Some folk rave about turmeric. Other folk have no idea what they are talking about. Let’s look.
Turmeric is a tropical plant that grows near the forest floor. It is a perennial herb. Pieces of the root system, rhizomes, are planted. First, you must purchase a turmeric tuber or rhizome. These are easiest to find at an Asian grocery store. You can also order on the internet. The tuber is related to ginger.
Turmeric will grow well in full sun to partial shade. It can be somewhat sensitive to scorching in extreme temperatures so if you’re in a hotter climate, partial shade (especially in the afternoon) may be beneficial. Slice this tuber so you have just one eye per slice. Obtain generous size containers. Place each slice in good potting soil. The potting soil should be damp or moist, not wet. Wet equals rot. To create usable turmeric, prepare to wait about 10 months.
The name turmeric comes from the Latin word terra merita, which means “meritorious earth”. In North India, turmeric is called “haldi”, and in the south it is called “manjal”. This spice is rumored to have been cultivated in the Gardens of Babylon in the 8th century BC.
Turmeric is sacred in the Hindu religion and is used in wedding ceremonies. In the ancient Indian Vedas, people who ate turmeric were called Nishadas, which translates to “Turmeric Eaters”.
Turmeric spread through trade routes to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. It was brought to Jamaica in the 18th century by European colonizers. Turmeric has been used medicinally for over 4,500 years. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is used to treat a variety of conditions.
Users consider it as an antiseptic and a natural remedy for cuts and bruises.
Turmeric is a cooking spice and it is used as a dye for mustards, pickles and canned chicken broth. It is used as a food additive in many products, including baked goods, dairy and ice cream. Please keep in mind that the concentration of curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, in supplements is much higher than in fresh or dried turmeric, so supplements pose a higher interaction risk. However, while turmeric and curcumin are generally safe to consume, too much of a good thing can be dangerous. One of the risks is that large doses can be bad for your kidneys. When in doubt, ask your physician.
