The Tropical Fruit Forum

Everything Else => Tropical Vegetables and Other Edibles => Topic started by: LivingParadise on March 27, 2017, 09:40:54 AM

Title: Torch Ginger
Post by: LivingParadise on March 27, 2017, 09:40:54 AM

Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) is delicious, and I have found the leaves to be edible while you're waiting for the flowers. But, it seems to need more water than my area has in the dry season. Mine died down, even with occasional watering. They were really happy in the rainy season though. Hoping they come back!

Anyone growing? The flowers are beautiful, and used as a vegetable in Mayalsian and other SE Asian cooking.

Note: they are apparently prone to potassium deficiency, so a little supplementation with bananas, coconut water, etc. would be beneficial...

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: Chandramohan on March 27, 2017, 10:42:29 AM

I have four colors, Pink, Red, Rose and White.

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: LivingParadise on March 27, 2017, 03:40:50 PM

Quote from: Chandramohan on March 27, 2017, 10:42:29 AM

I have four colors, Pink, Red, Rose and White.

Wow, I am so jealous! That's awesome! Is there a distinct difference in flavor between each color?

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: stuartdaly88 on March 27, 2017, 04:19:03 PM

Never knew these were edible? Is it a condiment like root ginger or completely different?

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: Chandramohan on March 29, 2017, 01:18:19 PM

It seems there is. The Indonesian friend who gave me the Red and Rose, told me that the Red one is the best flavour vise. But in Malaysia they use only the pink ones. I have not tried the others as only the Pink one has been flowering and the Rose one has just started. 

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: bsbullie on March 31, 2017, 08:05:44 AM

Quote from: stuartdaly88 on March 27, 2017, 04:19:03 PM

Never knew these were edible? Is it a condiment like root ginger or completely different?

You eat parts of the "flowers" or I guess maybe call them florets for lack if a better or more official term.

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: Chandramohan on March 31, 2017, 10:03:45 AM

You make chutney with the flower petals or chop the petals and add to clear soups.

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: LivingParadise on March 31, 2017, 03:30:52 PM

It's strong, so you can use it as a spice: http://blog.seasonwithspice.com/2011/09/what-is-torch-ginger-flower.html (http://blog.seasonwithspice.com/2011/09/what-is-torch-ginger-flower.html)

I really enjoy the taste of the leaves in stirfry or soup.

It also has a lot of great medicinal properties, like ginger.

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: Gambit on April 01, 2017, 08:28:33 PM

Where in S Fla did you get the plants? I'm planning a trip come July and would like to pick up a couple of the plants, esp. the pink and red.

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: LivingParadise on April 02, 2017, 12:26:29 AM

I shipped them from Top Tropicals when they were on sale. I'm not a huge fan of TT, but they didn't cost much, and it's not like I've found them anywhere else to have a choice.

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: Mike T on April 25, 2017, 08:57:40 AM

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=cairns+water+I+will+survive&view=detail&mid=0FF4B598C9D370617CB20FF4B598C9D370617CB2&FORM=VIRE (https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=cairns+water+I+will+survive&view=detail&mid=0FF4B598C9D370617CB20FF4B598C9D370617CB2&FORM=VIRE)
My local city advertises for water conservation and people not to overwater their gardens.Look at the animated singer.

Title: Re: Torch Ginger
Post by: Chandramohan on April 25, 2017, 01:12:21 PM

First flower on my 'Rose' torch ginger.
(https://s28.postimg.cc/qwfuexnqh/DSC06756.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/qwfuexnqh/)

(https://s24.postimg.cc/zeduqkhv5/DSC06760.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/zeduqkhv5/)