Although sold with and classified with herbs, galangal root is actually a rhizome - a type of stem that grows underground and often sends out roots of its own. Ginger, which is related to the alpina galanga plant, is another example.
While ginger and galangal root may be members of the same botanical family, they taste nothing alike. Commonly used in the cuisines of Southeast Asia, galangal has an exotic flavor unlike anything else. It is described as peppery with overtones of pine and a hint of citrus. Dried galangal root is crushed into powder and used to flavor redang, the spicy Indonesian beef-and-poultry stew; c/s galangal root is mashed up into Thai curry pastes. The fruit of alpina galanga has been historically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote digestion; it is also used in Russia for the manufacture of a liqueur known as nastoika.
Wholesale galangal root is just one of the many bulk herbs for sale at Starwest Botanicals, where you'll find a large selection of quality organic herbs and spices for the kitchen. Our dried herbs are certified organic and are ready to use in your Asian and/or Mediterranean specialties. Many of our bulk herbs may have therapeutic properties as well; if you are looking for medicinal herbs, please consult a licensed herbalist, and then come shop our extensive inventory.
