Fresh Thai Galangal: Young & Mature
Young and mature Thai galangal (kha) for tom kha, tom yum and curry pastes, exported fresh to distributors and food service buyers worldwide.
At a glance
- Botanical name: Alpinia galanga
- Thai name: Kha
- Origin: Thailand
- Availability: Year-round
- Formats: Young galangal, mature galangal, sliced galangal
- Shipping: Air or sea freight
Young or mature galangal: which do you need?
Young galangal has pale skin with pink shoots, a tender texture and a fresh, gentle aroma, making it ideal for soups and dishes where it is sliced and served. Mature galangal is firmer and more fibrous with a stronger, more peppery flavour, so it is preferred for curry pastes and long cooking. We supply both, plus sliced galangal for kitchens that want to save prep time.
How kitchens use it
Galangal is the defining flavour of tom kha gai and an essential part of tom yum. Pounded with lemongrass, chili, garlic and shallots, it forms the base of most Thai curry pastes. It is also used in marinades, Indonesian and Malaysian dishes, and infused drinks.
Product specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade | Grade A: firm, clean rhizomes without mould or soft spots |
| Format | Young / mature / sliced |
| Pack size | 5 kg or 10 kg cartons |
| Storage temperature | About 10–13°C at 85–90% relative humidity for whole rhizomes; keep sliced galangal at 2–5°C |
| Shelf life | About 3–4 weeks for whole rhizomes; a few days for sliced galangal |
| MOQ | 500 kg per order in total. You can combine any of our products to reach it. |
Packing and shipping
Young galangal and sliced galangal travel by air freight to keep them fresh. Mature galangal is robust and can also be shipped by sea in a reefer container for larger volumes. All formats can be combined with other Thai produce in a mixed shipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between galangal and ginger?
Galangal is related to ginger but tastes very different: it is sharper, more citrusy and pine-like, while ginger is warm and sweet. Thai recipes that call for galangal do not taste the same with ginger.
Can you supply sliced or peeled galangal?
Yes, sliced galangal is available for kitchens and food manufacturers that want ready-to-use product.
Is galangal available year-round?
Yes, galangal is harvested throughout the year in Thailand.
Request a quote or sample
Tell us your required volume, pack size and destination, and we will confirm availability and pricing for galangal. You can add other Thai herbs, vegetables and fruit to the same shipment.
Related products: Kaffir lime leaves · Lemongrass · Bird’s eye chili · Young coconut · Thai mango