Kem Ormond reckons turmeric looks a bit like a huhu grub. Photo / Pexels / Karolina Kaboompics
Kem Ormond reckons turmeric looks a bit like a huhu grub. Photo / Pexels / Karolina Kaboompics
Kem Ormond is a features writer for NZME community newspapers and The Country. She’s also a keen gardener. This week, she’s learning about the benefits of turmeric.
OPINION
You may have seen turmeric, an unusual rhizome, huhu bug-looking plant in many Indian food supply stores but did you know you can easily grow it yourself?
Turmeric, a plant in the ginger family, is native to Southeast Asia and is grown commercially in that region, primarily in India.
Its rhizome (underground stem) is used as a culinary spice and traditional medicine.
A word of warning, when using turmeric, if you do not want bright, golden-coloured fingers, or a stained benchtop, always wear food prep gloves and use a chopping board when preparing it for any dish.
The best way I have found to store turmeric is just like ginger, in a plastic bag in the freezer where it will last up to six months.
Growing turmeric
Turmeric will grow best in full sun or partial shade, but ensure your soil is well-drained, it does not like to be waterlogged.
If you decide to grow it in a pot, ensure it is kept well-watered and does not dry out.
While it produces lush, long oval green leaves, that will die down in winter and it is the rhizome you use.
Harvesting turmeric
At the end of the growing season (generally autumn), carefully lift the plants from the ground using a garden fork.
Divide the rhizomes up so that there are at least three or four “eyes” (new growth points) on each divided section.
This is what you will put back into your pot or the ground to start the growing cycle again.
Ways to enjoy turmeric
You can even enjoy turmeric in your latte. Photo / 123RF / thitarees
Turmeric has an earthy, warm, lightly peppery taste on its own, but will add a depth of flavour and colour to Thai or Asian dishes, as well as your winter stew.
It’s great in a homemade chicken soup and why not pop in some next time you make chilli con carne or scrambled eggs?
It is a common ingredient when making your own curry powder and is used to naturally colour mustard.
If you are wondering where the golden orange colour comes from, it is from curcumin.
Curcumin is a major component of turmeric and the activities of turmeric are commonly attributed to curcuminoids (curcumin and closely related substances).
Curcumin has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditionally, it was used in India for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive system.
It has also been used in cooking for hundreds of years.
Today, turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, allergies, liver disease, depression, and many others.
The best way to use turmeric is in your everyday cooking.
Turmeric - the bottom line
Along with health benefits, there are also side effects when using turmeric, so check with your health provider before taking turmeric supplements or when using the rhizome.
