Turmeric

Description

The rich, golden yellow-orange hue of turmeric brightens curries, grains, and condiments, and is a great alternative to saffron for coloring. Turmeric has a warm musky taste — a bit like ginger and pepper. It is a significant ingredient in commercial curry mixes. Blends well with coriander and cinnamon for a spicy rub. Turmeric is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well. Circumin, the source of turmeric's yellow, turns out to be a crazy-powerful antioxidant, which may have something to do with why this powdered root's been a star on the Ayurveda team and an Asian home remedy staple all along.