Comprehensive Guide To Turmeric

Turmeric, officially known as Curcuma longa, is a flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family. It is native to Southeast Asia and India and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. With an earthy aroma and a deep orange-yellow color, turmeric powder is a staple of Indian cuisine, and it is also used as a dye for the fabric of saris and robes of Buddhist monks. Turmeric powder is often combined with annatto to give extra color to cheese, mustard, chicken broth, and salad dressing, and it is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to saffron in dishes such as saffron rice. In the eastern part of India, turmeric typically flowers in early August.