Uses for Turmeric Powder

Turmeric powder is commonly known as "the golden spice of life" or as "Indian Saffron." It is a major component in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking and is most popularly known for its yellow color and sweet aroma in curry and fish dishes. However, turmeric has many possible uses, both culinary and medical, that continue to increase as international flavors and cuisine continue to cross borders.

History

Turmeric root and powder has been used for culinary and medical purposes in India and Southeast Asia since its discovery in ancient times. The turmeric plant is indigenous to southern Asia and was a major trade spice during the Age of Discovery. Today, Indian cultivated and dried turmeric supplies nearly the entire world's source of the golden spice.

Culinary Function

Turmeric is most distinctively connected to spicy Indian curries, though turmeric itself is not spicy. It is nearly always found in commercially bought curry powders and paste, though its range of culinary uses is much more vast. The powder is often used to flavor vegetable, popcorn, meat, rice, pasta, pickled, chutney and fish dishes. Turmeric added to almost any fish soup or stew is an instant flavor enhancer. Turmeric's pairing with seafood is a traditional usage in India. Aside from flavor and aroma, turmeric is one of the most heavily used natural food dyes available on the market. The yellow is used to dye butter, cheese, milk, pickles, mustard, liquor, fruit drinks, cake and jellies.

Medical Function

The use of turmeric for medical purposes has existed alongside its culinary function since its discovery. Holistic and herbal medicines are more commonly found in Asian cultures, though an increased interest and awareness has recently emerged in the western world. Turmeric is alleged to have an impact on increasing immune functions in the body, and is used around the world as a form of antibacterial paste. Turmeric oil extract has been shown to have antioxidant properties and also is used as a perfume in ointments and mosquito replants. Turmeric is available as a dietary supplement pill, though is just as beneficial and much more enjoyable when used for culinary purposes.

Common Recipe Uses

Popular recipes that require the use of Turmeric powder include Chicken Korma, bean and lentil curry, Aloo Phujia (potato and onion dish), Gomen Wat (Ethiopian), Massala Beef, Dal and countless others. There is no one use for the spice; experimentation is what cooking with spices is all about.

Theories/Speculation

In India, turmeric is widely used for ceremonial purposes. The turmeric ceremony known as gaye holud, is part of the series of wedding celebrations in a Bengali wedding. During the ceremony, turmeric paste is applied to the bride's face and hands giving her a golden yellow glow. The purpose of the ritual is to give the newlywed couple luck in marriage, as turmeric is considered antiseptic and healing.

References

• Discovery
• Food Dyes
• Gaye Holud

Resources

• Tumeric Health Benefits by the National Institute of Health