Produce Briefs...
Garlic Flowers
Garlic flowers are essentially the flowering seeds of a garlic plant. They emerge at the tip of the garlic's above-ground stem. The seeds appear once the garlic has reached maturity or if the plant begins to bolt early
Banana Flowers
Exotic banana flowers are the red-orange to deep purple, pointed, compact heads at the tip end of a forming bunch of bananas. Each bud has large outer petals that protect groups of small white flowers
Seasons/Availability
Galangal root is available year round.
Current Facts
Galangal AKA Galanga, kah, Laos root and Garingal, is a tropical herbaceous plant and a member of the ginger family, cultivated primarily for its rhizome. Its appearance gives the first impression that it is, indeed, related to ginger. Both plant's roots are knobby, wild-shaped, fibrous and firm with similar textured and colored flesh. Their relation and appearance are where the general similarities end, though.
Description/Taste
Galangal's rhizomes are pale sand-colored with earth-toned rings on its semi-rough surface. Its flesh is ivory to yellow in tone depending on its maturity. It has a floral and spicy aroma with earthy, woodsy and mustard-like flavors with subtle citrus undertones. The root is often dried to spice form creating a more subtle version of its mustard-like flavor profile while bringing out its musky earthiness.
Nutritional Value
Galangal is an aromatic stimulant and carminative. Its stomach soothing properties make it a suitable aid for nausea. It possesses tonic and antibacterial qualities which make it a useful ingredient in homeopathic remedies.
Applications
Galangal root is used primarily in Asian cooking, lightly crushed or pounded as an aromatic to add earthy flavor to broths and soups. If substituting for ginger, use a smaller amount as galangal is spicier, with brighter citrus notes. To store, refrigerate in a paper bag in the crisper drawer, or grate the entire root, lay in a line on a sheet of plastic wrap, wrap and twist ends tightly, then freeze.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Galangal is most often associated with Indonesian, Malaysian and Indian cuisine and food culture.
Geography/History
Galangal is native to Java and China as there are at least two different sub species known as greater and lesser galangal. It is cultivated throughout the Far East and South Pacific. Domestically, it grows in warmer regions of California and Florida.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Aztec Shops Catering | San Diego CA | 619-594-7641 |
| Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Hard Rock Hotel Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-702-3000 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Misha Cafe & Juice Bar | San Diego CA | 619-795-3488 |
| Vine Cottage | La Mesa CA | 619-465-0138 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Galangal Root. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Galangal Root using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Whole Foods Market Near Austin, Texas, United States About 20 days ago, 5/30/13 Spotter's comments : Galangal Root spotted at Whole Foods Market. Fresh morrisons market street Near Dudley, United Kingdom About 73 days ago, 4/07/13 |
