How do you use dried roots?

What are roots?

Roots are the underground part of plants, enabling them to draw essential nutrients from the soil. Rich in flavour and nutrients, roots have long been used in cuisines around the world for their aromatic and medicinal properties.

Dehydrated root chips are the result of a meticulous process carried out from the day they are harvested. The roots are selected by hand, then cleaned, peeled and cut into thin strips before being gently dried in a UV-protected environment. This process ensures that all their organoleptic qualities and health benefits are preserved, particularly the essential oils.

Why offer dried roots rather than fresh?

The answer lies in the constant availability of root petals throughout the year. Unlike fresh roots, which have to be imported regularly and can lose their freshness in transit, dried root petals offer a practical and sustainable solution.

How can dried roots be used in cooking?

Although they are often associated with infusions, there are many other creative ways to use them in cooking. Firstly, you can grind them using a spice grinder to incorporate them into your dishes. Whether sprinkled over a dish or used as the main ingredient, root petals will add an aromatic and flavoursome touch to your recipes.
What’s more, the roots or rhizomes can be rehydrated and used in the same way as fresh roots. For example, you can chop them up and add them to a curry or incorporate them into a pan-fried vegetable dish to enhance the flavour of your dishes.

Here are a few recipe ideas to make the most of these dehydrated root chips:

• Turmeric petals: perfect for infusions or to liven up a refreshing cocktail.
• Ginger petals: ideal for flavouring meat, poultry, fish or vegetable broths, or for preparing delicious caramelised pork with ginger, or even a comforting drink with lemon and honey. See also our recipe for cheesecake with dried ginger.
• Galanga petals: excellent for flavouring a broth or to be rehydrated and used like fresh galanga in your dishes like this poached eggs recipe.

Dehydrated roots offer a versatile and sustainable alternative for enriching your dishes with flavour and nutrients. Whether infused, ground or rehydrated, these dehydrated roots are an invitation to explore new culinary horizons while preserving the very essence of Cambodian terroir.