TURMERIC

DESCRIPTION

The dried root of Curcuma longa plant of the ginger family, Turmeric is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Being perennial and Rhizomatous, it requires between 20-30 degree Celsius and a good amount of annual rainfall to grow. The rhizomes are collected every year. They are either used as it is or boiled in water and dried. They are then powdered into an orange-yellow powder.

HISTORY

Native to Asia, Turmeric was initially used as a dye. However, since the discovery of its medicinal properties, it’s been used in Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese medicine, and other forms as well. India is known to have the largest number of species of turmeric with Thailand up close in the second position.

SPECIFICATION

Product Name	Turmeric
Origin	Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia
Family	Zingiberaceae
Binomial name	Curcuma longa

FEATURES & CHARACTERISTICS

Color	Orange-yellow
Taste and Smell	Bitter taste with mildly aromatic orange/ginger smell
Quality

INGREDIENTS

Nutrients	29 Calories 2.1 gm fiber 6.31 gm carbohydrates
Minerals	Iron Potassium Manganese
Vitamins	Vitamin C
Protein	0.91 gm
Fats	0.31 gm

USES & BENEFITS

Turmeric is a spice known to have multiple uses and health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the common ones -

USES :

•  Culinary -   Turmeric in the powdered form is used as a spice in a number of various dishes across the planet.
•  Dye -   The golden yellow colour of turmeric is used as a dye.
•  Indicator -   It is used as a chemical indicator to test for acidity and alkalinity.
•  Medicinal -   As a plant with medicinal values, Curcuma has plenty of use in home remedies and ayurvedic treatment.

TURMERIC USES & BENEFITS :

•  Anti-inflammatory medicine
•  Pain reliever
•  Antioxidant
•  Cancer treatment
•  Digestion