Turmeric has a long history in culinary use giving curries their yellow appearance & distinct taste. The main active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which is from a curcuminoid compound. Curcumin has a distinct mustard-like smell with a slightly bitter, peppery & earthy flavour.
While the health benefits of consuming turmeric have gained popularity recently, it is interesting to note that turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for over 4,000 years for a variety of conditions. Many research studies have shown that curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects on our bodies. Recommended for arthritis for its anti-inflammatory & pain relieving properties, turmeric is also an amazing anti-oxidant so will fight free radicals in our bodies which can cause disease. Turmeric is great for detoxing the liver & also provides anti-microbial effects.
What to do with your turmeric?
1. Add it to your cooking – fortify soups, mix with scrambled eggs, toss it amongst your roast veggies before cooking
2. Blend it into a smoothie or cold pressed juice – add a pinch of ground turmeric to your greens smoothie for an antioxidant kick
3. Jazz up a salad – sprinkle onto your greens or add it to your salad dressing. Turmeric is also great to add to a mashed avocado & seasoned with salt & pepper for a yummy sandwich
4. Brew a tea – Stir ¼ tsp into a cup of boiled water. Simmer for approx. 8-10mins & strain. Add some raw honey &/or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a delicious beverage. Or make your own traditional Ayurvedic brew
5. Add to your mustard – combine 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp fine celtic salt, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp water to ½ cup of ground mustard. Store in the fridge.
6. Make your own Golden Honey – mix 1 tbsp turmeric powder with 7 tbsps of raw honey. When you need an immune booster by dissolving ½ tsp of the mixture in your mouth every few hours.
Remember when buying turmeric to look out for cheap brands which are usually irradiated & grown with pesticides. Always look for organic ground turmeric or buy it fresh from your local markets.
