Galangal (aka petit galanga, colic root, catarrh root and lesser galangal)

Alpinia officinarum

Origin: China and South East Asia

Plant: Nov – Feb

Harvest: Anytime after 2 years (or 1 year if grown in optimum conditions).

With a spade, dig into the galangal clump from the outside and break off whatever root mass you can. Look for the curled, pink-coloured rhizomes; these range in length from 4cm – 7.5cm and about 2cm thick.  Use fresh within a week.