Galangal

Two types of this rhizome, both members of the ginger family, are available on the market and shouldn’t be confused. Greater galangal, native to Java and Malaysia and resembling ginger in appearance, has pinkish red skin with creamy white flesh, a dense texture and a gingery lemon flavour. Lesser galangal, a smaller rhizome with a more pungent, peppery aroma and fibrous texture, originated in southern China and is used predominantly in that country for its medicinal properties. (Greater galangal is also used medicinally to cure nausea and stomach ailments and to fight bacteria.)