Similar to ginger, galangal has a sweeter fragrance and is not as spicy. Ginger is hot and more pungent flavor. They look identical but the galangal flesh is whiter, while the ginger has a slight yellow color.
Sold in Korean and Thai supermarkets.
To store in freezer, cut into smaller sizes before freezing as the root is hard to cut through when frozen. Cut some in slices, which you can throw into soup, and also in small chunks that you can grate to combine with other spices to make a paste.
