Galangal and turmeric may look similar at first glance because they’re both root spices from the ginger family. But they are quite different in many ways. They have unique flavors, colors, and uses.
What is the difference between galangal and turmeric? Galangal has a sharp, citrusy flavor, whereas turmeric has a warm, earthy taste and a bright yellow-orange color.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Galangal
– Definition, Features
2. What is Turmeric
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Galangal and Turmeric
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Galangal and Turmeric
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Galangal and Turmeric
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Galangal, Turmeric
What is Galangal
Galangal is a rhizome related to ginger. It is a firm, knobby root with pale skin and a tough texture. When you slice it open, the inside is usually white or light yellow. It belongs to the same family as ginger. It has a sharp and peppery flavor, with a citrusy, pine-like aroma. In fact, it’s much stronger and more pungent than ginger.
Moreover, there are three forms of galangal: lesser galangal, greater galangal, and light galangal. Lesser galangal is the most common form among them. It has a more peppery bite and tartness than other forms. Greater galangal is a larger plant and has a milder flavor. Light galangal is closer to true ginger in flavor.
In cooking, galangal is used to add depth and aroma to soups, curries, and stir-fries. It’s a main ingredient in Thai dishes like tom yum and tom kha gai. Galangal has been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine to help with digestion, inflammation, and respiratory issues. You can find galangal fresh, dried, or powdered in Asian grocery stores or specialty spice shops. Fresh galangal can be stored in the fridge for about a week or frozen for longer use.
What is Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow-orange spice that comes from the root of a perennial plant from the ginger family that grows in Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a deep golden colour and a mustard-like, earthy aroma and pungent, slightly bitter flavour. It is commonly used to flavour and colour food. In fact, it is an essential ingredient in Asian cuisine and is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. It is mostly used in savoury dishes, but it is also used in some sweet dishes. India is the number one consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
Turmeric is a root plant that grows underground. It’s dried and crushed into a powder form, which is commonly available in grocery stores. Although turmeric is mostly known as a spice, it also has a major role in natural medicine. Since it contains the chemical curcumin, it can help with inflammation.
Similarities Between Galangal and Turmeric
- Galangal and turmeric are rhizomes (underground roots) from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae).
- Both are used as spices in cooking, especially in Asian cuisine.
- They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
- Both contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- They are available in fresh, dried, and powdered forms.
Difference Between Galangal and Turmeric
Definition
- Galangal is a root spice from the ginger family with a sharp, citrusy flavor, commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking, whereas turmeric is a bright yellow-orange root spice with an earthy taste, often used in Indian cooking and known for its health benefits.
Color
- Galangal has a pale beige or light yellow inside, while turmeric has a bright orange-yellow color inside.
Flavor
- Galangal has a sharp, peppery flavor with citrusy and pine-like notes. In contrast, turmeric has an earthy, slightly bitter taste with a warm undertone.
Common Use
- Galangal is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines like Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian dishes, especially in soups such as tom yum. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cooking, especially in curries, rice dishes, and herbal drinks like golden milk.
Form Available
- Galangal is usually available fresh, dried, or sliced. Turmeric can be found fresh or in powdered form, which is more common in stores.
Health Benefits
- Galangal is used in traditional medicine to support digestion and reduce inflammation. Turmeric is well known for its compound curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Appearance
- Galangal has a firmer and tougher texture compared to ginger, with smoother skin, whereas turmeric has thinner roots with rough, darker skin.
Staining
- Galangal does not usually stain surfaces or skin. Turmeric, on the other hand, can easily stain hands, clothes, and kitchen counters.
FAQ: Galangal and Turmeric
1. Is galangal similar to turmeric?
Galangal and turmeric look a bit similar because they’re both root spices from the ginger family. But they are not the same. Galangal tastes sharp and citrusy, while turmeric has a warm, earthy flavor. They are used in different types of cooking and have different colors inside.
2. What is another name for galangal?
Galangal is often called Thai ginger or Siamese ginger because it looks like ginger and is widely used in Thai cuisine. In Malaysia and Indonesia, people call it lengkuas.
3. How can you tell the difference between turmeric and ginger?
You can tell the difference between turmeric and ginger by their color and smell. Turmeric has bright orange-yellow flesh and a strong earthy smell, whereas ginger is pale yellow inside and smells more fresh and spicy. Turmeric also stains your fingers, but ginger doesn’t.
4. Who should not take galangal?
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be cautious with galangal. People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners should also avoid it, since galangal might increase the risk of bleeding.
Reference:
1. Covington, Linnea. “What Is Galangal?” The Spruce Eats.
2.“Turmeric: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Lesser galangal Kencur Luc Viatour” By I, Luc Viatour (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Close-Up Shot of Turmeric Powder” (CC0) via Pexels
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