Targeted Metabolomics Reveals Tissue‐Specific Accumulation and Translocation of Bioactive Compounds in Ginger During Growth

Ginger exhibits plenty of biological activities and boasts a long history of use both as a spice and in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the accumulation and translocation patterns of bioactive compounds across various ginger tissues during growth remain poorly understood. Therefore, targeted metabolomics methods were developed to evaluate the changes of gingerols, shogaols, zingerones, curcuminoids, and amino acids in ginger leaves, stems, and rhizomes. The tissue‐specific accumulation patterns of 32 bioactive compounds and their associated metabolic pathways not only highlight distinct regulatory mechanisms but also reveal the potential of different ginger tissues as functional food ingredients or high‐value resources. The aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis pathway was consistently enriched across ginger tissues and played crucial roles in the translocation of substances across various tissues. New insights into the distribution and translocation of key compounds during ginger growth can provide valuable guidance for optimal harvesting strategies and product development.