What is the difference between galangal and Ginger?
What’s A Good Sand Ginger Substitute?
- Your best bet: Galangal (Alpinia galanga) Galangal is a close relative of sand ginger. ...
- A decent second choice: Ginger. Regular ginger is the easiest of the sand ginger replacements to find. ...
- In a pinch: Fingerroot. ...
- Other alternatives. ...
Why is galangal ginger root so expensive?
Ginger is generally softer and can be peeled and grated with ease. Some varieties can even be peeled with the edge of a spoon. Galangal is the more difficult spice of the two to find in the west and will be more expensive. Your best bet when it comes to sourcing it will be in an Asian grocery store; ginger can be found in almost any supermarket.
Is galangal and tumeric same?
galangal vs turmeric. Although these two look identical, they are not in terms of taste. Moreover, turmeric has a distinct yellow tint which galangal in no way replicates. Galangal actually looks more like ginger, and carries a piney and citrusy flavour, while still carrying that sharpness of the ginger.
What is galangal and how is it used?
While used as a spice and aromatic, galangal is a rhizome, which is an underground plant stem that sends out shooters to spawn new growth. It's in the Zingiberaceae family (also called the ginger family) and related to the spice ginger. It has a similar appearance to ginger, thin-skinned with tube-like lengths that branch off into nodes.
What is another name for galangal?
What is Galangal? Galangal is also know as Thai ginger or Siamese ginger (because it resembles fresh ginger so much), but it really is its own ingredient. It's commonly found in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cooking.
Is galangal and ginger the same thing?
Galangal is closely related to ginger and turmeric, and all three roots can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to your dishes. Ginger offers a fresh, sweet-yet-spicy taste, while galangal's flavor is sharper, spicier, and slightly more peppery.
What can I use as a substitute for galangal?
Vegetables That Can Substitutes For GalangalGinger. Ginger is not only a delicious spice but also a folk medicine in Asian countries. ... Fingerroot. Fingerroot is also known as Chinese ginger, and it does look like fingers! ... Lemongrass. ... Kaffir Lime Leaves. ... Turmeric. ... Horseradish.
Can you substitute ginger for galangal?
The best substitute for greater galangal is to use 1 tablespoon young, fresh ginger root with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. This is what you're most likely to have on hand. You can also use 1 tablespoon fresh chopped lesser galangal (probably even harder to find than greater galangal).
Is galangal sand ginger?
RICH AROMA AND FLAVOUR: Sand ginger is also called greater galangal. Sweet and strong aroma in between cinnamon and ginger best describes sand ginger. ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT: Sand ginger is one of the most common spices used in sichuan cuisine.
What Colour is galangal?
Greater Galangal It is native to Indonesia and grows about 6 feet tall and has wide blade-like leaves. The small flowers are greenish-white with a dark-red veined tip. The flowers produce red berries. Galangal grows as a perennial and the rhizomes, or roots, are what is harvested and used after about 1 year of growth.
What does galangal taste like?
Taste: Galangal has a citrusy flavor with a bite to it and a slight taste of pine, while ginger possesses a spicy, peppery flavor.
Is galangal a horseradish?
Galangal is often referred to as Thai horseradish. While both the roots from these plants can be used, they are completely different plants that both have bold flavor profiles.
Can I use dried galangal instead of fresh?
Fresh galangal can be found at many Asian grocery stores. You may also find dried galangal in large, woody-looking slices. These work wonderfully in many Thai dishes (see prep below for how to use them). Avoid dried galangal powder, which lacks the intense aroma and flavor of fresh.
What can you do with galangal?
0:516:40Ultimate Guide to GALANGAL - Hot Thai Kitchen! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can use galangal in three major ways and the first way is to slice it up into thin roundsMoreSo you can use galangal in three major ways and the first way is to slice it up into thin rounds like this and you see me do that. Quite often and then you throw these into a soup or a broth.
What can I use if I don't have fresh ginger?
In case, you don't have fresh ginger, substitute it with a tablespoon containing cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, or mace. Although nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and mace are delightful substitutes for ginger, you may think that the flavor is not exactly the same as when ginger is used.
What is the difference between ginger and galangal?
Their biggest difference is their taste: galangal has a sharp citrusy, almost piney flavor, while ginger is fresh, pungently spicy, ...
What is the flavor of ginger?
Its flavor, while also quite pungent, isn’t as strong as galangal’s. Instead it is mildly spicy and just a tad sweet.
Is galangal a ginger?
Galangal is also know as Thai ginger or Siamese ginger (because it resembles fresh ginger so much), but it really is its own ingredient. It’s commonly found in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cooking. The skin of galangal is smoother and paler than ginger and its flesh is much harder.
Is galangal stronger than ginger?
The skin of galangal is smoother and paler than ginger and its flesh is much harder. It can’t be grated like ginger can, but instead must be sliced. The flavor of galangal is much stronger too; it’s earthy, sharp, and extra citrusy.
Nutrients and vitamins
Galangal is a root that does not provide much energy; only 71 calories per 100 grams of product. However, most of it comes from carbohydrates, since it has 15 grams of the nutrient for every 100 of the food. It also concentrates a significant amount of fiber inside.
Health Benefits of Galangal
We are going to discuss the main benefits of galangal when it is introduced in the context of a varied and balanced diet.
Differences with ginger and turmeric
Galangal is often compared to ginger and turmeric, as these also have health benefits and fall within the group of culinary seasonings.
Possible Side effects of galangal
As a general rule, galangal is considered a safe food that does not cause side effects. However, in some contexts its use should be avoided, such as pregnancy.
How can it be consumed?
The most common is to find galangal powder or galangal root in specialized markets. In western countries it is not often marketed.
Galangal: a root with many beneficial properties
Galangal has several health benefits. It is recommended to include it in the context of a balanced diet, although it is often difficult to find in many cities and countries. You have to go to stores specializing in exotic products to buy this ingredient.
Where does galangal come from?
Galangal, part of the ginger family, is a savory and spicy herb originating from Thailand and China. It’s one of the only flavors to add spice without the presence of capsaicin.
Why is galangal used in leukemia?
Acute monocytic leukemia cells, a fast-moving leukemia that begins in the bone marrow, were exposed to a liquid extract of galangal in an effort to find a natural cancer treatment that wouldn’t damage adjoining cells , like dangerous chemotherapy.
What is galangal used for?
In Ayurvedic medicine and other Asian cultures, it’s used to calm upset stomachs, resolve diarrhea, reduce vomiting and even stop hiccups. Vs. Ginger and Turmeric. Often compared to ginger and turmeric, galangal has many similarities to these other two incredibly common dietary condiments.
How many calories are in galangal root?
One serving of galangal root (100 grams) contains about: 71 calories. 15 grams carbohydrate. 1 gram protein.
What are the effects of galangal root on human skin cancer?
All three compounds had an “antiproliferative” effect, meaning they stopped the growth of new cells.
What is the root of ginger?
You (probably haven’t) guessed it: galangal. This root, which is part of the ginger family, grows in various parts of Asia and is a staple herb in Thai cooking. The best part about galangal, though, is the way it fights to keep your body healthy.
When was galangal first used?
Galangal was cultivated before at least 1000 AD in China. In the late 11th-early 12th centuries, Saint Hildegard of Bingen (a German philosopher and Christian mystic) named galangal “the spice of life,” citing it as one of her very favorite remedies for various ailments.
What does galangal taste like?
Though galangal looks like common ginger, the flavor proves less spicy with more of a pepper backbone. There's also a citrus tinge to the rhizome that plays well with lemongrass and fresh fruits. This lemony side also gives galangal a bit of a cool pine taste, which can come out through its scent as well.
Where does galangal come from?
Light galangal comes from the Eastern Archipelago in southeast India, and this type is closest to true ginger in flavor. Of the three varieties, lesser galangal is the most common and easiest to procure.
How to keep galangal fresh?
Make sure no moisture gets into dried galangal or it can mold the rhizome. Fresh, unpeeled galangal keeps for a few weeks in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
How to cook galangal?
To cook with galangal, treat it a lot like ginger. Fresh galangal needs to be peeled, which can be done with a spoon or a paring knife. Make sure to mince fresh galangal well or slice into thin pieces since it's a dense food without much moisture.
Where do galangal plants grow?
Lesser galangal originated in China and has a more peppery bite and tartness than the other rhizomes. Greater galangal is a taller plant and grows in Indonesia, specifically the island of Java, and has a more mild flavor. Light galangal comes from the Eastern Archipelago in southeast India, and this type is closest to true ginger in flavor. Of the three varieties, lesser galangal is the most common and easiest to procure.
Is galangal a strong spice?
Because galangal is a strong spice, use it sparingly while getting a handle on how peppery it can be. In general, dried galangal is less potent than fresh, so keep that in mind too when cooking with the spice.
Is ginger or galangal drier?
True ginger is spicy and earthy with a bit of sweetness and moisture interlocked in the fibers. Galangal has more of a piney, citrus-tinged flavor and is denser and drier. Both can be dehydrated and/or powdered, and both need to be peeled when fresh.
How does galangal compare to ginger?
How does it compare with ginger and turmeric? Galangal is closely related to ginger and turmeric, and all three roots can be used fresh or dried to add flavor to your dishes. Ginger offers a fresh, sweet-yet-spicy taste, while galangal’s flavor is sharper, spicier, and slightly more peppery.
What is galangal root?
The word galangal refers to the root of several plants of the Zingiberaceae family. Lesser galangal, or Alpinia officinarum, is most commonly used. Similarly to ginger and turmeric, galangal can be eaten fresh or cooked and is a popular addition to many Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai dishes ( 2. Trusted Source.
Which spices are good for joint pain?
Research links all three spices to similar health benefits. Like galangal root, ginger and turmeric are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce joint stiffness and pain ( 28. Trusted Source.
Is galangal root similar to ginger?
Due to their similarities, galangal root may offer comparable benefits. Galangal root is closely related to ginger and turmeric. All three can be used to flavor foods and may offer similar health benefits. Yet, more studies have analyzed the effects of ginger and turmeric than those of galangal root.
Does galangal root help with vibriosis?
As such, galangal root may prolong the shelf life of certain foods. Also, adding fresh galangal root to your recipes may reduce your risk of vibriosis, an infection caused by eating undercooked shellfish ( 29. Trusted Source.
Is galangal root a good antioxidant?
R ich in antioxidants. Galangal root is a rich source of antioxidants, which are beneficial plant compounds that help fight disease and protect your cells from damaging free radicals. ). Polyphenols are also thought to protect against mental decline, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Does ginger help with diabetes?
Ginger and turmeric have been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease , the prevention of memory loss, and protection against age-related losses in brain function ( 7. Trusted Source. , 8.
What color is galangal?
The inside of ginger is yellow. Turmeric’s is deep yellow to yellow-orange. The texture of each varies too. While turmeric and ginger are easy to grate, galangal is too fibrous — almost woody, in fact.
What is the name of the rhizome used in Asian cooking?
Galangal, ginger and turmeric are all rhizomes commonly used in Asian cooking. Galangal on the left; ginger on the extreme right. All three are also used in herbal medicine. Ginger has long been used a cure of colds and coughs.
Is ginger the same as galangal?
Greater galangal and ginger are, on the average, of the same size. But the skin of galangal is smoother and with more pronounced “rings”. Turmeric, on the other hand, is smaller and the skin is darker and rougher. Once you peel off the skin, the interior of the galangal can be anywhere from white to pale pink. The inside of ginger is yellow.
Can you buy galangal in jars?
If you’re lucky, you may also buy them in grated form in jars. When buying fresh galangal, ginger and turmeric, always choose ones with the smoothest skin and with no dry and withered-looking spots.
Can you substitute ginger for galangal?
Bon Apetit and Food Republic are both grossly mistaken in saying that ginger is a worthy substitute for galangal. A DESPERATE substitute, yes, but not worthy. I know because until I was able to get galangal (either crushed in jars or dried), I used to substitute ginger.
What does galangal taste like?
Galangal has a very distinctive and powerful flavour, tasting somewhat like a combination of black pepper and pine needles. It has a slight sweetness, and a somewhat ‘medicinal’ quality that most find quite appealing. Fresh galangal has a sharp, very distinctive 'bite' to it.
What color should galangal root be?
Avoid roots with particularly wet or darkened cut sections. Freshly cut galangal root should be white with a slight yellowy or beige tinge, and may show pink or pale brownish-yellow areas. Frozen galangal is a good choice, and may be found in some Thai/Southeast Asian grocery stores.
What is galangal in bee products?
3,5,7-trihydroxyflavone). This chemical compound (which is also found in the bee-product propolis) has demonstrated anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-genotoxic (‘anti-cancer’) activities in cell cultures and live organisms.
Where is galangal grown?
USDA organic galangal is grown in Hawaii, but is not commonly available. Information about pesticide use in conventional galangal is limited, but the plant is known for being naturally anti-microbial and insecticidal, and most likely does not require much treatment.
Can you substitute ginger for galangal?
Because of this, any recipe that indicates that you can substitute ginger for galangal may yield a decent end product, but not one of comparable flavour.
Can you use galangal with ginger?
Galangal can be difficult to find, and some recipes will suggest that you replace it with ginger. Despite this, galangal and ginger are NOT interchangeable in terms of flavour. The two are related and are often used together or in similar cuisines, but they do not taste particularly similar.
Is galangal a rhizome?
Slightly papery rings on the skin are normal, as are small round 'eyes.'. Like ginger, galangal is a rhizome and is likely to have cut ends. These may be dried out a little, but shouldn't be soft or mouldy.
What is galangal in Thai food?
Galangal is considered as one of the top staples that one can find in almost any Thai home. Generally speaking, it is one type of tropical rhizomatous spice. There are four types of galangal, however the one Asian cuisines use for cooking is the Alpinia galanga. It belongs to the same family as ginger.
What is galangal used for?
There, galangal is vastly used for flavouring curries and soups, adding a robust, sharp and almost sweet taste. For example, you can use it in an amazing green Thai chicken curry recipe. In addition, it’s heavily used in the famous tom yum soup and tom kha gai soup. These are divine!
What is Thai ginger?
Thai ginger. lengkuas. romdeng (in Cambodian) kanghu (in Manipuri) pa de kaw (in Myanmar) langkawas (in the Philippines) laos (in Indonesian) or Thai ginger. As you can see, it’s very popular in these South Eastern Asian cuisines, and for a good reason!
Is galangal the same as turmeric?
galangal vs turmeric. Although these two look identical, they are not in terms of taste. Moreover, turmeric has a distinct yellow tint which galangal in no way replicates. Galangal actually looks more like ginger, and carries a piney and citrusy flavour, while still carrying that sharpness of the ginger.
Can you buy galangal root in the supermarket?
Now, galangal is not one of those things that one can purchase so easily in a supermarket. Unfortunately this root is slightly more difficult to find. To begin with, you will have to source a local Asian specialty store.
Can you mix galangal with ginger?
I am confident that in an Asian store, you’ll be able to find it fresh. There should be no chance of mixing it up with ginger or turmeric, because they just don’t look alike.
Is galangal a good substitute for galangal?
This is another excellent alternative for galangal. This is due to the fact that it belongs to a similar family to galangal. Often, it is mistaken for a variety of galangal. In terms of flavour, it is very pungent and is mostly used in fish recipes. It is known to have a neutralising effect.
