KYI | Turmeric

By Organic Fusion Kitchen

Turmeric promotes physical and spiritual wellbeing

Turmeric is a spice obtained from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, which belongs to the ginger plant family. Turmeric is used on its own and as part of curry and other spice mixtures. India is the largest producer and biggest fan of turmeric, the spice is widely used in their cuisine.

"The longer you let turmeric it fuse, the greater the health benefits to body, mind, heart, soul and spirit."

Niklas Christides

OFK Chefs Corner Tip

Turmeric is an absolute kitchen gem, it is suitable for all food and excellent for baking. Try 1 teaspoon of turmeric per 500 grams of meat, chicken or fish or per 1 kg of flour when baking. Turmeric should be used to flavour tea, juice and drinks like smoothies. Turmeric also pairs perfectly for seasoning eggs and egg based dishes; try combining turmeric with flower of salt flower when preparing fried eggs, a match made in heaven.

Did you know this about turmeric?

The quality of turmeric is the critical denominator, especially when it comes to health effects. The soil, the climate, the sun and the manufacturing process are important factors that have a direct impact on the quality of this spice.

Extensive research has shown that the Indian population, who consume a lot of Turmeric, have significantly less Alzheimer's disease and cancer than other nationalities. This also applies for ginger, which belongs to the same plant family as turmeric.

Turmeric is very real brain and memory food, that helps us calm down and stress less, crucial aspects for maintaining our holistic wellness and promoting our spiritual and awareness growth. Turmeric is also great for counteracting depression.

Why not try turmeric for natural hair colouring and dying. Turmeric has a very nourishing effect on the scalp and promotes its health. Turmeric is also widely used for dyeing fabrics and leather, and consequently can be used as natural paint as well.

Active Ingredients & Health Benefits

The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. However, curcumin is not the only important compound in the spice, for example essential oils such as turmerone and zingiberone also play an important role. These fat compounds enhance the absorption of curcumin and also have health-promoting properties, such as an anti-inflammatory effect.

Folklore & Legend

Turmeric 'the golf of Ayurveda' has been regarded for its amazing health benefits since ancient times especially in Indian health science, Ayurveda. In India turmeric is still considered the ultimate detoxifying, cleansing, digestive, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and liver treatment compound. In Chinese medicine, turmeric has been largely used used to treat liver and bile ailments.

Things To Be Mindful Of

Turmeric does have a blood-thinning effect, so those using blood thinning or anti-inflammatory drugs should avoid consuming large amounts of turmeric.

Pregnant and lactating women are also recommended not reduce turmeric consumption.

As a rule of thumb, it is important to diversify as much as possible and not stick to only a few spices.