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Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Reg-Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for centuries as a colouring agent, often being substituted for the more expensive Saffron, hence its medieval name ‘Indian Saffron’. Good quality ground Turmeric should have a brilliant, deep yellow colour and a fresh, pungent, earthy flavour and aroma with peppery overtones.

It is a spice very similar to Ginger in habit, being a tropical plant that grows best in high temperatures and with plenty of rainfall. It is grown mainly in India, Asia and Africa. It is the rhizome, or underground stem, of a small bush, with long leafstalks.

Plants are gathered annually for these rhizomes, and re-planted from some of the rhizomes in the following season. First the rhizomes are boiled for several hours. Then, after being dried in hot ovens, they are cleaned or peeled to reveal their beautiful inner colour and finally ground to a rich, orange-coloured, powder.

In Asia and the Middle East, Turmeric is used as a spice in curries and for dyeing cloth. In the West it is used to add a rich yellow color and earthy flavor to pickles and preserves as well as cheese and mustards. It is also used in the West in curry powders and curry recipes for its earthy, pungent flavour and warm golden yellow colour. Whilst it is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative to Saffron, it does have its own particular flavour and aroma.

In Indonesia rice dyed with Turmeric is traditionally part of the wedding ritual.

Turmeric is also used to colour the arms of the bride and groom and to give a golden flush to the cheeks.

Hints & Tips

Sprinkle SFC Ground Turmeric into the water when cooking rice, to colour the rice a vibrant yellow.
Use it to season and complement vegetable, bean and lentil dishes with its earthy flavour and aroma.
Similarly use it in curries and add a pinch to creamy soups and sauces, especially for fish.
Use it whenever a dish will be enhanced by a brighter yellow colouring such as with relishes and mustard.
Stir fry sliced onion and cooked potatoes in a little oil and SFC Ground Turmeric for added interest and flavour.

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