Turmeric (Curcuma ) : Great Taste, Good Health

Returning from China in 1280, Marco Polo wrote in his notes, "There is additionally a vegetable that has all the properties of true saffron, further because the smell and therefore the color, and nevertheless it's not very saffron." He was writing regarding turmeric, that remains used as a reasonable substitute for saffron and typically known as "Indian saffron," though additional doubtless attributable to its use in curry than attributable to Marco Polo.
The name turmeric is believed to originate with the Latin, terra merita, that means "merit of the earth". The spice is very regarded in India where it's identified with fertility. throughout wedding ceremonies, a sacred thread dipped in turmeric paste is tied round the bride's neck by the bridegroom. In Malaysia, turmeric paste is unfold on the abdomen of a replacement mother and therefore the umbilical wire of the baby, each as an antiseptic and to thrust back evil spirits.

The use of turmeric as a coloring agent for food and cloth dates back to before 600 BC. Turmeric remains employed in pickles and relishes and to flavor and color ready mustard. The rhizome, or root, is rigorously unearthed, broken into sections and then boiled or steamed before being dried. The result's a bright yellow powder with a light, slightly bitter, peppery flavor and aroma. Oil of turmeric contains mint flavored borneol, spicy eucalyptol - with a camphor-like smell - and zingerone, the spicy sweet flavoring in ginger. Turmeric is an element of the ginger family.

Turmeric, botanically referred to as curcuma domestica, may be a tender perennial, native to India and China therefore I doubt if it may be grown successfully is our climate as an annual. However, it makes a handsome potted plant for a sunny window.

In Hawaii, where turmeric is thought as Olena, the spice is mixed with salt water and, in a very magical cleansing ceremony, it's sprinkled within the space to be purified, typically with a ti leaf.

Medicinally, turmeric has received considerable and favorable publicity lately. In ancient Indian ayurvedic drugs, the herb is taken into account a natural antibiotic whereas strengthening digestion and improving intestinal flora. within the May/June, 1996 issue of VRP's (Vitamin analysis merchandise, Inc.) Nutritional News, turmeric was listed as having anti-inflammatory action equal to and typically higher than cortisone and phenylbutazone treatment. Nutritional News additionally reports studies indicating that turmeric's antioxidant worth makes it 5 times simpler as a free radical scavenger than vitamin E which it's powerful anti-cancer and anti-cholesterol properties. No marvel i like curry! Some herbalists advocate using turmeric's antibacterial constituent (curmunin) topically to fight bound skin conditions like psoriasis and athlete's foot.

Turmeric has additionally been shown to inhibit blood clotting. this might cause a haul for folks with clotting disorders and that they, at the side of anybody using anticoagulant medication, ought to avoid the spice. Turmeric's long-standing profit as a treatment for digestive and liver issues has largely been confirmed by scientific study, however if alittle is nice, plenty isn't essentially higher. giant amounts of turmeric will cause abdomen upset.

Turmeric is usually used as an integral or extra ingredient in curry dishes, however here are some of delicious meals using the spice in non-curry applications:

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

In the order listed, layer the subsequent in an adequately sized, oiled baking dish:

· ¼ head of shredded inexperienced cabbage

· ½ tsp. of caraway seeds

· ½ cup of brown rice cooked with one teaspoon of turmeric

· Salt to style

· ½ cup of mixed vegetables - no matter you've got handy within the fridge, however together with [*fr1] an onion already sautéed in butter (even mixed frozen vegetables are acceptable)

· three medium to giant potatoes, cooked and mashed with alittle butter, milk or cream, salt and freshly ground black pepper to style

Sprinkle the highest with alittle additional turmeric and bake for 30-40 minutes in a very preheated oven at 325 degrees. permit to cool down slightly before serving.

Turmeric additionally enhances fish delightfully. If cod is not on the market, red snapper or an alternate of your alternative is appropriate within the following recipe. I even have even used tuna steaks.

Asian Cod

· four tablespoons recent cilantro

· two tablespoons recent ginger, minced

· two cloves of garlic, minced

· one little hot red or jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

· two tablespoons lime juice

· one tablespoon olive oil

· 1/8 of a tsp. of turmeric

· ¼ of a tsp. of ocean salt

· four thick ling cod steaks

Place the primary eight ingredients in a very mixer or food processor and blend totally. If the consistency is simply too thick, add alittle water or white wine. Place the cod steaks in a very baking dish and canopy with the blended ingredients. Bake coated at 350F degrees for 25-30 minutes or till the fish flakes simply indicating doneness. Serve with rice and a vegetable of your alternative. Serves four.

Here's a recipe for a classic chicken curry using turmeric:

Mango Chicken Curry

· half dozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized items

· one bunch of cilantro, chopped

· 1 Tbsp. of ginger, minced

· ten cloves of garlic, minced

· 1 tsp. of cayenne or red chili powder (or additional to taste)

· two cans of tomatoes

· two recent jalapeno chilies

· 1 Tbsp. of olive oil

· ½ cup of white wine

· 1 fresh, ripe mango, peeled and diced

· one medium onion, diced

· one cup of yogurt

· 1½ tsp. of salt

· 1 tsp. of ground turmeric

· 1 tsp. of garam masala (optional - see cinnamon recipe)

Mix along the ginger, garlic, wine, salt and chili powder and marinate the chicken items during this for a minimum of half-hour. mix along one will of the tomatoes and therefore the chilies. Then add the opposite will of tomatoes and therefore the cilantro, mixing slightly to retain chunkiness of the tomatoes. Sauté the onion within the olive oil in a very giant, lidded frying pan till translucent. Then add the chicken and marinade and cook for many minutes before adding the tomato combine, turmeric, salt, garam masala and yogurt. still cook and stir for regarding 5 minutes then cowl and simmer for regarding an hour in order that the chicken is incredibly tender and therefore the flavors are well blended. simply before serving add the diced mango. Serves four.