Ginger: the spicy, citrusy rhizome behind bright top notes

Where does ginger come from?

Ginger is the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, a herbaceous perennial of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes turmeric and cardamom. Wikipedia's article on ginger traces its origin to Maritime Southeast Asia, where Austronesian peoples likely domesticated it, and counts it among the first spices exported from Asia to Europe. India is now the leading producer.

The rhizome yields an oleoresin, which holds pungent compounds such as gingerol, and an essential oil that makes up only 1 to 3% of the material, according to the French Wikipedia entry. Perfumers also use ginger absolute and CO2 extract.

What does ginger smell like?

Ginger smells spicy and bright, with a citrus edge. The IFRA Fragrance Ingredient Glossary describes ginger oil, absolute and CO2 extract with the same three words: spicy, ginger, citrus. IFRA places these materials in the broad spicy family, which runs from cinnamon to pepper, nutmeg and clove.

What does ginger do in a perfume?

Ginger mostly works as a top note, among the small, light molecules that evaporate fast and shape your first impression. Wikipedia's article on perfume notes names citrus and ginger scents as common top notes. That is why ginger pairs so naturally with lemon or bergamot, while its botanical family links it to cardamom. The club files it with the other spices in the amber family.

What else should you know about ginger?

• North American wild ginger, Canadian wild ginger, is not a true ginger: it belongs to another family and is toxic.
• The Class on the fragrance pyramid explains why top notes are the first to fade.