Kaempferia galanga – Kencur

Description

Kaempferia galanga, also known as kencur, sand ginger or aroma ginger, is a tropical plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). This plant is especially valued for its aromatic rhizomes, which are used in cooking and traditional medicine.

The plant has broad, oval leaves that usually grow in pairs. The leaves are green and have a smooth texture.
The flowers are small and white with purple accents. They grow close to the ground and are often hidden under the leaves.
The rhizomes (underground stems) are the most valuable part of the plant. They are aromatic and have a sharp, peppery taste.

Kaempferia galanga is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and India.
Due to its culinary and medicinal uses, the plant is now also cultivated in other tropical and subtropical areas, including parts of Africa and South America.

The rhizomes are used as a spice in various traditional dishes, especially in Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai cuisine. They are often processed into spice pastes, soups and sauces.
In traditional medicine, Kaempferia galanga is used for its supposed anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties. It is used to treat stomach complaints, headaches and rheumatic pain, among other things.
The rhizomes are also used to produce essential oil, which is used in aromatherapy and perfumes.

The plant thrives best in a warm, humid, tropical climate. It is not winter hardy and cannot tolerate frost.
Kaempferia galanga prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
The plant grows best in partial shade to shade, similar to its natural habitat under the canopy of tropical forests.

The plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. During the dormant period (often in winter) it requires less water.
During the growing season, the plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Pruning is usually not necessary, but dead leaves can be removed to keep the plant tidy.

The rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga have a strong, aromatic scent that resembles a combination of ginger and pepper.
Like many other gingers, Kaempferia galanga has a dormant period, usually in winter, during which the above-ground parts die back. The plant comes back to life in the spring.