A systematic comparative analysis of ginger-related varieties from three dimensions based on HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF MS and UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS

Ginger is extensively utilized in culinary and traditional medicine worldwide. This study presents a comparative analysis on ginger-related varieties from different species, growth stages, processing methods and geographical origins using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-Q-TOF MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography linear-ion-trap-quadrupole orbitrap MS (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS). A total of 120 volatiles and 377 non-volatiles were annotated. Metabolomics revealed 44 differential components to discriminate six Zingiberaceae species. Among them, ginger contained the highest levels of chemical components. Additionally, 44 components were found to completely distinguish two growth stages and four processing forms of ginger. As ginger matures, changes in volatiles become more pronounced, while significant differences in non-volatiles were observed across processing stages. Moreover, ginger from three regions was compared, and ginger from Western was found to have more abundant non-volatiles and a higher qualification rate (Yunnan 100 % vs. Fujian 33 %, Henan 15 %). This study maps the chemical profile of ginger and related varieties, providing insights for development of novel products and informing decisions in cultivation, production, and purchasing.