Turmeric is a Great Spice and Supplement

The definition of a rhizome is a characteristically horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nodes. Rhizomes may also be referred to as creeping rootstalks. It grows much like ginger and can be used fresh to impart sauces with the coloring and mustardy flavor.

Turmeric grows wild in the forests of Southeast Asia and is widely used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. It has become the key ingredient for many Indian, Persian and Thai dishes, not only in curry, but in many more. Many Persian dishes use turmeric as a starter ingredient for almost all fry ups; which typically consist of oil, onions and turmeric followed by meats or other vegetables to complete the dish. In South Africa, turmeric is traditionally used to give boiled white rice a golden color. In Nepal, turmeric is widely grown and is used in nearly all vegetable and meat dish in the country for its color and flavor as well as for its medicinal value. This rhizome is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and other clinical disorders. It is also used as a dietary supplement. You may want to consult your physician before taking any new supplements.

When not used fresh, the rhizomes are boiled for several hours and then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder commonly used as a spice in curries and other South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, for dyeing, and to impart color to mustard condiments. Its active ingredient is curcumin and it has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell. In most cases the powder is what we will use here in the states.

Turmeric is also used in some commercial canned beverages, baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, sweets, cake icings, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc… It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders. Look at the ingredients labels, I think you will be surprised.

I use turmeric as a color and flavor agent at Morgan’s Restaurant and in banquets and catering at the Sheraton. I use turmeric also as it is good for the body and is said to be good for the memory; which at a business hotel where people are attending conferences and meetings, anything the chef can do to help them remember what they learned will go far. Ok, maybe a stretch there! The health benefit is a good reason to use this spice. Try it out. If you forget to use turmeric, perhaps you have not eaten enough. Good for the memory? YES! Sign me up.