Greater galangal

Greater Galangal (Alpinia galanga), also known as Siamese ginger, is a plant in the ginger family, native to Indonesia. It is one of four plants known as "galangal", and is differentiated from the others with the common name greater galangal (or simply Thai galangal). The galangals are also related to the ginger family.

Description

Greater galangal is a perennial plant with long, thin leaves, iris-like flowers, and reddish-brown rhizomes. The plant grows from rhizomes to a height of about 2 meters. The leaves are lanceolate (long and thin), and the flowers are white with streaks of red, growing from a tall, thin stalk.

Cultivation

Greater galangal is grown primarily in Southeast Asia, where it is used as a culinary herb. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and partial shade. The plant is propagated by dividing the rhizome into pieces, each with at least one eye.

Uses

The rhizome of the greater galangal is used in cooking, especially in Indonesian and Thai cuisines. It is used in soups, stews, and curry dishes. The flavor of greater galangal is stronger and more medicinal than that of common ginger.

In traditional medicine, greater galangal is used for a variety of ailments. It is used as a digestive aid, a treatment for infections, and as a general tonic.

See also

• Lesser Galangal
• Ginger
• Thai cuisine
• Indonesian cuisine