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Turmeric
The thick, cylindrical rhizome or underground stem of a tropical plant belongs to the ginger family. Finely grated it adds many health benefits and a brilliant yellow colour and earthy flavour to foods such as Indian curries, rice and vegetarian dishes. Fresh Turmeric is lightly aromatic and slightly peppery, the flavour is pungent and bitter.
Turmeric is a primary ingredient of Curry Powder. Used heavily in Indian Cuisine such as legumes, beans, and vegetable dishes. That wonderful ballpark mustard also contains turmeric as a colouring. To make yellow rice, use one teaspoon to colour one cup of raw rice.
In the garden, the luscious leafy plant produces a spectacular flower that will stop you in your tracks, making a great ornamental feature in a subtropical garden. The foliage will die back in the winter indicating it is ready for harvest.
| Height | Frost tol. | Pollination req'd | Evergreen/Deciduous | Harvest period |
| 1 | Medium | No | Rootcrop | Winter |
We welcome your Tips on Turmeric. Share Your Tip.
Easy to grow, tough, vigorous canna like plant. Responds well to extra attention. Grated root used in curries and sauces as a yellow colouring. Active ingredient curcurmin is a powerful anti-oxidant substance. Beautiful flowers. Mulch, full sun and water. | David White - Newcastle, NSW 30-May-2006
Turmeric is an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory,anti-carcinogenic,food preservative,colouring agent | Krishnamoorthy.c - Erode, TAMIL 22-Oct-2008
1 tspn turmeric, mix to a paste with water and apply to swelling and bruising - swelling disappears, bruising minimised. | Alison Heald - Boambee East, NSW 20-Jul-2009
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