Galangale

Imports from China, Thailand and others. The rhizome greater galangale is available from Chinese and South-East Asian stores and used in curries, marinades and sauces in those cuisines to impart a delicate, gingery note. The hotter root galangale, also called Chinese keys, is only available from specialist Thai shops and is used in similar ways. Habitués of Thai restaurants will recognise galangale as one of the essential flavourings in tom yam, a soup. Dried and powdered also available.