Kolo Kai Organic Farm, a 10-acre certified organic farm in Moloaa, specializes in growing turmeric and three varieties of ginger. The Ferris’s began growing organic fruits and vegetables in 1980. Since 1999, fresh ginger has been their primary product. What’s growing
Kolo Kai Organic Farm, a 10-acre certified organic farm in Moloaa, specializes in growing turmeric and three varieties of ginger. The Ferris’s began growing organic fruits and vegetables in 1980. Since 1999, fresh ginger has been their primary product.
What’s growing now
Apple bananas, avocado, citrus, galangal (Thai ginger), parsley, sweet potatoes, turmeric, white ginger, yellow ginger.
Galangal
Galangal is a close relative of ginger and a primary ingredient in the foods of Indonesia and Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand. The flavor is similar to ginger, with floral notes and pronounced heat. In Europe, the root has been used for over 1,000 years and was likely introduced by Arabian or Greek physicians.
Season
On Kauai, galangal grows year-round.
What to look for
Select fresh rhizomes that are crisp, evenly colored, and have taut skin.
Storage:
Keep unpeeled roots in a plastic bag or airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to two weeks.
Health benefits
As a stimulant and carminative, it is especially useful for flatulence, dyspepsia, vomiting, upset stomach and seasickness. In Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medical system of India, galangal is used to clear the mind and boost metabolism.
Preparation
Galangal is combined with ginger and lemongrass in Thai cooking, and white pepper and/or cayenne for seasoning fish, meat or poultry. It is used in Thai soups such as Lao tom yum and tom kha gai. In Russia, it’s used to flavor vinegar and the liqueur nastoika. In Lithuania and Esthonia, galangal is a favorite spice and medicine. When cutting, use a sharp knife, as roots are tough and difficult to break.
Kolo Kai Organic Farm produce can be found at
Grocery: Papaya’s Natural Foods and Cafe, Hoku Foods Natural Market, Harvest Market. Farmers Markets: Waipa on Tuesdays and Kilauea on Thursdays. Restaurants: Kauai Ono. Call 828-1712 for details.
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Marta Lane, a food writer on Kauai since 2010, offers farm to fork food tours and is the author of Tasting Kauai: Restaurants – From Food Trucks to Fine Dining, A Guide to Eating Well on the Garden Island. For more information, visit TastingKauai.com.
Where can we buy galangal on oahu, Waianae area?
Bob