Turmeric Curcuma longa Indian Saffron

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), also called Indian Saffron, a real treasure from mother nature,
is undervalued in the western cuisine.
In Asia Turmeric is widely used and is a main ingredient
of curry powder. Researchers found out that in India,
there are a lot less people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
It is expected, that the extensive use of Turmeric in Indian food
is the reason therefor.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant from the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) family and the used part, the rhizome is often misspelled as root. Turmeric has a bright orange color and is used as spice, for natural food coloring, cosmetics, in folk medicine and for ceremonial uses. The taste is often described as a bit bitter and peppery. The smell, while cooked is fragrant and mustardy. As Turmeric is meant to have possible benefits in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis and other diseases, it has an unpleasant sideeffect. Everthing, even steel knives, which comes in contact with fresh, peeled Turmeric rhizomes
will take on a yellow color, but no problem. Turmeric isn´t lightfast. To remove the stains just allow a short sunbath. As we know about the possible health benefits from Turmeric, we started to use fresh Turmeric rhizomes in many recipes. It goes very well with tomatoes, bellpeppers, many legumes and chili and enhances the color of sauces, stews and curries. Turmeric is in trade as fresh rhizomes and Turmeric powder. We prefer the fresh rhizomes, which can be found in Asia shops and Asia markets.

© The Foodist
Image: fresh Turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes, Indian Saffron
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

Plants from the genus Curcuma, commonly called Thailand tulips or Siamese tulips
are also cultivated as decorative plants, because of their magnificent flowers.
Nowadays there are also lots of Curcuma hybrids available.

© The Foodist
Image: beautiful Curcuma hybrid flower
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

Buy fresh Turmeric rhizomes online: