What is "zingerone"

n. (context organic chemistry English) A crystalline solid organic compound that gives ginger its pungent taste.

Zingerone, also called vanillylacetone, is a key component of the pungency of ginger, but imparts the "sweet" flavor of cooked ginger. Zingerone is a crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water, but soluble in ether.

Zingerone is similar in chemical structure to other flavor chemicals such as vanillin and eugenol. It is used as a flavor additive in spice oils and in perfumery to introduce spicy aromas.

Fresh ginger does not contain zingerone, but it is produced by cooking which performs a reverse aldol reaction on gingerol.