Availability and Selection

Galangal is available year-round in Asian markets and in some supermarkets serving a large Asian population. The rhizomes have pale, yellow-flushed skin, with distinct brown, ridged bands spaced equidistant along the thick stems. Pink-colored shoots often extend upward from the stem. Typically, the rhizomes are kept in a moist spot, often in a shallow pan of water. Look for firm rhizomes without soft spots, mold, or shriveling skin. If the clusters are large and you need only a small amount, ask to have a smaller piece cut for you, as galangal is considerably more expensive than ginger and doesn’t keep as long.