Turmeric

[donna]

Turmeric is the dried. underground stem of the turmeric plant, which is a perennial herb native to Cochin-China and the Dutch East Indies. The plant has large, lance-shaped, bright green leaves and yellow flowers. The spice has a peppery odor, an aromatic, bitterest taste, and a deep orange yellow color. Turmeric is cultivated in India, China, and the Dutch East Indies and West Indies.

From:

"The Story Of Spices", by John W. Perry, Chemical Publishing Co, Inc., New York, New York, 1953, page 191.

 

[donna]

The Dutch Indies is now Indonesia. Spices were always very important.

 

[donna]

Turmeric has serious anti-inflammatory power. Studies show that this yellow spice helps reduce inflammation and swelling and may even alleviates aches and pains associated with arthritis.

Turmeric is poorly absorbed when eaten on its own. Pair it with black pepper which contains piperine, a compound that prevents the helpful ingredient from being broken down in the gut and liver, which means there are more of them to ward off pain.

From: "Woman's Day", Feb. 2018.

 

[donna]

A beneficial recipe with Turmeric:

Golden Milk

Bring one cup milk to a simmer. Turn off heat and whisk 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper until mixed. Add 2 teaspoons of a sweetener like honey and stir.

 

[nitrofd]

Today it is used as the coloring in most mustards,especially the yellow mustard like " French's ".