An Ode to Tasty Turmeric
Ah, turmeric. It can’t get any more super-foodie :) and we are so glad it is all the rage.
Known as the golden spice because of its beautifully brilliant color, did you know it comes from the root of a tall, flowering plant in the ginger family?
Indigenous to India, other parts of Asia, and Central America. It packs a savory punch — think earthy and mustard-like — and you can find it adding flavor to curries, salad dressings, and roasted veggies. Quick cooking tip, do not burn this bad boy, or use too much, as it’ll bring strong bitter notes to the mix.
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, religious ceremonies, and as fabric dye, and has become popular in health and culinary circles in the West. Most of the world’s turmeric -- nearly 80% -- comes from India, where farmers use traditional and organic techniques. This approach is rooted in sustainability and it also happens to be the most profitable way, too!
Like many ingredients from faraway places, it’s also just now catching the attention of the Western medical system and its benefits are being studied by tons of scientists. We’re big fans of the stuff and we’ve done our best to compile some of turmeric’s most powerful benefits! It’s a natural gold mine, and not just because of its color.
According to Healthline, it shows real promise in reducing inflammation and may help treat Alzheimer’s, depression, and arthritis. How? With curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric. Studies show that curcumin is key to its health benefits and even has a chance at fighting cancer.
Having trouble focusing? Some studies suggest that taking turmeric can improve concentration so you can crush your to-do list. I’s an excellent source of iron and manganese, and also has high levels of B6, dietary fiber, and potassium. The potential benefits of turmeric don’t end there. While the spice is centuries-old, but it might be the key ingredient to the fountain of youth. Beauty blogs are raving about turmeric face masks and their ability to improve skin’s radiance and help reduce dark spots and scarring from acne.
So how can you integrate this vibrant spice into your diet? The possibilities are endless! Try turmeric milk for a soothing, delicious, and warming drink during the chilly winter months. You can make it yourself or find it at Starbucks if you’re across the pond in the U.K. Toss back a turmeric tonic in the balmy summer months to cool down and detox your system. Brighten up your breakfast by adding a pinch of turmeric to your egg or tofu scramble or toss it up with your greens for a flavorful dinner side dish. At HoneyFlower Foods, we use turmeric in our Potato Cauliflower Curry dish, adding bold flavor to the coconut curry and seeded cracker.
What are you waiting for? Go grab some turmeric from your local grocery store and start adding it to your meal prep — and skin care — routine!