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Torch ginger

A fragrant ginger-family flower bud used as an aromatic herb in Southeast Asian cooking.

Torch ginger — illustrative ingredient image

About Torch ginger

Torch ginger refers to the aromatic flower buds of a tropical plant in the ginger family, used as a flavouring in parts of Southeast Asia. The buds are typically cut before flowering and used fresh, sliced or chopped; they may also be prepared in preserved forms. The name refers to the distinctive bud, not to ginger root.

The fresh bud has layered, firm bracts and a strong, floral, citrus-like aroma with a sharp, tangy flavour. Its crisp texture and intensity vary with maturity and preparation. It can be used sparingly as an aromatic ingredient, while pickled or cooked forms have a different texture and flavour from the fresh bud.

Ingredient type
whole food

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Where torch ginger appears

1 linked foods

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Main dishes

Ingredient connections awaiting review · Coverage is still growing, including packaged snacks.

Name examples awaiting language review. Confirm the specific food or product.

Local names for torch ginger

Names and romanised forms to recognise on menus and labels.

Malay

Bunga kantan

Available names only. Languages may be spoken in other countries; a name alone does not identify every ingredient in a dish.

Torch ginger nutrition & diet

Torch ginger nutritional value

Torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) · fresh edible inflorescence

Per 100 g of fresh edible torch-ginger flowers, per 100 g.

Calories
14kcal
Protein
0.4g
Carbs
2.5g
Fat
0.4g

Laboratory values for fresh edible flowers; locality and maturity can vary.

Fresh buds and pickled or cooked products differ in water content and preparation. Comparisons should identify the part used and its processing.

Dietary compatibility

  • Vegan
    Not established
  • Vegetarian
    Not established
  • Pescatarian
    Not established
  • Keto
    Not established
  • Paleo
    Not established
  • Low-carb
    Not established
  • Halal
    Not established
  • Kosher
    Not established
What these diet assessments mean
Vegan · Not established
The available profile does not establish the full composition or processing for this dietary pattern.
Vegetarian · Not established
The available profile does not establish the full composition or processing for this dietary pattern.
Pescatarian · Not established
The available profile does not establish the full composition or processing for this dietary pattern.
Keto · Not established
A defined serving and sourced carbohydrate data are needed before assessing this dietary pattern.
Paleo · Not established
The ingredient form and processing have not been assessed against this dietary pattern.
Low-carb · Not established
A defined serving and sourced carbohydrate data are needed before assessing this dietary pattern.
Halal · Not established
Sourcing, processing and any applicable certification have not been verified. A food name alone does not establish halal status.
Kosher · Not established
Sourcing, processing and any applicable certification have not been verified. A food name alone does not establish kosher status.

For the plain ingredient · Awaiting review. Diet compatibility is not allergy suitability or halal/kosher certification. Keto and low-carb depend on the portion.

Reviewed ingredient entryIngredient reference · Preparations vary

AI-generated illustration for visual context. It does not identify a particular product or establish allergen content.

Sources & review

Nutrition reference: Rachkeeree et al. (2018), Nutritional Compositions and Phytochemical Properties of Edible Zingiberaceae Flowers ↗. Values are scaled from 100 g of the recorded edible form. Individual portions have no assumed fixed weight.

Expanded overview, name examples and nutrition notes are database drafts awaiting editorial review. Numeric nutrition values, where shown, have their own source and food-form reference.

The ingredient description and dish connections come from the draft catalogue and may change after review.

Last recorded verification: .