Does Galangal Go Bad?

Galangal is a plant that is closely related to ginger and turmeric. It is primarily used in Thai, Chinese, and Indian foods, much like ginger. The root component of Galangal is often utilized, and it imparts a spicy flavor to the meal.

Galangal, when kept correctly, may be utilized fresh or in powder or paste for a long period. The amount of time it stays fresh depends on where and how it is kept. If the flavor, smell, or look of galangal changes, it means it has gone bad.

How to store Galangal?

Although galangal keeps for a long time, it is vital to store it carefully to keep it fresh for even longer. The more moisture it loses, the quicker it goes bad, so keep it in a dry spot like a pantry or a refrigerator or freezer.

Galangal may be purchased in the following locations:

In a pantry

Galangal may be kept at room temperature outside of the refrigerator in a pantry. Simply do not wash it before storing it, and keep it in a dry spot in the pantry. If sliced Galangal is kept at room temperature in a pantry, it spoils faster than whole Galangal, therefore if you cut a piece of Galangal, consume it within an hour or it will go bad.

In the refrigerator

If you want to preserve Galangal for a longer amount of time, put it in a dry location in the fridge. You may put a whole slice of it in the refrigerator as is. It does not need to be covered, but if you must preserve a chopped piece of it or the paste form of Galangal, put it in an airtight container or a plastic bag. This will assist to keep the moisture in it and keep it fresh for a long time.

In the freezer

When galangal is kept in the freezer, it stays fresh the longest. However, freezing is not the best method for storing all types of galangal. Only the full Galangal and the paste form may be frozen, however the powdered form should not be frozen.

Can you freeze Galangal?

Although there are several methods to preserve galangal, freezing it is the best approach to retain it for the longest amount of time. Galangal may be stored in the freezer for many years, but it should be used within an hour after being removed.

Whole galangal and paste galangal are best kept in the freezer, however powdered galangal and a chopped or peeled piece should not be frozen since moisture loss would cause them to spoil soon. So freezing powdered or sliced Galangal is not a smart solution.

How long does Galangal last?

Galangal may be preserved correctly for a week to many years. Its shelf life is determined by where and how it is kept.

The whole Galangal lasts one week at room temperature, one month in the refrigerator, and one to two years in the freezer. If it is chopped, it must be utilized within an hour. Galangal rots quicker in hot weather than in colder weather because moisture loss causes it to spoil faster.

Galangal is only available in powder form, which may be kept at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 years. Galangal paste has a shelf life of 6 to 7 months outside of the refrigerator at room temperature and 1 to 2 years in the fridge or freezer.

How to tell if Galangal is bad?

The following changes will indicate whether Galangal has gone bad:

• Appearance: As Galangal loses moisture, its appearance begins to alter. It will change color, and its skin will get mushy owing to water loss. Even the interior of it will dry out. Mold may sometimes develop on it as well. Furthermore, the sliced pieces’ outside edges begin to darken, indicating that the Galangal has gone rotten.
• Taste: Galangal that has been preserved for an extended period of time begins to lose its flavor. It loses the peppery flavor of the fresh plant. When food turns dry and tasteless, you should know it’s time to toss it.
• Smell: As galangal begins to decompose, it begins to stink. If mold grows on it, it will begin to smell much worse. As a result, toss it as quickly as possible.

Sources

• Food Guys
• Health Line
• Food Guys