Appearance and distribution of galangal
Two very similar species are grouped under the name "Galangal". The great galangal (Alpinia galanga) comes from Indonesia and can be up to two meters high. Its rhizome - which can be used in a similar way to ginger - is whitish in color. The real or small galangal (Alpinia officinarum) reaches a height of up to 1.50 meters and can be recognized by its reddish rhizome. The plant has reed-like leaves, the roots are up to one meter long and form a branched rhizome up to two centimeters thick. This part of the plant is also the one that is used in the kitchen - primarily in Thailand, but also in Indonesia, China and India.
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What galangal can be used for
Galangal, regardless of the type, is used in a similar way to ginger. Pureed or in powder form, the spice is used in many Asian spice mixtures and pastes, for example in the classic Indian curry mixture. Sliced, the fresh rhizome gives Asian soups a sharp and slightly bitter taste.
This is how galangal can be grown
Growing galangal successfully yourself is not that easy, but with a lot of care it can also be achieved on the window sill at home. To start your galangal breeding, all you need is a fresh rhizome or a section. But you can also buy ready-made plants from specialized plant dealers. How to grow galangal:
- Plant the piece of rhizome or the plant in a pot with nutrient-rich and loose soil.
- It is essential to ensure good drainage, because galangal does not tolerate waterlogging.
- Nevertheless, the plant has a high demand for water.
- Not watering for two days can cause death.
- The nutritional requirement is also high, meaning you need to do it regularly fertilize.
- It is best to use a liquid universalVegetable fertilizer(€ 14.99 at Amazon *) on a biological basis.
- In addition, galangal needs a lot of sun, warmth and high humidity all year round.
- The plant needs constant warmth - it cannot tolerate drafts at all.
- Spray the plant daily with warm, lime-free water from a spray bottle.
The galangal plant feels most comfortable in a winter garden or greenhouse with appropriate conditions.
Tips
Did you know that you cannot buy other so-called “superfoods” for a lot of money in the store, but can also grow them yourself at home? This applies to goji berries as well as to chia seeds and the numerous local “superfoods”.
