Turmeric
Origin and Distribution
It is a native of India and is called The Golden Spice of Life. India produces almost the entire turmeric in the world and consumes more than 80% of it. The Indian States of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala are the regions where turmeric is cultivated. Apart from India, it is also cultivated in Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Korea, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal, East & West Africa, South Pacific Islands, Malagasy, Caribbean Islands and Central America. It is a tropical crop that can be cultivated at even 1200 meter above sea level. It grows in light black, black clayey loams and red soils in rain-fed irrigated conditions, where there is no water logging or alkalinity.
Description
Turmeric is a tropical plant of ginger family. It is the boiled, dried, cleaned and polished rhizomes (underground stem) of Curcuma longa. The plant is a herbaceous perennial, 60-90 cm tall. It has rough and segmented skin. The length of main rhizome is 2.5 - 7 cm in length and a diameter of 2.5 cm. The color of rhizome is yellowish-brown on the outside and orange inside.
Use of Turmeric
Indian turmeric is considered to be the best in the world. The use of turmeric dates back to the ancient Vedic culture of India, and has been used as important spice, Cosmetic and for spiritual ceremonies In South East Asia fresh turmeric is used in making curry. Turmeric is used as yellow curry paste in Thailand. The Indian influence of turmeric has been responsible in finding its way to Ethiopia cuisine. Turmeric Powder is used in almost all Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian cusine, either separately spice or along with other spices. It is one of the principle ingredients of curry powder.A pinch of turmeric powder is added in order to give an orange-yellow colour to food. Turmeric is used for flavouring and colouring foodstuffs.
Apart from using in food, it is used as a medicine for skin problems and is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used all over Asia for treating stomach and liver ailments. It is considered to be blood purifier and is also used as a cosmetic. It helps digestion and used as an antiseptic. It can be considered to be a medicine more than as Spice. Turmeric is said to improve the flow of bile from the liver. Turmeric is used as an external antibiotic for preventing bacterial infection in wounds and sours. . It is an important ingredient in curry powder. Turmeric oleoresin is used in brine pickles,, non-alcoholic beverages, gelatins, butter and cheese etc. Turmeric is used as a dye in textile and cosmetic industry. It is used in the preparation of medicinal oils and ointments.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder is the bright yellow spice from the rhizome and 'Curcumin' is its main ingredient. It has a wide range of applications where it is used for its colour, flavor, cosmetic and medicinal properties. Curcumin gives the yellow color to Turmeric and its compounds. Curcumin is an antioxidant and 3 to 6%. Curcumin is present in turmeric. it is considered to be the most bioactive portion of turmeric.
