2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Krachai (Latin Boesenbergia rotunda) - a relative of ginger. It is this fact that explains its second name - Chinese ginger.
Where grows
Despite the fact that the homeland of this useful plant is the Indonesian islands, it will not be difficult to meet krach in Vietnam or Indonesia, as well as in Malaysia and Thailand. It can also be found in southern China or India, where it grows in lowlands and on dark, damp slopes.
Application
Krachai is most widely used in a very peculiar Thai cuisine. However, it is often used throughout Southeast Asia. Krachai is added to main dishes, soups, salads, snacks and sauces. The characteristic citrus aroma and incredibly mild taste perfectly emphasize the originality of a wide variety of dishes. It goes especially well with seafood and fish dishes. It is also added to the curry mix. By the way, quite often this plant is ground into a paste or cut into small pieces. Krachay differs from galangal and ordinary ginger in that it is not at all necessary to extract it at the end of the preparation of a particular dish.
And since krachay has an extremely low calorie content (only 80 kcal), it can be safely consumed even by those who follow the strictest diet.
Roach rhizomes are incredibly rich in calcium as well as vitamins A and B12. This combination can significantly improve the condition of hair and skin, as well as vision. It also helps regulate metabolism and boost immunity.
For medicinal purposes, krachay is used even by traditional medicine in many countries of the immense Southeast Asia. With its help, they get rid of stomach pains and improve the activity of the digestive tract.
The active substances contained in krach are endowed with anticarcinogenic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. And a wonderful tonic substance called Fingerrut is an integral part of Thai capsules that promote male health.
In addition, all kinds of creams and nourishing face masks are made on the basis of terns.
How to choose
As a rule, the terry sold by weight has the appearance of fresh whole roots, somewhat reminiscent of turmeric. Slightly less often, you can find this spice in the form of packaged chopped straws. It will not be difficult to distinguish the crumble from ginger - the crumble is chopped together with the brownish skin, and the ginger is always cleaned of it. You can also find ground krai on sale.
And in specialized stores this wonderful product will not be difficult to purchase in sets of spices and vegetables for making the popular Thai soup "tom-yam".
Storage
So that the crumbs do not gradually lose their valuable properties, it is important to provide it with proper storage. Pickled terry used as a seasoning should be stored in the refrigerator only in glass or ceramic dishes. In this case, its shelf life should not exceed three months. Ground roots are stored in strong sealed containers, and fresh ones - for five days in the lower compartment of the refrigerator. If you want to keep a valuable product for as long as possible, it doesn't hurt to use a freezer. Before sending it there, it is necessary to properly pack the krach, and for added convenience it is not forbidden to clean it and cut it into small pieces.
Contraindications
There are only two contraindications to the use of krying - a tendency to allergies and individual intolerance. Everyone else can eat this product without any fear.
