What is Galangal Root?

Galangal Root is the sliced dried rhizome of Alpinia galanga, greater galangal, a tall perennial in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Though it resembles ginger and belongs to the same family, its flavor is distinct: sharper, more piney, and slightly citrusy.

About the plant

Galangal is essential to Southeast Asian cooking. It is a defining note in Thai tom yum soup, part of the spice paste in Indonesian rendang, and a component of most Thai and Malaysian curry pastes. It is a different species from lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum), which is smaller and stronger. Its character is not interchangeable with ginger, so the two are used for different dishes.

Related herbs

• Ginger Root — a related rhizome in the ginger family.

Galangal Root: form & sizes

We carry Galangal Root as organic sliced dried rhizome, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Galangal Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Galangal Root at a glance

Botanical name

Alpinia galanga

Family

Zingiberaceae

Native region

Southeast Asia

Plant part

rhizome

Sourcing

Organic

Also known as

Greater Galangal

Form

sliced dried rhizome

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb