Imagine stumbling upon an ancient plant with the power to combat inflammation, pain, and disease. Now, picture finding it in your local health food store for just a few bucks. Believe it or not, this golden-hued powerhouse is none other than TURMERIC!
A rich history in spice
Native to India and Southeast Asia, this golden spice has been used to give color and taste to food preparations since ancient times and has remained a mainstay herb in botanical medicine for thousands of years in the Ayurvedic tradition.
Turmeric unveiled - from spice rack to root form
With its pungent, earthy-sweet taste and a stunning golden-orange hue, turmeric is commonly found as a dried, powdered spice. However, it also exists in its raw, root form. The unprocessed root, resembling ginger, reveals a botanical connection as turmeric, ginger, and cardamom all belong to the Zingiberaceae family – the ginger family.
the curious case of cur cumin
Turmeric’s impact on health centers around curcumin, an orange-yellow colored, lipophilic polyphenol acquired from the herb’s rhizomes. Renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, curcumin plays a crucial role in preventing and treating various illnesses, ranging from cancer to autoimmune, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Bridging tradition and science
While turmeric has a rich history in Ayurveda and folk medicine, modern science substantiates its effectiveness against various disorders. Turmeric supplements abound in today’s market, but opting for the organic spice or root in your cooking ensures the healthiest and most bioavailable forms for our bodies.
culinary alchemy with turmeric
Unlock the potential of this golden spice in your kitchen. There are countless ways to incorporate turmeric into your culinary creations. As a general guideline, remember that 1 inch of fresh turmeric is equivalent to 1 tablespoon freshly grated turmeric or 1 teaspoon ground turmeric.
from herb to home - a golden milk recipe
To kickstart your turmeric journey, here’s a quick and delightful Golden Milk recipe. Make it a part of your daily routine and savor the goodness of this golden elixir. Enjoy!
Golden Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut (only use coconut milk for AIP recipe) or macadamia nut milk (or your milk of choice)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 tsp raw honey (or your sweetener of choice), optional
Directions
Add all ingredients to small saucepan and whisk to combine. Warm over medium heat until warmed but not boiling, whisking frequently.
Remember that turmeric can be staining to clothes and countertops, so handle the drink and its contents with care.
Citations:
- Turmeric, www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78.
- Kocaadam, Betül, and Nevin Şanlier. “Curcumin, an Active Component of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa), and Its Effects on Health.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2 Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26528921.
- Gupta, Subash C, et al. “Multitargeting by Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Kitchen to Clinic.” Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22887802.
- Han, Emily. “What’s the Difference Between Fresh and Dried Turmeric?” Kitchn, Apartment Therapy, LLC., 2 May 2019, www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-fresh-and-dried-turmeric-ingredient-intelligence-203090.
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