What is Turmeric? All You Need to Know About This Potent Ingredient

Recently there have been many news reports and articles written about this spice, but exactly “What is Turmeric”? Well, the answer is much more broad and exciting than simply pointing to a tasty spice...

Even if you have never heard of the word “turmeric”, you are certainly already familiar with this rich and flavourful spice which is a common ingredient in many Indian curries and in a North African tagine.

Medicinal Uses of Turmeric

This is the key ingredient that gives these dishes their rich yellow colour and some of their intense aroma and flavour.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

The key ingredient it contains is curcumin. Recent research has shown that curcumin has anti-microbial properties which can boost your immune system and help fight off bacteria.

There are now studies being done to test its effectiveness in boosting the power of chemotherapy, while reducing some of the uncomfortable side effects.

Just a Few of the Benefits of Turmeric Include...

• It's been used in India to treat inflammation and the pain of arthritis

• As a natural antibacterial it can be used to disinfect wounds

• New research is showing benefits in treating and preventing prostate and breast cancer, as well as melanoma and leukaemia

• There are also promising studies into the role it may play in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

• The ancient Chinese used it to help modify depression

There are many, many more! Click here to read about some of these.

Facts About the Plant and Roots

Of course the answer to the question “what is turmeric” is actually found in the plant world...

It is part of the ginger family which is native to South Asia. Today, most of the world’s supply still comes from India and Pakistan, where it grows wild.

The spice itself comes from the plant’s roots, which are boiled and then dried, before being ground into the deep yellow powder with a flavour generally described as earthy, buttery and slightly peppery. More info on the plant.

It is a principal ingredient in almost all curry powders and in South Asia it's also often used in beverages, cakes and other sweet dishes for colouring. It is also a common ingredient in Persian and African dishes.

I recommend that you try and get hold of some fresh turmeric. Whilst the powder is excellent, the fresh stuff adds a really tasty, authentic flavour to your cooking.

If you are in Asia, you'll find this root sold fresh everywhere. If you're in the West, you usually have to find a specialist shop or head to the Asian supermarket.

Traditional and Religious Uses

Turmeric has been so valued in India over the centuries that it is used even to this day in religious ceremonies and weddings.

• It is used to appeal to the Hindu god, Ganesh, who is the remover of obstacles

• It's also part of a pre-wedding ritual in Bengal, where it is applied as a paste to the skin of the bride and groom

• With its excellent staining ability, it's often used in the textile industry for the dyeing of cotton and silk

• In times past, Monks' robes used to be dyed with the expensive saffron, whereas today they're more likely to get the yellow colour from turmeric spice

But if you are still wondering what is turmeric?...

...the best answer to the question may come from your palate. Head out and try some tasty Indian or Moroccan dishes for yourself, so you can see the value in adding some to your diet.

Sample some chicken tikka masala, some aloo gobi or some lovely lamb tagine, not just for your taste buds, but also for your health.

Links to Other "What Are Spices" Pages

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