Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a relative of ginger, has been a popular cooking spice in Asian cuisine since antiquity. It is also a very potent anti-inflammatory herb. It has been used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, as well as Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years. It is identified as having “pungent” properties. More than 700 medical studies concluded that turmeric may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and several types of cancer and has many other health benefits.

Care is required when cooking with turmeric because the bright yellow-orange color can stain kitchen countertops and clothing. Turmeric is often used in curries, rice, and lentil dishes because it harmonizes well with other spices and herbs. Green shoots are eaten as vegetables, and leaves can be used as a natural food wrap. It is also used in pickles and relishes as a preservative. Turmeric is a popular dye for cloth and food, for example, in American mustard and cheese.

The Western world has discovered turmeric only in the last decade, but it has already acknowledged it as one of the “superfoods”; turmeric golden milk is the new hipster coffee. And yes, it is delicious!

Fresh turmeric can be grown in our climate right in your backyard or purchased in late summer at local farmers’ markets and Asian grocery stores. Fresh rhizomes should be firm and plump. Turmeric is dried and stored to make it available all year long in cooking recipes and tea making.

Fresh turmeric rhizomes on a granite countertop — Fresh turmeric can be grown in our climate right in your back yard, or purchased in late summer at local farmers’ markets and Asian grocery stores. Fresh rhizomes should be firm and plump. Turmeric is dried and stored to make it available all year long in cooking recipes and tea making.

Turmeric rhizomes being sliced — Turmeric is stored dried. To dry it cut into thin slices, chop or grate.

Turmeric being sliced in a food processor — Make the process of cutting much faster, you can use a food processor.

turmeric slices on a drying rack — Spread turmeric into a thin layer on a drying rack

Turmeric slices being dried in an oven — Dry in the oven on the lowest setting, around 200F for several hours, or until dry.

dried turmeric slices on a baking sheet — Make sure the slices are dried completely to prevent mold that would ruin the whole batch.

Dried turmeric in a storage tin — Store turmeric in a dry place, away from sunlight and heat. Stored in a tight container, it will keep fresh for a couple of years.

Golden Milk Tea

Magda Born

The Western world has discovered turmeric only in the last decade, but it has already acknowledged it as one of the "superfoods"; turmeric golden milk is the new hipster coffee. And yes, it is delicious!

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Course Drinks

Ingredients

5 c water
3 T dried turmeric root
Pinch black pepper
Pinch (or knob of) fresh ginger optional
Almond or coconut milk
Honey or maple syrup
Pinch cinnamon or cardamom for garnish optional

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over a gentle heat. Once hot, strain and pour into cups, add sweetener of choice and sprinkle with cinnamon or cardamom and enjoy.
Turmeric’s flavor pairs well with other herbal teas. This one contains sour cherries, ginger, hibiscus flowers, orange peel and rosemary. When the tea cools, lemon juice is added.
You can also make this tea using just water. It still tastes delicious!
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