Galangal powder

Galangal, also known botanically as Alpinia galanga, has a rich history dating back centuries in South-East Asia. Native to regions such as Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia, this aromatic root has traditionally been used both medicinally and in cooking.

Over time, galangal was introduced to India and China, where it was incorporated into traditional medicinal practices, notably Ayurveda in India. It also gained popularity as a culinary ingredient, adding flavour to regional dishes.

Galangal played a key role in the ancient trade routes linking South-East Asia to Europe, notably the Silk Road, where it became a valuable spice in medieval European cuisine.

As an exotic plant, galangal thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It is generally grown from rhizomes, which are planted at an appropriate depth. The plant requires constant humidity and exposure to sunlight. Growing methods vary from region to region, ranging from open field to glasshouse cultivation under controlled climatic conditions. Galangal is harvested when the rhizomes reach maturity, generally after 8 to 10 months’ growth. This demanding crop requires careful nurturing and agricultural expertise to ensure a quality harvest.

Galanga has a unique flavour that combines notes of lemon, ginger and pepper. This flavour is both slightly spicy and slightly lemony, making it an aromatic and exotic spice. Galanga is less intense than ginger, but adds a subtle depth of flavour to many dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine. It is also appreciated the world over for its distinctive aroma.

Galangal is a natural flavour enhancer that adds depth and complexity to many dishes. Its use can enhance the taste of a variety of preparations, bringing out the natural flavours of ingredients while adding its own nuance of aroma. It is a valuable choice for chefs and food lovers looking to elevate their dishes with a distinctive natural flavour enhancer.

The use of Galangal goes beyond its role as a flavour enhancer. In fact, this root also adds a unique sensory dimension to cooking. Its slightly tangy, lemony flavour can create a subtle balance in dishes, adding a refined, exotic touch. In addition to its taste properties, galangal is valued for its potential health benefits, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both culinary quality and nutritional benefits in their preparations. Whether used in traditional dishes or innovative culinary creations, galanga remains a valuable ingredient for enriching the gastronomic experience.

Our Galangal powder is a convenient option for adding the exotic flavour of galanga to your dishes. Here’s how to use it:

In Currys and Sauces: Galangal powder can be added directly to your spice blends for curries, sauces and stews. It adds an exotic flavour to these dishes and can be used in place of grated fresh galanga.

• Sprinkle Galangal powder over your meat, vegetables or seafood before cooking. It adds a unique flavour to your grilled or stir-fried dishes.
• You can make a condiment by mixing galangal powder with other spices, garlic, chilli and salt. This can be used as a seasoning.
• Add a pinch of Galangal powder to your soups and broths to give them an exotic fragrance and enhance the flavours. It is commonly used in Asian soups.
• Galangal can even be used to flavour certain desserts, particularly Asian desserts such as sweet glutinous rice.
• It can also be added to gingerbread recipes for a unique flavour.

Galangal has long been used for medicinal purposes in ancestral Khmer culture. Here are some of the benefits that are thought to be associated with galangal:

Galangal is often used for its possible anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the body.

It is said to stimulate digestion by promoting the production of gastric juices, which may help relieve digestive problems.

Galangal is said to contain antioxidant compounds that benefit overall health by protecting cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Certain compounds present in Galangal have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which means it could help fight bacterial infections.

Galanga’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties could help boost the immune system.

It’s important to note that while Galangal has potential health benefits, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or adopting herbal supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

We recommend that you store galangal powder away from light and moisture, so that it retains all its aromas. The best way to store it is in our 50g tube made of food-grade kraft paper, which protects it from light, unlike a glass jar. You can use it with larger formats as a refill.

The food-grade kraft tube plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of Galangal powder. Its opaque structure provides an effective barrier against light, preserving the flavour and freshness of the spice. Unlike a glass jar, the kraft tube offers superior protection against the harmful effects of light, which can alter the quality of galangal.

What’s more, our 50g tube format is even more practical. It can be used as the main container while allowing easy refills with larger formats, ensuring continuous use and optimal conservation of your Galangal powder.

If you want to learn more on Galangal, you can read the article dedicated to this fascinating roots on our blog.