What is turmeric?
- chandy Rodgers
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
Discover the origins, uses, and health benefits of turmeric, the golden spice
Turmeric has become so much more than a simple way of adding vibrant colour and flavour to the Western diet. It is now one of the most talked-about health-supporting spices. This blog series looks at what turmeric is, what its health benefits are, how to use it, and why some of us need to use it with caution.
Questions this blog series will answer include:
What is turmeric?
Turmeric comes from the root, or rhizome, of the Curcuma longa plant, which belongs to the ginger family. It has been used in cooking across India, South Asia, and the Middle East for centuries, and it has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
Where does turmeric come from?
Turmeric is native to South Asia, particularly India, which remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of the spice. It also grows in countries such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China, and Bangladesh. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained soil, making tropical regions ideal for its cultivation.
What does turmeric taste like?
Turmeric is most commonly found as a fine yellow powder made by drying and grinding the root. Its aroma is warm and slightly spicy, similar to ginger, and its flavour is earthy with hints of pepper and citrus.
In cooking, it is a key ingredient in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisines, especially in curries, rice dishes, and soups. It is also used as a natural food colouring because of its rich yellow hue.
What nutrient is turmeric best known for?
Turmeric's bright yellow-orange colour comes from curcumin, the compound thought to be responsible for most of its health effects. Curcumin is known for being anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which means it can help reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from damage.
In the next post within this series, we are going to look at 'What are the health benefits of turmeric?'
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