Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, which is mainly cultivated in the tropical parts of India. It requires temperatures between 20 and 30 °C (68 and 86 °F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. The flowering time is usually in August.
The plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes (roots), which take about ten months to grow. When not used fresh the turmeric rhizomes are boiled in water for about 30–45 minutes, cleaned, dried in hot ovens, and ground into a deep-orange-yellow powder.
The rootstock of turmeric has been used as a natural dye by the food industry for centuries. The mustard condiment's striking yellow color comes from turmeric.
Though turmeric makes a poor fabric dye, as it is not very light fast, it is commonly used in Indian clothing, such as saris and Buddhist monks' robes.
Turmeric powder is also used as a flavoring agent in the Indian subcontinent, especially for curries. Turmeric has a black pepper-like flavor and mustard-like aroma.
Curcumin - turmeric's active ingredient – has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. It has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Studies have shown turmeric is an effective painkiller and also reduces the risk of lung disease, Alzheimer's, heart disease and depression.
 |
| Flower of turmeric. By SKsiddhartthan |
The plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes (roots), which take about ten months to grow. When not used fresh the turmeric rhizomes are boiled in water for about 30–45 minutes, cleaned, dried in hot ovens, and ground into a deep-orange-yellow powder.
The rootstock of turmeric has been used as a natural dye by the food industry for centuries. The mustard condiment's striking yellow color comes from turmeric.
 |
| Pixiebay |
Though turmeric makes a poor fabric dye, as it is not very light fast, it is commonly used in Indian clothing, such as saris and Buddhist monks' robes.
Turmeric powder is also used as a flavoring agent in the Indian subcontinent, especially for curries. Turmeric has a black pepper-like flavor and mustard-like aroma.
Curcumin - turmeric's active ingredient – has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. It has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Studies have shown turmeric is an effective painkiller and also reduces the risk of lung disease, Alzheimer's, heart disease and depression.
No comments:
Post a Comment