Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant that became the basis for the appearance of the spice of the same name, common in Asian cuisine. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, one of its names is turmeric. Turmeric is called Gelbwurz, Indischer/Arabischer Safran in German, turmeric, Indian saffron in English, curcuma, Safran des Indes in French.

Turmeric is a meter-high perennial plant. Its leaves are quite long, have an ovoid shape with points at the tips. The leaves are dark green, sometimes with lighter tones.

The inflorescences of the plant have a yellow-green color, sometimes even purple flowers are found among them. However, they do not form seeds. Despite the fact that turmeric has seeds, reproduction is carried out by rhizomes. The main part of the rhizome is in the form of a tuber with a large number of lateral processes that are several centimeters long.

Turmeric has more than 90 types, but the following are used directly in cooking:

• long turmeric (Curcuma longa) or homemade turmeric;
• aromatic turmeric (Curcuma aromatic);
• turmeric zedoaria (Curcuma zedoaria).

These varieties are also sometimes referred to as Indian saffron. Turmeric (Curcuma leucorrhizae) is used to extract starch.

It is believed that the historical homeland of turmeric is the southeast Asian countries. In India, the plant has been grown for several millennia. And it is there that the spice of the same name is produced in large quantities. In fact, they consume it there, mainly. The plant has a small distribution in Europe.

At the moment, turmeric is grown in tropical and subtropical areas of India, Southeast Asian countries and China.

In European countries and on the American continents, turmeric is also grown in places, but in much smaller quantities.

The spice is made from dried turmeric. To do this, it is cleaned and ground, and the resulting powder is used in bouquets of various spices or separately.

Fresh turmeric roots are difficult to find commercially, but they are found in large supermarkets or in markets by weight. A high-quality and fresh root has no damage on the surface, but it has a dense structure. When choosing a color, you should not rely too much, since turmeric root is bright yellow both fresh and stale. But the smell can say a lot: sharp and spicy notes mean a fresh product. You also need to pay attention to the expiration date. The taste of the stale root will give bitterness.

Ground turmeric must be hermetically sealed and meet the expiration date. As a rule, it is several years. The tightness of the packaging is a very important condition, since turmeric powder has the ability to be impregnated with other odors.

Turmeric has a close relative - white turmeric (citrus root). This plant has a sharp medicinal smell and bitter taste, therefore it is used exclusively in local cuisines.

Curcumin, found in the roots of the plant, provides the coloring power of turmeric.

Dried turmeric retains only a quarter of its original mass. Fresh turmeric is similar in appearance to ginger, only its roots have a more intense yellow color.

Turmeric has the following characteristics:

• is an important component of oriental cuisine;
• used in dried and fresh form;
• used for medicinal purposes;
• used as a dye;
• contains a large amount of vitamins;
• grows mainly in Asia.

100 grams of ground turmeric contains 354 kcal.

The nutritional value of the product includes the following components:

• proteins - 7.83 g;
• fats - 9.88 g;
• carbohydrates - 43.83 g;
• dietary fiber - 21.1 g;
• ash - 6.02 g;
• water - 11.36 g;
• monosaccharides and disaccharides - 3.21 g;
• saturated fatty acids - 3.12 g.

You can learn more useful information about turmeric from the program "Live Healthy!"

Turmeric contains the following ingredients:

• vitamins: B1 (thiamine) - 0.152 mg, B2 (riboflavin) - 0.233 mg, B6 (pyridoxine) - 1.8 mg, B9 (folic) - 39 mcg, C - 25.9 mg, E (TE) - 3.1 mg , K (phylloquinone) - 13.4 mcg, PP (niacin equivalent) - 5.14 mg, choline - 49.2 mg;
• macronutrients: calcium - 183 mg, magnesium - 193 mg, sodium - 38 mg, potassium - 2525 mg, phosphorus - 268 mg;
• trace elements: iron - 41.42 mg, zinc - 4.35 mg, copper - 603 mcg, manganese - 7.833 mg, selenium - 4.5 mcg.

Turmeric contains essential oils, starch and curcumin, which is a natural dye, as well as zingiberene, borneol, sabinene, etc.

Turmeric has the following beneficial properties:

• used in a complex of products that help cleanse the body;
• improves digestion;
• serves as a prophylactic against diseases;
• improves skin condition;
• warms the blood
• helps to recover from illnesses;
• improves metabolism;
• used for weight loss
• heals burns;
• strengthens the immune system;
• promotes the renewal of blood cells.

The following negative effects of turmeric on the body are possible:

• allergic reaction;
• development of diseases of the gallbladder;
• irritation of the mucous membranes.

It is not recommended to use turmeric in the following cases:

• with stones in the gallbladder;
• with violations in the biliary tract;
• when using medications;
• with individual intolerance;
• during pregnancy;
• with hepatitis.

Essential oil of turmeric is obtained from the peeled and dried rhizomes of the plant by distillation with water vapor. The oil may have a color from pale yellow to brick red with blue tints. The essential oil smells nice. The aroma captures fresh spicy notes interspersed with wood and camphor. It turns out something in between ginger, orange and cedar aromas.

Turmeric essential oil has amazing healing properties. It:

• improves the functioning of the digestive tract;
• stabilizes metabolism;
• normalizes blood sugar levels;
• has a laxative effect;
• good for the intestines;
• helps in strengthening the immune system;
• heals bruises;
• promotes calm in times of stress;
• relieves anxiety;
• brings the body into tone, etc.

Juice is squeezed from fresh rhizomes of turmeric. It helps in the treatment of skin diseases, and also reduces the area of ​​insect bites and promotes the healing of bruises. In combination with aloe juice, it helps to heal burns.

Turmeric is a fairly specific spice that is more characteristic of Asian cuisine. She has found the following uses in cooking:

• used fresh in East Asian spicy pastes;
• soups, rice dishes are flavored and colored with fresh turmeric;
• the powder is added as a seasoning to legumes;
• turmeric is combined with vegetables, potatoes, meat and fish dishes;
• added to curry mixture;
• used for the manufacture of confectionery;
• is an important component of some alcoholic beverages;
• used as a natural dye for sauces, as well as cheeses, yoghurts, chips, pastries, margarine.

Turmeric has a pungent, spicy taste, slightly reminiscent of ginger. Its powder is quite mild in taste, has a spicy smell and slight bitterness. Dried turmeric is used both as a whole and in ground form.

Seasonings and various spice mixtures usually include long turmeric. For confectionery, aromatic turmeric is most often used.Another of the species - zedoaria turmeric - is used to make liqueurs.

Turmeric can also be used in the preparation of dishes familiar to us. For example, potatoes baked according to the following recipe will have a rich aroma and taste.

• You will need 1 kg of potatoes, a few tablespoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of turmeric and salt and pepper to taste.
• Potatoes are cut into slices and lightly dried with a paper towel.
• It is then drizzled with oil and sprinkled with the indicated spices.
• The slices mix well with each other so that the oil and spices completely cover them.
• Potatoes are baked in the oven at a temperature of 180-190 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

To cook fragrant chicken with rice and pumpkin slices according to Indian cuisine recipes, you will need:

• one chicken breast;
• a glass of rice;
• 0.4 kg of pumpkin;
• one bulb;
• one carrot;
• three glasses of water;
• a few grams of fresh ginger;
• a pinch of turmeric, pepper, salt, cumin seeds;
• half a lemon;
• four tablespoons of vegetable oil.

Chicken meat is cut into narrow strips. Juice is squeezed out of a lemon, ginger is crushed. Along with them, pepper and turmeric are added to the chicken. Leave the meat to marinate for 20 minutes. Onions, carrots and pumpkins are peeled and coarsely chopped. The specified amount of oil is poured into the bottom of the cauldron, heated up and the chicken is placed first, and then the vegetables. The mixture is thoroughly mixed. Rice is washed and added to fry chicken and vegetables. Then the rice is salted and the specified amount of water is added. If you want to get not too wet rice, then add less water per glass. Cumin seeds are added. The cauldron is covered with a lid, put on a minimum fire, and the dish is stewed for 40 minutes.

Turmeric is a recognized medicinal product, and not only in traditional medicine. The scope of its application is extensive. Turmeric is used:

• as an antioxidant;
• as an anti-inflammatory agent;
• for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• to thin the blood, which reduces the risk of blood clots;
• in the treatment of skin diseases;
• to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• for the treatment of hypotension and anemia;
• for the prevention of hemorrhoids;
• for the treatment of respiratory diseases;
• as an expectorant;
• to improve metabolism;
• to reduce pain associated with the menstrual cycle;
• to remove toxins;
• for the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bruises, sprains);
• for the prevention of cancer and tumors;
• to eliminate migraines;
• for the treatment of diabetes.

You can learn more about the beneficial and healing properties of turmeric from the "About the most important" program.

Turmeric stabilizes the metabolism and removes toxins, which helps in the fight against excess weight. At the same time, the spice prevents the accumulation of fatty tissues. To get the desired effect, you need to gradually start adding turmeric to dishes or drinks, but not too carried away, as the spice in excess amounts can lead to negative consequences in the body.

Home use of turmeric is quite extensive:

• used as a spice in cooking;
• used as a natural dye for food, fabrics, etc.;
• added to perfume compositions;
• used in cosmetics;
• helps to repel insects;
• oil is used in massage, aromatherapy.

Growing turmeric at home is relatively easy. It quietly grows in a pot at room conditions.

The plant prefers warmth, so in summer it is better to expose it to the sun, and in winter to keep it dry and cool, but not cold, there should be a line here. Low temperatures are not allowed. Humidity is required quite moderate. In the summer, it is necessary to spray the leaves weekly, avoiding falling on the flowers. In winter, the roots should be dry. Excessively low humidity promotes the appearance of pests.

Lighted places are suitable for turmeric, but if it stands on a window through which direct sunlight passes, then it is better to create a small shade for the plant, otherwise excess sun can threaten burns. With a lack of light, turmeric may grow more slowly or even not bloom at all.

A pot for growing turmeric should include a hole. Ready-made soil with a small amount of sand is suitable as soil.

In the summer, watering should occur literally every couple of days, as soon as the soil dries out. In autumn, watering should not be so plentiful, and in winter it is excluded altogether. If the plant dries in summer, its leaves will quickly wither.

It is required to fertilize turmeric every couple of weeks from spring to early autumn. The plant propagates by division, which must be carried out at the end of winter - the beginning of spring.

Every spring, turmeric is transplanted into fresh soil. Turmeric has a dormant time when the leaves gradually die off in late autumn. But the roots continue to contain in the same soil.

• Turmeric gained distribution in Europe after it was brought there by the Arabs.
• In the Middle Ages, turmeric was used exclusively for medicinal purposes and as a dye. For example, it was used to paint wooden or metal objects.
• In India, colds are treated with milk in which turmeric roots are boiled.
• To this day, turmeric is used to color fabrics, and it is also added to some hair dyes.
• Turmeric is revered in India. She is present during many traditional ceremonies, as well as at weddings.
• At one time, the pagans burned turmeric, which personified purification in various rituals.
• On the islands of Oceania, closer to the 20th century, they began to paint the body, dishes, and clothing items with turmeric powder to participate in various solemn ceremonies.