Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Though native to India and Southeast Asia: its roots are used both fresh and dried in cuisines within Malindi. Its signature marigold orange-yellow color gives an eye-catching boost to curries, tonics, and baked goods, and can also be used as a clothing dye. Flavor-wise, it is overwhelmingly earthy and bitter, almost musky, with a bit of peppery spice.
5 Health Benefits of Tumeric
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, curcumin- a property in Tumeric has proved beneficial in the treatment and prevention of ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease).
Turmeric, especially combined with black pepper, is used in capsule form to ease muscle strain.
The use of turmeric has been shown to ease the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, regulate blood pressure and blood clotting, help prevent inflammation leading to heart disease, and maintain radiant skin.
Tumeric stimulates a particular protein in the brain called a brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. Maintaining BDNFs becomes more important with age as things like Alzheimer’s disease become a danger. Higher levels can mean better memory and better mood.
While you shouldn’t expect turmeric to provide muscle tone in the same way as exercise, it has been shown to reduce the rate of growth for fat cells, and generally slow weight gain as a result of stress-induced cortisol.
7 Easy Ideas to Eat & Drink Turmeric
Use a pinch of turmeric in scrambled eggs, the color is familiar and the flavor subtle.
Toss it with roasted vegetables. Turmeric’s slightly warm and peppery flavor works especially well with cauliflower, potatoes, and root vegetables.
A dash of turmeric brings color and mild flavor to a pot of plain rice.
Try it with greens. Sprinkle turmeric into sautéed or braised greens like kale, collards, and cabbage.
Use it in soups. A bowl of vegetable or chicken soup feels even warmer when it’s tinged with golden turmeric.
Blend it into a smoothie. While fresh turmeric root is especially great in juices and smoothies, a pinch of ground spice is good, too. The slightly pungent flavor is usually well masked in smoothies.
Make tea. Simmer turmeric with coconut milk and honey to make an earthy and comforting beverage. Aka the pervasive and wildly popular “Golden Milk.”
Unknown facts about turmeric
The turmeric-based paste is used to beautify and enrich skin complexion.
A spoonful of turmeric added to the water in water-cooled radiators will stop leaks.
India is the world’s largest producer of turmeric powder as well as the world’s largest consumer of the powder.
Turmeric paste is a home remedy for sunburn and it is also an ingredient in many commercial sunscreens.
Where to find turmeric
Turmeric is a valuable asset in the home Kitchen or international cuisines within Hotels; it can be purchased locally within the Malindi grocery markets and food retail shops.
Cooking with turmeric
- Fish fillets
- Mutton/Goat Liver soup
