Ever wonder why mustard is yellow? It’s seasoned with turmeric, a magical spice that’s both tasty and healthy. (Oh, and it also whitens your teeth, NBD.) Presenting the ultimate guide to eating, drinking and understanding this underrated ingredient.
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What Is Turmeric?
Pronounced TER-muh-rihk (say it with us), turmeric is a plant native to southern Asia and is a close cousin of ginger. The root can be eaten fresh, but it’s typically boiled, then baked in a hot oven and ground into powder. It’s a staple of Asian, Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani cuisine (mmm, curry), but it also has medicinal properties due to its active ingredient, curcumin.
Health Benefits
This is some powerful stuff: Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent and has been used to treat a variety of ailments in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries, including asthma, indigestion, stomach ulcers and bacterial infections. Studies have shown that this potent ingredient may also prevent colon, stomach and skin cancer; relieve arthritis; prevent liver damage; and improve memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also been purported to treat kidney stones and relieve intestinal gas, but more studies are needed to determine its effectiveness.
How To Eat It
This golden spice adds a lemony, peppery flavor that complements eggs, cauliflower, rice and meat. There are tons of ways to cook with turmeric, but here are a few of our favorites.
Vegetarian Gastronomy
Cauliflower Tikka Masala
A hearty Indian dish to try on Meatless Monday.
My Sequinned Life
Turmeric Coconut Basmati Rice
Pair it with the aforementioned cauli tikka.
The Little Green Spoon
One-Tray Turmeric Chicken
Ooo, and barely any dishes to do.
Apollo and Luna
Turmeric Vegetable Bowl
Just add cilantro, lime juice, coconut milk, rice and the veggies you have on hand.
Naturally Ella
Golden Cauliflower Egg Skillet
Breakfast will never be the same again.
How To Drink It
Turmeric beverages are a delicious way to get all the health benefits without taking a supplement. They’re just beginning to pop up in coffee shops and restaurants in the U.S., but you can also make your own concoction at home.
Unsplash
Turmeric Latte
Try it with almond or coconut milk.
Exploring Healthy Foods
Turmeric Lemonade
A refreshing, healthy treat on a hot day.
Savory Lotus
Anti-Inflammatory Tonic
Looks like orange juice but with additional nutritious benefits.
Healthy Aperture
Turmeric Mocha Hot Chocolate
It sounds weird, but it just works. Try it for dessert.
My Food Story
Golden Milk
Drink this the second you feel a cold coming on.
Beauty Tricks
Studies have shown that this powerful spice can reduce signs of aging, so it’s become a popular ingredient in holistic beauty regimens. (But watch out—it can stain your skin, so use it carefully and sparingly.)
Juara
Antioxidant Face Mask ($28)
Use once a week to brighten skin and improve its elasticity.
Twenty20
DIY Turmeric Teeth Whitener
Mix it with coconut oil and let it sit on your pearly whites for two minutes.
Bayberry Naturals
Clarifying Body Scrub ($34)
Oh, and did we mention this golden spice is a fantastic exfoliant?
Where To Buy It
You can find easily find a ground version in the spice section at any grocery store, but check the label before you put it in your cart. Spice Select, Market Pantry, Gel, Clear Value, Lieber’s and Spice Supreme brands were recently recalled due to increased levels of lead. Turmeric supplements are also available over-the-counter at drugstores, vitamin shops and online. We recommend choosing an organic powder or supplement.
Health Advisories
Talk to your doctor before using turmeric to treat any ailment or condition. Don’t use it if you are pregnant, nursing or diabetic. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t consume more than 600 mg of turmeric powder a day.
