What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. Unlike most herbs, what does Turmeric taste like? Ithas a warm, slightly bitter taste with a slightly peppery aftertaste.

Turmeric is used in both Indian and Thai cooking, and can be used in many other recipes as well.

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a plant that has been used for centuries and has a myriad of uses. It was first used as a yellow dye.

Then it became a popular culinary spice; currently, it is used for medicinal purposes. Turmeric has been used for centuries as part of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.

Turmeric is a plant that is part of the ginger family. It naturally grows in Southeast Asia, primarily in India. While the flowering plant looks much like a light-colored ginger flower.

Unlike most herbs, turmeric, the most important part of the plant is the rhizome, which is the portion of the roots growing underground.

The underground stem is where the turmeric powder for culinary uses is found and where the healing benefits are found.

What Is The Turmeric Flavor Profile?

Turmeric has a much stronger flavor than its family member, ginger. Because of its unique flavor profile, it is often called “Indian Saffron.”

Turmeric is used in numerous dishes around the world where the flavor is more popular, such as in Asia and India.

It is found in beverages, bakery items, ice cream, and yogurt, as well as biscuits, popcorn, and sauces.

In most cases, turmeric is used in ground or powdered form, but it can also be used fresh, as one would use ginger, but unlike ginger, it is very strong in its raw form, so a little goes a long way.

What Does Turmeric Look Like?

If you have ever been shopping in the produce aisle and spot ginger root, that is very similar to what turmeric looks like. It looks like a knobby root, and that is just what it is.

Ginger and turmeric are from the same family of plants, and in both cases, the root is where all the health benefits are.

What Is The Texture Of Turmeric?

There are two answers to that question. Turmeric can be purchased fresh and ground/powdered. Fresh turmeric has the texture of ginger root and may be mistaken for such.

Ground turmeric is powdered, just like many spices, and available in the spice aisle in most grocery stores. 

Types Of Turmeric

Even though turmeric is typically used as a spice in food, it can be purchased in several different forms. There are four key ways to find turmeric. As a root, a powder, essential oil, and a paste.

Most people purchase turmeric as a spice for cooking, where turmeric root and ground turmeric are most frequently used.

Fresh Turmeric

The appearance of turmeric root looks very similar to ginger root. In this form, it has a much stronger flavor profile than dried or powdered turmeric.

The fresh turmeric has a bright orange flesh with a bold, peppery, bitter taste. In most cases, it will be peeled before being used in recipes and used sparingly.

Fresh turmeric root may be difficult to find in many traditional grocery stores, but can usually be found in the produce section in Asian and Indian markets.

When choosing fresh turmeric, look for firm roots and avoid those that are soft or shriveled.

Ground Turmeric

Using ground turmeric is much more popular, in part, because it is more readily available and is ready to use. It is in powder form and is used in numerous different ethnic recipes.

In addition, many have found that turmeric powder does wonders for the skin, especially when treating acne, acne scars are reusing the size of pores. It can also be used as a face mask. Who would have thought of that?

Turmeric Essential Oil

Most turmeric oils are processed and only have about 7-10% raw turmeric. The oil is used as a relaxant and used externally on the skin.

Turmeric Paste

Often called Golden Paste, it is powdered turmeric combined with coconut oil and other ingredients. It can easily be blended into coffee, warm milk, and other beverages and food.

Where Do/Does Turmeric Come From?

Turmeric grows naturally in southern Indonesia and India. India grows nearly all of the world’s turmeric and also consumes nearly 80% of it.

Most of the turmeric produced in India is from the southern states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. 

In addition to these high-producing areas, turmeric is also cultivated in the states of Orissa and West Bengal and Maharashtra in the western part of India.

Is Turmeric Healthy To Eat? Are There Any Health Dangers?

There is no danger associated with consuming turmeric. According to Turmericsave.com, Turmeric has a wide range of positive effects on the body.

It contains curcumin, which offers numerous health benefits. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and effective as an antioxidant.

Turmeric is completely healthy to consume in normal quantities that you would use in food and beverages.

Many take turmeric in their daily supplements because of the numerous healthy aspects associated with turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin.

Are There Any Health Issues Related To Eating Turmeric?

When eaten in regular amounts, there are no health issues, but health benefits. If eaten in large amounts, it can produce stomach gastric acid, causing digestive tract irritation.

It can also cause blood thinning when taken in large amounts.

It is important to realize that these effects only happen when an excess amount of turmeric is consumed. There are no problems when using turmeric in recipes or taking supplements with turmeric as an ingredient. It has many health benefits.

As will all items you consume, a little or normal amount is fine, but too much of anything can have negative effects on the body and well-being.

How Do You Eat Turmeric?

Turmeric is mostly used as a spice in recipes; turmeric root is not eaten alone. While it imparts a great taste to many ethnic dishes, it has a very strong flavor that many do not care for.

A little turmeric goes a long way.

Turmeric is a popular spice, known for its health benefits, but it is not a spice that you will use by itself. The taste of fresh turmeric root is very strong and doesn’t taste very good.

It is best when used fresh or ground in food and drinks recipes.

Turmeric has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, and still is today.

Is Turmeric Good For You?

People use turmeric for several health maladies. The key ingredient in curcumin is known to have many positive health benefits.

Many believe it can help everything from heart disease to cancer, and degenerative conditions.

Here are some additional health benefits:

• The curcumin found in turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help treat various health issues like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and some degenerative conditions.
• Turmeric helps the body from free radicals due to its antioxidant benefits.
• Curcumin is believed to lower the risk of heart disease.
• Turmeric may help in the treatment of cancer by killing cancer cells and by reducing angiogenesis and metastasis.
• Studies have shown that curcumin-rich turmeric helps fight joint inflammation which causes pain in Arthritis patients.

Turmeric has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, and still is today.

How Can I Store Turmeric?

Ground turmeric can be stored in your pantry next to your other spices. Fresh turmeric root should be washed, dried, and wrapped in a paper towel, then put in a sealed plastic bag.

When prepared this way, the turmeric root should last about two weeks.

Can You Freeze Turmeric?

You can easily freeze turmeric root. When you get it home, wash it, dry thoroughly and place it in a paper towel and then a plastic bag.

Be sure to get all the air out of the bag to prevent freezer burn. The turmeric should last up to six months in the freezer.

When you are ready to use the turmeric, it may be slightly softer than it was fresh, but it will still be good. You can thaw it in your refrigerator or use a microplaner to grate the frozen root.

It is very easy to spot a turmeric root that has gone bad. If the root is shriveled and dried out, it is no longer good. Also, the opposite can be true.

If the turmeric is soft to the touch, mushy, or has a wet residue, it is also not good to eat.

These are good rules to use when you are buying turmeric at your local market. A good turmeric root should be firm to the touch with no signs of drying or being pliable.

How Can I Pick Turmeric At The Grocery Store?

Finding fresh turmeric can be difficult. Your best bet is to look at specialty stores, and Asian or Indian supermarkets.

The turmeric root should be firm, with no signs of mold or blemishes, which may be a sign of diseases or pests. Do not choose turmeric that is soft and pliable.

How To Ripen Turmeric

Turmeric should be ripe and ready to use when you purchase it. It is more important to make sure that the turmeric is fresh, it should be firm, with no bruises on the root and have a faint smell.

How Do You Open Turmeric?

You don’t exactly open turmeric. It is a root, so the most you will do to prepare the fresh turmeric root to use is peel it.

Can You Grow Turmeric?

Unless you live in tropical or subtropical environments, you probably will not be able to grow turmeric. It is frequently found in areas such as Indonesia and India.

Are There Comparisons To Other Products:

Turmeric is most similar to ginger. The flowering plants look similar and in both cases, the root of the plant is where all the beneficial health benefits are at. 

How Do You Cook Turmeric

Turmeric is usually not eaten raw, but added to foods.  Most agree that using fresh turmeric in your recipes is preferable to ground, dried turmeric.

It is also wise to use small amounts of turmeric in your recipes because it has a very strong taste.

Nutritional Value Of Turmeric

Nutritional Value In 1 Teaspoon

Calories 24

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0.7 g    1%

Saturated fat 0.2 g   1%

Cholesterol 0 mg    0%

Sodium 3 mg    0%

Potassium 172 mg    4%

Total Carbohydrate 4.4 g    1%

Dietary fiber 1.4 g    5%

Sugar 0.2 g

Protein 0.5 g    1

Vitamin C    3%

Calcium    1%

Iron   15%

Vitamin D    0%

Vitamin B6   5%

Cobalamin    0%

Magnesium   3%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Recipes To Try With Turmeric

Quick Table: 3 Recipes For Turmeric

If you have never tried turmeric before, it is best to start with recipes that use just a bit of the spice so you can get used to the flavor. The following recipes will help introduce you to this wonderful spice.

1. Morning Turmeric Detox Tea

This is a delicious way to start your day. It is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo, and the best part is you can mix up a batch to drink throughout the day or as a morning wake-me-up.

It only contains five ingredients, including 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric.

If you have not had much turmeric before, this is a great way to introduce it to your diet.

Calories Per Serving: 8

Preparation Time: 10 min

RELATED: 15 Delicious Chocolate Spice Cookie Recipes

2. Pan Fried Turmeric Lamb Chops

If you are ready to move on to using turmeric in your main dish, here it is.

Lamb is a natural when it comes to Asian and Indian spices, making it a perfect accompaniment for turmeric.

This is an easy recipe that is cooked in a sauté pan and ready in just minutes. If you are feeding your family or serving a big group, these lamb chops are easy to make, and full of delicious juiciness and deliciousness.

Calories Per Serving: 354

Preparation Time: 15 min

3. Turmeric Lentil Soup

Many consider this to be a detoxifying soup because of all the great ingredients, including turmeric, avocado, and sweet potatoes.

This is not just a delicious soup for the cool weather seasons, it is good any time of the year. Just gather your ingredients and start your soup brewing. You will not be able to resist the delicious smell that this soup imparts in your home.

Calories Per Serving: 120

Preparation Time: 20 min

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can You Eat Fresh Turmeric Raw?

Some people believe that raw turmeric may help with indigestion and heartburn, and some even say that it can help with irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers, but beware, too much can lead to stomach irritation.

Is Fresh Turmeric Better For You Than Powdered?

One of the key benefits of raw turmeric root is the compound curcumin. It is the main health ingredient in turmeric. While good quality powdered turmeric contains curcumin, the potency is much lower than the actual fresh turmeric root. 

When eating fresh turmeric, you are getting fresh curcumin at higher levels than you would get from the ground, powdered varieties found in the spice aisle.

How Much Raw, Fresh Turmeric Should You Take In One Day?

According to Clevelandclinic.org, you can safely ingest up to eight grams of turmeric per day. It is suggested, however, that you opt for a lower rate of between 500 to 1,000 milligrams per day.

Some believe that for the maximum absorption,  turmeric should be taken with fatty foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds.

What Is Turmeric?

Wondering what turmeric tastes like? Here’s everything you need to know about the taste and flavor of this popular spice and how you can use it.

Ingredients

• Morning Turmeric Detox Tea

• Pan Fried Turmeric Lamb Chops

• Turmeric Lentil Soup

Directions

• Pick a recipe from the list above
  
• Click the recipe name and visit the website
• Collect the ingredients and cook the food
• Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review

Recipe Video

• Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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