the roots, is known as 'asafetida of commerce.'
Uses: It is used for flavoring food products. It is also used in medicines in the treatment of asthma, cough and indigestion.
Ginger(Zingiber officinale)
The plant is an erect perennial herb with thick scaly rhizomes that branch digitately and are known as 'hands'. The arial stem reaches a height of 3 feet and remains surrounded by the sheathing bases of the leaves. The flowers are arranged in spike.
It is usually cultivated in moist soil, shady and tropical climate. The plant is propagated by rhizomes.
The rhizomes are pale yellow in color externally and a greenish yellow inside. The rhizomes contain starch, gums an oleoresin, and an essential oil as well. The rhizomes are dug only when the aerial parts of the plant have withered.
Uses: Ginger is used more as a condiment than a spice. The aroma of ginger is due to essential oil, where as the pungent taste is due to the presence of a non volatile oleoresin, gingerin. The rhizomes are also used in medicines as a carminative and a digestive stimulant. Ginger is exceedingly used for flavoring beverages, such as ginger beer and ginger malt.