Turmeric Powder Turmeric Root
Turmeric (Hindi name: Haldi) is a underground stem of a ginger-like plant. It is grown in India, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Java, Peru, Australia and the West Indies. It is a bright yellow spice with a pungent flavor.
The turmeric family is Zingiberaceae, the ginger family. Its turmeric in other languages is
Haridra (Sanskrit), Haldi, halada (Hindi, Bengali, Gujurati, Marathi), Pasapu (Telugu), Manjal (Tamil) and Arishina (Kannada).
Turmeric is a mild digestive, a stimulant, and a carminative. It has healing and antiseptic properties. In India powdered turmeric is used in Beauty recipes as a cosmetic to improve complexion. Photo estrogens present in turmeric are helpful in protection against breast cancer. It is used in treating arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. It is beneficial in reducing blood cholesterol, ulcers, dysentery diarrhea, sore throat, indigestion, etc. The use of turmeric in daily diet can improve body's immunity. Curcumin that gives the yellow color to turmeric can inhibit the growth of melanoma cancer cells (Skin cancer) and cause cancer cells to self-destruct, according to a recent study (2005) carried out by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
Turmeric's rhizome and root have also been used for parasitic infections, ulcers, sprains, bruises, inflammation of the joints, cold.
Turmeric is mostly used in ground form. The powder will maintain its colouring properties indefinitely though the flavour will diminish over time so it is good to buy in moderation.
An important spice for many vegetable curries, rice preparation and other dishes. In some part of India, turmeric root is used to make a tasty vegetable dish. It is a most important spice in Indian recipes.
Nutritional Values of Turmeric
Parameters | Value per 100g |
| Moisture Protein Fat Minerals Fibre Carbohydrates Energy Calcium Phosphorus Iron | 13.100 gm 6.300 gm 5.100 gm 3.500 gm 2.600 gm 69.400 gm 349.000 K cal 150.000 mg 282.000 mg 67.800 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Carotene Thiamine Niacin Folic Acid (Free) Folic Acid (Total) | 30.000 µg 0.030 mg 2.300 mg 10.000 µg 18.000 µg |
| Minerals & Trace Elements | |
| Magnesium Copper Manganese Zinc Chromium Phytin Phosphorus | 278.000 mg 0.390 mg 8.380 mg 2.720 mg 0.069 mg 97.000 mg |
Source: National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad, India
How to Store Turmeric
Buy turmeric root or finely ground powder, look for rich yellow color.
Turmeric spice should be stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place. Turmeric spice lose its potency due to heat, light, and air.
As a general rule follow the following guideline for storing the spices: Whole Turmeric corns: 5 years
Ground turmeric spice: 6 months
Never store turmeric spices in refrigerator, humidity will destroy it.