Guess who is the world’s largest producer of turmeric powder? India!
India is also the world’s largest consumer of Curcuma longa, the scientific name of turmeric. Another amazing fact is that most of that production comes from Erode, Tamil Nadu, which is why the southern city is often referred to as Yellow City or Turmeric City. Also, Maharashtra’s Sangli town hosts the world’s, and definitely Asia’s, largest turmeric trading centre.
As much as 80 to 90% of the global turmeric production comes only from India. We are also the largest exporter of turmeric, accounting for 60% of total world export of turmeric. In India, there are several varieties of turmeric, some popular ones are Nizamabad Bulb, Sangli Turmeric, Rajapore Turmeric, Erode and Salem Turmeric and Alleppey Finger.
Ancient root
Turmeric has since ancient times been a common spice in Indian households. Covid-19 pandemic has only increased its importance as a Superfood with medicinal properties that come from the root’s inherent compounds. These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is Curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
Turmeric has been used in food and as medicine for at least 4,000 years, first in India and other parts of Asia, and later in Africa and the Caribbean. Researchers in India recently identified mineral remnants of turmeric and ginger on the cooking pots and teeth of ancient Indus River fossils, suggesting a yellow substance may have been eaten in one of the first urban civilisations.
Turmeric is also one of the most researched medicinal plants in history. Curcumin was not identified until 1910. The plant has large, waxy green leaves that grow about five feet tall when the plant is mature. While the leaves are sometimes used to wrap meat or rice to steam, the underground rhizomes, or stems, are the most sought-out part of the plant. Turmeric rhizomes are knobby, oblong pieces that vary in colour from golden to dark orange.
Turmeric is most commonly used as a dried spice made from the dried and powdered rhizomes. This orange powder is the main component of curry powder blends, and it’s also used to give a natural colour to various foods. Adding turmeric and its potential benefits to your life is pretty simple: Include it in your cooking. The flavour is mild, and it goes well in many dishes. Turmeric is low in fat and sugar, with one tablespoon of ground turmeric containing just 0.31 grams of fat and 0.30 grams of sugar. To avail some of these turmeric benefits, try eating it with some black pepper. Curcumin has a low bioavailability factor, but black pepper helps keep curcumin in the body for a longer time, increasing its effects. In addition to containing curcumin and antioxidants, turmeric is also a good source of iron, potassium, and magnesium.
The Golden milk: Grandma’s tried and tested recipe
Turmeric lends itself well to all kinds of sweet and savoury dishes. The quintessential Indian ‘Haldi dudh’ or Golden milk is an age-old panacea for colds and flu in many Indian households. Even Starbucks has recently introduced a Turmeric Latte!
Millennials can throw it into their favourite smoothie recipe. Or add a spoonful of ground turmeric to a cookie or muffin batter. Turmeric is being used in pastas, as a pesto and even in granola bars. Turmeric’s flavour lends itself well to Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, especially curries. Turmeric can also be added to rice or blended with other spices, including cumin and black pepper, to make a marinade for meat or vegetables.
Turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory as the curcumin regulates the enzymes that cause inflammation in our bodies. Turmeric consumption may help soothe gastrointestinal issues including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, and can also help with menstrual pain such as cramping and bloating. There are other scientifically proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
