Galangal

SpiceRoot-vegetableAromaticCitrusyPineyPepperyCamphoraceousWarm

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories: 74
Protein (g): 1
Fat (g): 0.7
Carbs (g): 16
Fiber (g): 2
Sodium (mg): 13

Values for raw greater galangal; dried slices and powders are more concentrated.

Storage

Room temp: up to 3 days
Refrigerated: up to 14 days
Frozen: up to 180 days

Galangal is a firm, knobby rhizome with tan skin and pale ivory flesh. Snap-crisp slices release a piney, citrusy, slightly peppery aroma and hold up in long simmers; cooks typically bruise or slice it to flavor soups, curries, and stir-fries. Sold fresh, frozen, or dried in slices or powder.

Native to maritime Southeast Asia, greater galangal anchors Thai, Indonesian, and Malay cooking and spread across the region through spice trade. It is cultivated in tropical Asia and shipped worldwide for fresh markets and dried spice production.