Turmeric is Terrific

Turmeric is that yellow powder you see in most Indian foods and in curry dishes all over Asia. It is a root just like ginger, which is dried and ground into a bright yellow powder. Although turmeric is one of the primary spices in an Indian spice box, it is only used in small amounts due to its strong, pungent flavor and its potent effects on the body. Turmeric is what gives a curry powder or paste its yellow color, and its potency has led to its use as a natural coloring agent in many foods.

Turmeric in India has always had a lot of traditional medicinal use. It was the first thing we were made to eat if we had a sore throat, in a mixture with some honey, as kids growing up in India. Up to this day some people drink warm milk with turmeric in the morning to boost their immune systems and prevent common infections. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric paste is used to cover wounds, acting as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric is great for the skin and has played a role in beautification since ancient times. You still see it used as a part of the traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, pithi, where the bride, the groom, or both are covered in turmeric paste before their wedding day, to give their skin an extra glow for their big day :)

Turmeric's health benefits more modernly have proven to be anti-cancer, anti-Alzheimer's, and anti-inflammatory. It is the Curcumin in turmeric that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be an anti-histamine. Turmeric is good for the liver and for lowering cholesterol, as it helps prevent blood clots. Scientists think that turmeric might be one of the reasons why Asians have low Alzheimer's rates in general.

In your cooking, this is also one of those spices where a little bit goes a long way. You should almost never use more than 1/2 to maybe 1 teaspoon of turmeric for family portions of most Indian dishes. Too much turmeric will make your food taste pungent. Also, remember not to get it on your clothes! While turmeric is a great natural food color, get it on your clothes and you'll have a food tie-dye forever!

Two of my own recipes using turmeric include Tandoori Tofu Kebabs and Yellow Hummus and Pita Chips. Give them a try!

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1

lawrence said:

I've been using Tumeric in potato curry for such a long time, I can't remember not making it without it. My children love it when I announce that I am making 'yellow' potatoes or using it with chicken. I'll support the practice that a little goes a long way and that it can make a talking point when you have yellow stianed clothes!

Posted at 08:06 PM, on November 3 2008

Turmeric is Terrific

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