Turmeric
Turmeric, also called Indian saffron, is a bright and flavorful spice that comes from the golden root of the turmeric plant. Standing at just about 3 feet in height with milky white and milk flowers, the turmeric plant is most famous for its root-like stem, which look similar to ginger roots.
Turmeric is also well known for it’s healing properties and has been used in ancient Indian medicinal culture since 2500 BCE. Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance that lends turmeric its color and anti-inflammatory purposes.
Turmeric is a key ingredient in curry powders, chutneys, and mustard pickles. It also pairs well with chicken, duck, turkey, vegetables, rice, and bright salad dressings.
Turmeric is available whole or ground. Ground turmeric is very susceptible to light, so try to buy it in airtight container.
After opening, store turmeric in a cool, dark place.
Turmeric will start to lose its potency after six months, or even sooner if exposed to light or heat.
Give your smoothie a super-food boost by adding a pinch of turmeric and a teaspoon of coconut oil to aid absorption
Give your skin special treatment! Mix up a homemade turmeric face mask to brighten skin and soften wrinkles and fine lines. Mix one teaspoon of ground turmeric, one teaspoon of raw honey and one teaspoon of raw milk or yogurt. Apply to your face and neck and leave for 30 minutes.
Eating a fatty meal or black pepper with turmeric aid in the absorption of Curcumin.
Because the curcumin in turmeric can trigger a menstrual cycle, it is not safe to take Turmeric-containing supplements during pregnancy
Turmeric is very strong, a little goes a long way. The flavor also gets stronger when cooked, a little goes a long way.
Do not touch your clothes when working with turmeric! If it’s powerful enough to dye tunics for monks, it’s going to stain your clothes and wooden utensils!
A pinch of turmeric can be used as a substitute for saffron to achieve yellowy coloring, but the flavors aren’t very similar.
You can substitute 1 teaspoon dry mustard for 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a pinch.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and contains very strong antioxidants.
Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone that increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain. It also helps to prevent heart disease and prevent some forms of cancer, and depression.
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