"Serving Premium Quality Ingredients Since 1986"

Galangal Roots

At Sterling Exports Inc., we are proud exporters of Galangal Roots, a prized spice in Asian and Oriental cuisines. Though related to ginger in appearance, Galangal stands apart with its unique citrusy, earthy aroma and hints of pine and soap in flavor.

Used extensively in Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Vietnamese dishes, Galangal is a key ingredient in soups, curries, and spice pastes. It is available in different forms — whole root, cut, dried, or powdered — ensuring flexibility for both culinary and industrial applications.

The fresh galangal root is hard and requires a sharp knife for slicing, while its dried and powdered forms offer ease of use. With over four decades of expertise, Sterling Exports ensures consistent supply, premium quality, and international-standard packaging for global markets.

General Product Details

Product Name
Galangal Roots (Whole & Grounded)
Botanical Name
Alpinia galanga
Family Name
Zingiberaceae (Ginger Family)
Appearance
Brownish-beige root, fibrous and firm in texture
Flavor & Aroma
Citrusy, pine-like, earthy with subtle soapy undertones
Forms Available
Whole root, sliced dried root, ground powder
Primary Uses
Oriental curries, soups, broths, sauces, spice mixes, medicinal formulations

Major Varieties

Whole Galangal Root
Sliced Dried Galangal
Ground Galangal Powder
Thai Galangal

Technical Specifications

Moisture Content
Max 10–12%
Essential Oils
Rich in cineole, galangol, and methyl cinnamate
Volatile Oil Content
0.5–1%
Purity
99% minimum, free from foreign matter
Shelf Life
12–18 months under cool, dry storage
Processing
Cleaned, dried, sliced/ground, fumigated, hygienically packed
Packaging Options
From 100g retail packs to 50kg bulk packaging – available in laminated paper bags, PP bags, vacuum bags, jute bags, laminated pouches, mono cartons, shelf-ready cartons, and private-label options.

All specifications meet international food safety and export standards.

History of Galangal Roots

The history of Galangal Roots (Alpinia galanga) dates back nearly a thousand years, originating in Southeast Asia. Often referred to as the “Spice of Life” in ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, Galangal was used to aid digestion, treat inflammation, and boost vitality. Arab traders introduced it to Europe during the Middle Ages, where it was considered a powerful spice for both cooking and healing. In fact, it was once called the “Spice of the East” by Saint Hildegard of Bingen, who praised its medicinal value. Over time, Galangal became a staple in Thai curries, Indonesian satay marinades, and European herbal remedies, making it one of the most versatile spices in history.

Do You Know? 🌿

Galangal is often called the “Thai Ginger”, though its flavor is sharper and more citrusy than ginger.
It belongs to the same family as ginger and turmeric.
Fresh Galangal is harder and denser than ginger, making it more challenging to slice.
In Thai cuisine, Galangal is a key ingredient in Tom Yum soup.
In medieval Europe, it was known as the “spice of life” for its medicinal qualities.
It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve digestion and immunity.
Galangal contains antioxidants and essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties.
Unlike ginger, Galangal has a piney, almost medicinal flavor that adds depth to curries.
It was a prized spice in Silk Route trade between Asia and Europe.
Galangal essential oil is also used in perfumery and natural remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Galangal the same as ginger?
No, while they belong to the same family, Galangal has a more citrusy, piney, and earthy flavor compared to ginger.
Q2. What forms of Galangal does Sterling Exports supply?
We supply whole roots, sliced dried roots, and ground powder, packaged as per customer requirements.
Q3. What cuisines use Galangal the most?
It is widely used in Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Vietnamese cooking, especially in soups, curries, and sauces.
Q4. How does Sterling Exports ensure quality?
We follow stringent sourcing, cleaning, drying, and packaging processes, certified under BRC, HACCP, ISO 22000, Halal, and Kosher.
Q5. Can Galangal be used for medicinal purposes?
Yes, traditionally it has been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for digestion, respiratory health, and inflammation relief.
We also supply Mix container of Spices, Grains, Oil Seeds and Other Agricultural Commodities as per customer's requirements.
Contact us