Galangal, which is similar to ginger, is not only a popular kitchen spice, galangal root is also said to have healing properties.
Galangal is a spice plant that has been forgotten for a long time. Now the medicinal plant, which is related to ginger, is slowly fighting its way back into German kitchens. This is not least due to the popularity of Asian dishes. In the following the real galangal is discussed. There is also the greater galangal. The real galangal has an intense heat and is increasingly used as a medicinal plant. Greater galangal has a finer taste and is used as Thai ginger in Asian cuisine.Galangal - origin and use
Galangal is one of the ginger plants and visually it cannot deny its relationship to ginger. The real galangal (Alpinia officinarum) is also known as lesser galangal. The original home of the plant is on Hainan, an island in the South China Sea. Targeted cultivation takes place throughout Southeast Asia.
Similar to the related ginger, the bulbous rhizomes are used. These are usually dried after harvesting and then ground up. Galangal powder is an essential spice in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. There, galangal is often used as a substitute for ginger.
Galangal and Ginger - Difference
The relationship to ginger is clear both visually and in terms of taste, but there are still differences. Galangal is milder, tastes slightly sweet and has a peppery aftertaste. The differences are also clear in the fine aroma. Real galangal brings a fresh citrus note and smells of pine needles. Galangal powder stands out due to its warm cinnamon note.
Galangal - importance as a medicinal plant
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), galangal has a long tradition as a warming agent that stimulates heart activity. Merchants brought the tubers from the Arabian region to the western world in the Middle Ages. Hildegard von Bingen called galangal the "spice of life" and used the root to treat heart failure or digestive problems. In the past, galangal was added to habermus, a warm spelled porridge and served as an ingredient for bitters.
Today the effect of the medicinal plant has been scientifically proven. In a large-scale study by the Journal of Botanical Sciences - from 2015 - the following healing properties were confirmed:
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| anti-inflammatory | Galangal can be particularly helpful for arthritis or rheumatism. |
| antibacterial | Laboratory studies have shown that galangal is effective against various fungi and bacteria. |
| cholesterol lowering | In animal experiments with rats it was found that galangal can contribute to a noticeable reduction in cholesterol levels after just one month. |
| antioxidant | The ingredients have a strong antioxidant effect and help the body to ward off cell damage caused by free radicals. |
| anti cancer | The preventive effect against tumors became clear in animal experiments. Initial human trials showed a reduction in the spread of cancer cells. |
Galangal is said to promise relief for the following ailments:
- Fatigue
- Blowing
- Circulatory disorders
- Diarrhea
- Cold
- Heart Failure
- Headache
- Back Pain
- nausea
- Gingivitis
Plant Gakgant
➔ Find the right location
The tropical climate of its original home cannot be offered to the galangal in the home garden. Therefore, pot culture on the windowsill or in the greenhouse is preferable. A warm location is required all year round. Sun and semi-shade are preferred.
» Tip: Since the temperature fluctuations between day and night already affect the plant, cultivation in a greenhouse is preferable.
When planting, ensure that the container is large enough. The plant pot must be protected from the wind.
➔ Choosing the ideal substrate
In pot culture, the permeability of the soil is particularly important. The irrigation water must be able to drain off well so that waterlogging does not occur. A drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay can prevent moisture build-up and is placed in the bottom of the container before planting.
The plants only have a limited range of substrate available in the pot. It is therefore important to ensure that the soil is rich in nutrients.
➔ Planting galangal - step by step
- Select planter
- Prepare substrate
- Create drainage
- Fill in substrate
- Insert Rhizome
- Cover rhizome lightly with substrate
- Cover Planter
- Wait for budding
» Caution: The cover must be aired briefly every day. Otherwise mold can form.
The planter is set up bright and warm and sprayed with warm water every day. Consistent temperatures are important. Draft is not tolerated.
Galangal - Care
➔ How to pour galangal correctly
The need for water is high. In the growth phase, it is watered daily with warm, soft water. Once the plant has sprouted, the leaves are sprayed with a damp cloth several times a week.
➔ Fertilize galangal correctly
Due to the high nutrient requirements, fertilization must not be neglected. Fertilize at 14-day intervals during the growth phase and when planting in tubs. Outdoors it is sufficient to add a nutrient-rich complete fertilizer to the irrigation water every three weeks.
Propagating galangal
Galangal is easily propagated by division. For this purpose, the rhizomes are dug up in autumn, divided into sections about five centimeters in size and cultivated in separate planters.
Galangal - Diseases and Pests
The essential oils of the plant make galangal relatively resistant to diseases and pests. Galangal's biggest enemy is waterlogging. An excess of moisture quickly leads to root rot, resulting in plant death.
Harvesting and Using Galangal
If you want to harvest galangal, you will have to be patient. The tubers are harvested four to five years after planting. The rhizomes are dug up in autumn and should have reached a diameter of three to five centimetres.
Galangal can be freshly peeled, cut or grated to flavor Asian dishes. The fresh spiciness goes particularly well with vegetables and fish dishes. The rhizomes can also be cooked whole and give off their spicy-hot aroma to the food. Commercially, galangal is usually available powdered as a spice.