Turmeric has become a major health trend in the past few years but I think a lot of people still aren't sure what to do with it.
There’s lots to love about turmeric, from the spice’s saffron-yellow colour to its flavour-enhancing properties and potential health benefits.
We mainly see the classic turmeric lattes or have turmeric in our vitamin or supplement routine, but turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a spice.
A cousin of ginger, turmeric is also a root with a deep golden colour and a sharp, slightly bitter flavour. You can find ground turmeric in the spice section of any grocery store.
More recently, fresh turmeric root has been available in the produce section of many grocery and specialty stores. Turmeric provides the intense colour of classic yellow mustard and curry powder. It’s also found in chutneys, as well as the spice mixture garam masala.
Turmeric’s peppery, citrusy notes also make it a delicious spice for seasoning dishes all on its own, though it’s wise to always add a sprinkling of black pepper, which provides a spicy kick that counterbalances turmeric’s sharp side.
Turmeric is available in different forms: fresh turmeric root, dried turmeric, and turmeric powder. Fresh turmeric root has a subtle flavour and is often used in curries, soups, and stews.
Dried turmeric is more potent than fresh turmeric and is often used in spice blends. Turmeric powder is the most widely available form and is commonly used in Indian cuisine to add colour and flavour to dishes such as rice, lentils, and vegetables.
When it comes to everyday use, we have come up with a few simple ideas to incorporate turmeric spice into your meals.
Add it to scrambles and frittatas
Use a pinch of turmeric in scrambled eggs, a frittata, or a tofu scramble. If you or your family are new to turmeric, this is a great place to start because the colour is familiar and the flavour subtle.
Blend it in a smoothie
Given that even the most unlikely fruit, veggie, and herb combos work perfectly in a smoothie, there’s no reason to leave out this star spice.
Use in curry
Since turmeric is traditionally used in Indian and South Asian cuisine, it pairs super well with curries. Whether you are going for an Indian-style curry or a more Asian-inspired curry, turmeric is (and should be) one of the spices.
Some recipes even call for cooks to add freshly grated turmeric root to curries as it adds a different, brighter flavour.
Make bread
Well, not the kind of bread you would sandwich deli meats between, but the kind of bread you would serve with tea and coffee. Sweet and spicy never tasted so nice.