Turmeric Spice, Haldi, Uses and Benefits of Turmeric

Uses & Benefits of Turmeric Spice

Turmeric Powder         Turmeric Root

Turmeric (Hindi name: Haldi) is a underground stem of a ginger-like plant. It is grown in India, China, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Java, Peru, Australia and the West Indies. It is a bright yellow spice with a pungent flavor.

Turmeric is a mild digestive, a stimulant, and a carminative. It has healing and antiseptic properties. In India powdered turmeric is used in Beauty recipes as a cosmetic to improve complexion. Photo estrogens present in turmeric are helpful in protection against breast cancer. It is used in treating arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory property. It is beneficial in reducing blood cholesterol, ulcers, dysentery diarrhea, sore throat, etc. Curcumin that gives the yellow color to turmeric can inhibit the growth of melanoma cancer cells (Skin cancer) and cause cancer cells to self-destruct, according to a recent study (2005) carried out by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Turmeric is always used in ground form. The powder will maintain its colouring properties indefinitely though the flavour will diminish over time so it is good to buy in moderation.

An important spice for many vegetable curries, rice preparation and other dishes. In some part of India, turmeric root is used to make a tasty vegetable dish. It is a most important spice in Indian recipes.

Nutritional Values of Turmeric

Turmeric
Parameters	Value per 100g
Moisture  Protein  Fat  Minerals  Fibre  Carbohydrates  Energy  Calcium  Phosphorus  Iron	13.100 gm    6.300 gm    5.100 gm    3.500 gm    2.600 gm    69.400 gm    349.000 K cal 150.000 mg    282.000 mg    67.800 mg
Vitamins
Carotene  Thiamine  Niacin  Folic Acid (Free)  Folic Acid (Total)	30.000 µg     0.030 mg    2.300 mg    10.000 µg     18.000 µg
Minerals & Trace Elements
Magnesium  Copper  Manganese  Zinc  Chromium  Phytin Phosphorus	278.000 mg    0.390 mg    8.380 mg    2.720 mg    0.069 mg    97.000 mg

Source: National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad, India

How to Store Turmeric

• Buy turmeric root or finely ground powder, look for rich yellow color.

• Turmeric spice should be stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place. Turmeric spice lose its potency due to heat, light, and air.

• As a general rule follow the following guideline for storing the spices: Whole Turmeric corns: 5 years
  Ground turmeric spice: 6 months
  

• Never store turmeric spices in refrigerator, humidity will destroy it.

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