The Wonder Spice –
Turmeric
(How
to use this amazing spice in every day cooking)
By
Author Alamelu Vairavan
Turmeric
is considered as an auspicious spice in India. Turmeric brings flavor and color
to food. The golden spice, mostly grown in India, is valued for its power to
bring beauty, good health and good luck to those who use it. Turmeric has been
used for centuries as a curative and cleansing agent in India.
Recently turmeric has gained a
lot of attention in the US for its potential health benefits. Traditionally
turmeric has been considered as a good digestive aid and it is known to lower
the incidence of certain cancers. Current research suggests “turmeric” may help
prevent arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cancer and a host of other diseases. (USA Today
1/8/07; Men’s Health, June 2008) The National Institute of Health has funded at
least eight studies investigating the health benefits of turmeric. The spice
and a chemical it contains, “curcumin”, are being investigated for their
potential to prevent and treat a broad range of diseases including cancer,
cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s and arthritis. The rate of Alzheimer’s in India is
about four times lower than in the USA, says Gregory Cole, a researcher at the
UCLA.
What is turmeric? Turmeric is a root of the tropical perennial
herb of the ginger family. The root spice is dried, powdered and is used in
every day Indian cooking. It is a primary ingredient in curry powder.
Color & Taste: The
intense yellow-orange colored spice is beautiful and is also referred to as
“Indian gold”. Curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric. On its own
it has an earthy, dry taste. Cooking with turmeric enhances the taste, flavor
and color of the food.
Where to buy turmeric? Turmeric
powder is available in regular grocery stores in the spice isle. A small bottle
of turmeric sells from 0.99 cents. A 10.5oz. bottle sells for $3.50. Turmeric
has a long shelf life.
How to use it? Turmeric,
as we have mentioned earlier, is commonly used in curry recipes. Here are some
simple ways to use it: When making an omelet or scrambled eggs, use ¼ teaspoon
of turmeric for each egg; or with any marinade use ¼ to ¾ teaspoon of
turmeric.
Alamelu’s advice: You
don’t have to wait to get turmeric as supplements. You can use turmeric powder
inexpensively in its natural form in every day cooking.
Recipe:
Seasoned Yogurt Salad with
Onion and Tomatoes
(Seasoned yogurt salad is a
refreshing accompaniment to any meal)
Preparation time: 15 minutes
1-teaspoon canola oil
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped tomatoes
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cup plain non-fat yogurt
- Place oil in saucepan over medium hot. When oil is
hot, but not smoking add cumin seeds. Let the seeds brown for a second or
two.
- Add chopped onion and tomato. Stir-fry for a few
minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add turmeric and cayenne powder and cook for a few
minutes. Add salt and stir.
- Transfer ingredients from saucepan to a mixing bowl.
Cool and blend in yogurt.
To learn more about the benefits of turmeric, click
here for a video from ABC News.
