Turmeric's warm aroma, bright color, and gingery/peppery taste are relied upon in cooking throughout Asia. It's best known as the spice that gives curry powder its distinctive color.

Also known as Indian saffron and yellow root, this bright yellow powder is the dried and ground rhizome of the Curcuma longa root, which is a member of the ginger (Zingiberacea) family. Turmeric is a tropical plant with yellow flowers and leaves that are dark green above and light green below. The rhizomes have a brownish-yellow, somewhat scaly outer skin and a bright orange-yellow flesh, which smells spicy when bruised. The health benefits of turmeric-- which has a long tradition of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicin -- remains a hot topic among natural health advocates.

According to the Wall Street Journal, research activity into curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is exploding, and supplement sales increased 35 percent from 2004 to 2005. Some studies show that turmeric lowers cholesterol, fights atherosclerosis, and provides antioxidants. It may also block the progression of neurological diseases like Alzheimers and multiple sclerosis. Other studies investigate its ability to relieve indigestion and other mild stomach upset, prevent cancer, and relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and joint inflammation Indispensable in curry powders and East Indian cooking, turmeric is also used in prepared mustards and pickles, dressings, eggs and rice dishes. A dye and condiment in ancient times, the common name for turmeric comes from the Latin terra merita, or meritorious earth, a reference to its mineral pigmentation.

The early Sanskrit name of turmeric, haridra, means yellow wood. It was used in cooking by the early Sumarians and Assyrians, who received it from India. Marco Polo noted in 1280 that turmeric grew as a vegetable with all the properties of saffron, though he recognized that it was another spice. It reached China in the 7th century and Africa in the 13th century. It was known as Indian saffron. Turmeric has been used in Hindu rituals. Even today, it's associated with fertility and prosperity. During a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, the bride has a turmeric paste "painted' onto her face and hands, for luck. Turmeric may also be used as a cloth dye and given as a gift on special occasions, such as a visit to a pregnant woman. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other traditional medicine systems practiced in India have relied on this pungent spice for centuries. It was also mentioned in early herbals as an ingredient in medicines.

Suggested Uses:
The golden hue of turmeric brightens curries, condiments, and egg, fish, and grain dishes. Its taste is warmly aromatic--a bit like ginger and pepper. In India turmeric is often used to color sweet dishes, while in Morocco it's used to spice meat, (especially lamb) and vegetables. It's used with fish, in baked goods, meat and meat products, prepared mustards and pickles, broths, cheeses, dressings, grains, egg recipes, and soups. Try it with artichokes and potatoes and in rice dishes. And combine it with coriander and cinnamon for a spicy meat or poultry rub.

Turmeric is native to Southeast Asia, but is cultivated extensively in India and Indonesia. Alleppey, a region and city in extreme southwestern India, produces two grades of turmeric sold on the US market. "Fingers", are appendages separated from the main rhizome and broken into 1-3 inch lengths. Fingers have a higher curcumin content (therefore, better color), more flavor (because of their volatile oil content), and are the best quality turmeric for grinding. The "splits and bulbs" grade are pieces derived from the main root. They are less expensive, but tend to be lower in overall quality (flavor, volatile oil, color), more fibrous and difficult to grind.