Turmeric: what is it and what is turmeric good for?

Turmeric has become enormously popular in recent years. But what exactly is turmeric?

Turmeric is an orange-yellow spice obtained from the root of the plant Curcuma longa. You may also know it by the names yellow root, koenjit, kunyit or tarmeriek. The plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions and has been an important part of Asian cuisine for centuries.

Besides being an essential ingredient in curry blends, turmeric is known as a powerful coloring and flavoring agent. A single pinch gives your dish an immediate warm, golden-yellow appearance.

Using turmeric in the kitchen

Turmeric is mainly used to give dishes more color and depth. The taste is mild, slightly bitter and aromatic. It supports other herbs and spices without overpowering them.

What can you use turmeric in?

• Curry dishes

• Stir-fries

• Soups

• Stews

• Rice dishes

• Vegetable dishes with carrot, pumpkin or sweet potato

The combination with sweet vegetables like pumpkin or carrot works particularly well. Turmeric also comes into its own in a warming winter soup or a spicy lentil stew.

And of course there's the popular turmeric latte (also called golden milk). You make this easily by combining turmeric with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and a pinch of black pepper in warm (plant-based) milk. Comfort in a mug.

What is turmeric good for?

The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin. This is the substance that is the subject of much research.

Curcumin contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also being studied for potential support of the immune system. Definitive scientific conclusions are still under investigation, but interest in turmeric has increased significantly because of this.

What is certain: black pepper helps with the absorption of curcumin in the body. That's why you often see this combination in recipes.

In addition, turmeric helps give dishes more flavor, so you need less salt or sugar. That fits perfectly within a conscious and flavorful kitchen.

Buy turmeric at Natural Spices

At Natural Spices you will find high-quality turmeric in two variants:

• Turmeric powder

• Organic turmeric powder

We source our turmeric close to the origin so that quality and flavor are optimally preserved. From farm to plate, care and consistency are central.

Our turmeric is available in packages of:

• 500 grams

• 1 kilogram

• 5 kilograms

• 25 kilograms

Suitable for both home cooks and professionals in foodservice or retail.

Do you want to experience for yourself how versatile this spice is? Discover our turmeric in the Natural Spices webshop and give your dishes a natural flavor and color boost.

Frequently asked questions about turmeric

1. What exactly is turmeric?
   Turmeric is a spice derived from the root of the plant Curcuma longa. It is known for its yellow color and mild, aromatic flavor.

2. What does turmeric taste like?
   Turmeric has a warm, slightly bitter and earthy taste. It supports other spices without overpowering them.

3. Is turmeric the same as curry?
   No. Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in curry blends, but curry consists of multiple spices.

4. Why is turmeric often combined with black pepper?
   Black pepper contains piperine, a substance that can improve the absorption of curcumin.

5. Can you use turmeric daily?
   Yes, turmeric can be used daily in normal amounts in dishes as part of a varied diet.