Turmeric (Hindi: Haldi) is curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. The part used in cooking is the underground stem (rhizome), boiled, dried and ground into a bright yellow-orange powder.
Origin and history
Native to South Asia. People in the Indian subcontinent have used it for roughly 4,000 years, in cooking, dyes and religious ceremonies. It spread along trade routes to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and eventually Europe. Today India grows and eats more turmeric than any other country.
Flavor and how to use it
Earthy, warm and slightly bitter, with a peppery note. It gives dals, curries and rice their golden color. Add it to hot oil or liquid, because raw turmeric powder tastes dusty. It stains easily, so wear an apron.
Buying and storing
Buy a small pot of bright, deep-yellow powder and use within a year. Store in a cool, dark place in an airtight jar.
In kitchens and traditions
Turmeric, from the root of Curcuma longa, has been grown in South Asia for thousands of years. It is used as a spice, a dye and a ritual ingredient: in Hindu weddings, a turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom in the haldi ceremony, and a yellow thread or spot of turmeric marks auspicious occasions. In Southeast Asia, fresh turmeric leaves and roots flavor rendang and curries.
Golden milk, haldi doodh, is a traditional bedtime drink in India, made with turmeric, milk and sometimes pepper. In Okinawa, Japan, turmeric tea is popular, and in Morocco, turmeric is one of the spices in ras el hanout. The pigment curcumin gives its bright color, though it stains fabrics, wood and plastic easily.
Good pairings and ideas
- Add a pinch to rice, lentils or scrambled eggs for color.
- Mix with black pepper and warm milk for a golden latte.
- Use fresh grated turmeric in pickles, soups and smoothies.
- Toss with cauliflower or potatoes before roasting.
Frequently asked questions
Is turmeric the same as curcumin?
No. Curcumin is one compound in turmeric, which makes up only a few percent of the spice.
Why add black pepper?
Black pepper contains piperine, which research suggests can increase curcumin absorption, though claims about health benefits should be treated with care.
How do I remove stains?
Wash quickly with soap and sunlight can help fade turmeric stains from fabrics.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have allergies, a medical condition or are pregnant, check with a qualified professional before using any food in larger amounts than usual.
Recipes that use it
- Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
- Chicken Biryani
- Chicken Shawarma
- Dal Tadka (Yellow Lentil Curry)
- Easy Chana Masala
- Easy Home-Style Chicken Curry
- Hearty Red Lentil Soup
- Indian Egg Curry
- Kanda Poha (Indian Flattened Rice Breakfast)
- Lemon Rice (South Indian Chitranna)
- Matar Paneer
- Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Olives and Lemon
- Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)
Photo credit: iKshana Productions on Unsplash.