Daily Ingredient: Turmeric

Tasteful Turmeric.

It’s probably the color that draws me to it most. The gorgeous yellow-orange hue catches my eye. Secondly the slightly heating- peppery & ginger-like taste adds such a delicious taste to food. Overall Turmeric [Curcuma longa] is one of my latest favorites.

Culinary wise, this certainly has been ‘ The Year of Turmeric ‘ for me! Which is great…maybe my liver needed it [very cleansing]. Ever since discovering and reading more about it, I’ve been going through bottles of the spice, sprinkling it on all my preparations; before, during and now after my extended juice feast. Everything from Mexican dishes {like Raw Romaine Tacos and Guacamole} to Italian {Zucchini Pastas and Kale Salads} to topping my favorite Creamy-Coconut-Celery & Cucumber Soup and Chopped Cauliflower salad (raw cauliflower florets, black pepper, pinch of sea salt, turmeric powder and drizzle of cold-pressed oil). I sometimes sport yellow tipped fingers- as turmeric will stain whatever it comes in contact with (hands, cutting board, etc.). But not to worry, it does rinse off by few days. To prevent staining your hands, you might consider wearing kitchen/latex free gloves while handling turmeric.

I was so intrigued when I discovered that fresh Turmeric could be found in season at my local grocery store… the curious looking- knubby and bright roots packaged up. For convenience I generally still buy the powdered variety, but am interested in trying recipes using the fresh roots as well. It makes a great deal of sense that I would like Turmeric so much, as it has almost a mustard color and aroma- I’ve always been a fan of mustard.

You can also often find the spice at local Indian, Asian or Middle Eastern markets, as traditionally Turmeric is most common in these cuisines. India & Pakistan are the greatest producers of Turmeric worldwide. Turmeric is native to Tropical South Asia, needing plenty of rainfall and a hot climate to thrive. Though 80% of Turmeric today is grown in India. It’s a key ingredient in many Thai, Indian and Persian dishes-including curries in which it adds such a radiant coloring. Arab traders introduced it into Europe in the 13th century, and it has only recently become popular in the West.

Indeed the Turmeric taste is easily relatable to ginger, as it is a perennial plant coming from the botanical species. Ayurvedic Practices (of India) have used the root since ancient times, the medicinal properties are well-known to treat such ailments as arthritis, skin irritations/infections and cancer. Indian culture also uses Turmeric in traditional wedding and religious ceremonies- whether in making a form of Hindu god Ganesha [the remover of obstacles], or the paste applied to the faces of brides & grooms [brings good luck], or given as an offering to Suyra [the Sun god], or used in power & purification rites. Turmeric works to balance the solar plexus (or “Manipura”, the yellow power chakra)- which is considered the center of energy, willpower and achievement in our bodies.

Turmeric is used in both Hindu & Buddhist ceremonies, and is associated with fertility and prosperity. In Hinduism yellow relates to Vishnu and signifies in color- the space between chastity and sensuality. Since earlier times, a clear association was drawn with relationship to the sun. In Buddhism yellow is the color of Bodhisattva Ratnasambhava [one of the five meditation buddhas; with focus on developing equality, as well as sensation & its relationship with consciousness]. In Ayurvedic practices all doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) benefit from using turmeric.

So spice it up!!

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NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

Turmeric’s active and most special substance is “curcumin”, a polyphenol. Curcumin is a potential cure for ailments associated with internal inflammation, making it a powerful healer; further improving and protecting every organ in the body. It acts as a natural pain-killer.

A source of Manganese, Iron, Vitamin B6, Fiber and Potassium.

A wonderful rich antioxidant, that helps protects us from harmful carcinogens such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollution. Believed to aid in fat metabolism and help in managing weight.

Turmeric is a wonderfully potent and natural liver cleanser [stimulates bile flow, efficiently processing metabolic wastes]. It is also especially good for those with joint issues or arthritis, and the prevention there of. Has even been said to help treat depression, elevating mood.

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9 CULINARY USES FOR TURMERIC….Take some Time for Turmeric!

Turmeric combines particularly well with the flavors of mint, carrot, ginger & citrus (both of which it is related to botanically), cauliflower, cilantro, coconut, garlic, coriander and cumin.

#1 Tantalizing Turmeric Juices, Mocktails & Smoothies

The brand Tumeric-The Elixir of Life sells gorgeous raw vegan drinks, made in NYC with Turmeric, natural sweeteners, spices, etc. [all fair sourced/socially responsible ingredients]. A portion of their sales goes to improving the quality of food in our school systems, and they’ve donated to many charities including support of building schools in developing countries. Organic Avenue also has a Turmeric Tonic, especially good when you’re doing a {juice} cleanse or just for routine beautifying usage.

Fresh turmeric can be juiced alone or added into a fruit/veg juice. Wonderful for clearing congestion of the ear, sinus, throat or chest. When you’re able to make your own, follow these wonderful root- sacral & solar plexus chakra balancing recipes:

Fresh Turmeric Juice from Tera Warner

Fresh Turmeric Juice from Food Trients

Green Juice with Fresh Turmeric * from OVOO

Green Juice with Turmeric & Pepper by Dara Dubinet

*(add in a small amount of Dandelion Greens, and you’ve got yourself one powerful liver cleanser!)

Glow Cleanse Martini & Turmeric Cocktail (Inflammation Reducing) from Young and Raw

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#2 Terrific Turmeric Dressings & Sauces

Spiralize up a big bowl of yellow (or green) zucchini noodles and top with one of the creamy dressings or sauces listed below for a little Taste of India.

Turmeric Tahini Dressing by Mary Manghis, Via City Market Co-Op

Curry Coconut and Basil Dressing from Green Lemonade

Rainbow “Pasta” with an Almond Turmeric Sauce from The Veg Mom

You can whisk in organic powdered tumeric to your favorite simple raw dressings/vinaigrettes. Will turn everything a gorgeous marigold color.

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#3 Yummy in your Tummy Turmeric Soup

Whether freshly grated or finely diced inside of, blended into puree, or turmeric powder sprinkled over- this seasoning will add an earthy, slightly peppery flavor to your raw soups.

Try these perfect fall colored soups with some raw gluten-free Turmeric Bread for a wonderfully cleansing and tasty supper. Make a Creamy Turmeric “Soup” by blending some raw coconut yogurt, with Turmeric powder and young coconut water- ’til reaching desired consistency.

Creamy Raw Zucchini Soup with Crushed Pistachios from Foods for Long Life

Creamy Cucumber-Celery-Coconut Soup by GreenAura

~Water of 1 young coconut

~About 1 quart of juice from: 1 medium bunch organic celery, 1/2 jalapeno pepper, handful cilantro

or Italian Parsley, 1 long organic english cucumber, 1/4 c. sweet onion (optional)

~ 1 large perfectly ripe Hass Avocado

Place about half of water from young coconut, half of juice mixture and half avocado into blender (or you can blend juice and avocado first and add coco water slowly- as to get consistency desired. Set on smoothie setting, blend until smooth. Make second round of soup, if wanting seconds( or save for later). Sprinkle generously with ground turmeric powder on top. Enjoy!

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#4 Turmeric Tea & [Traditional] Beverages

Make a magical drink of an ancient sort, using fresh almond milk and ground turmeric. These drinks are Anti-inflammatory and especially good for those suffering from arthritis, joint or muscle pain and blemish-prone skin. Also anti-parasitic and liver cleansing.

Ginger Turmeric Tea by Dara Dubinet

*You can make Iced Turmeric Tea too, though we are into the season now requiring a bit more surrounding warmth! Will taste wonderful steeped with some fresh mint, honey as sweetener or bit of ginger juice or ginger kombucha.

Fresh Turmeric Almond Milk & Fresh Turmeric Tea from Raw Glow

“Golden Milk” Turmeric Milk * from Journey Kitchen

* raw foodies; slightly heat (but never boil or overkill) in saucepan raw almond or nut mylk to a luke warm temp. add raw sweetener of choice (honey, coconut nectar, yacon syrup, etc.)

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#5 Turmeric Dips, Spreads + Hummus (& bread to put ‘em on!)

So lovin’ Nori Nachos by ChocolaTree- I discovered them at my local co-op here in California! You find them online or at various green grocery markets in the US, Canada and the UK. They even come in a Curry flavor-perfect for celebrating Turmeric (which is a component of curry), but also many others. Dip these chips into any of the turmeric dips below, or use raw crudite-especially organic cauliflower (even purple cauliflower!) and raw carrot or sweet potato “chips” for a tasty snack.

Make a sandwich using sprouted bread (recipe below) or Live Curry Wraps; fill with raw hummus, sprouts, sliced heirloom tomato- whatever your heart desires! Turmeric Sandwich Bread from Young & Raw

Majestic Garlic makes mind-blowing sprouted hummus dips and garlic spreads. They even offer a Turmeric Curry Flavor. I’m lucky to find them at the local farmer’s markets here in California, but their products are available in various health food stores and online as well.

Spicy Raw Hummus from Rawified

Turmeric Cashew Spread from Sunshel

You can add Turmeric to your favorite raw dips (such as hummus) to give them some added spice and color. Stir in the powder to your favorite raw nut or seed butters (almond, cashew, tahini…) for a spicy decadent spread.

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#6 Turmeric Kale Chips & Snacks

Perfect for pairing with the above dips. These chips & snacks will surely satisfy your crunchy and spicy cravings.

Simply add turmeric powder into your raw Kale Chip recipes. As seen with this recipe….Best Raw Vegan Kale Chips Ever from The Delicious Revolution

Jicama Fries * from Gone Raw

* use the top portion of recipe for simple, turmeric seasoned fries!

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#7 Curried Cauliflower [Popcorn]

For your next movie night make some raw cauliflower popcorn!! (even using purple cauliflower for a beautiful color pairing, if desired).

This “popcorn” is seasoned with turmeric and an absolutely guilt free, healthy snack.

Simple Cheesy Cauliflower Popcorn by Dara Dubinet

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#8 Turmeric Salads & Slaw

Salads are generally already amazing and alkalizing for our bodies. It’s important to eat lots of them. Turmeric makes these ones even healthier and sure to spice up your eating habits.

Spinach-Tomato-Pinenut & Turmeric Salad by Dara Dubinet [watch this beautiful sweet lady, you'll be so inspired to 'Get your Greens On'!]

Moroccan Kale Salad – Recipe adapted from Robyn Youkilis [Your Healthiest You, NYC] via Pure Wow

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#9 Spiced Salsa & Turmeric Tacos

Sprinkle Turmeric into your favorite raw mango salsa recipe- for a spicy & sweet condiment or classic accompaniment to chips. It’s even so good it can even be enjoyed on its own! or in some lettuce wraps with avocado.

Turmeric Salsa by Denise Lambeth

Raw Chips & Salsa * by Amberlee Maya

* [These chips have turmeric in them, but you can also add grated or finely chopped fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder for extra spiciness in the salsa.]

Raw Vegan Gluten Free Tomato Taco Shells * by Raw Food Etc.

* perfect clean eating recipe!, you can add turmeric seasoning for the purpose of making a bit spicier.

Raw Taco with Zesty Vegan Meat by MahaNomi

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#10 Turmeric Ice Cream…’That’s a One Spicy Ice Cream”!

Make some Turmeric and Saffron Ice Cream for a gourmet Indian & Middle Eastern inspired treat. Using your favorite simple raw ice cream recipes (get inspired by some below), simply add the spices to the mix (and perhaps some raw pistachios and rosewater) for a decadent and aromatic update.

Raw Vegan Sugar Free Banana Ice Cream * by Zizi’s Adventures

Raw Vegan Coconut Icecream from This Rawesome Vegan Life

How to Make Ravishing Raw Ice Cream *from UnCooking 101

* for mixing in Turmeric and other ingredients, make the base recipe (without adding chocolate sauce)

If you don’t have an icecream maker or the time/patience to make raw icecream , you could simply purchase a raw vegan variety (simplest available) at your major health store or co-op and stir into softened the icecream or gelato, pistachios-rosewater- turmeric powder- etc. What a colorful blend!

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#11 Breakfast of Champions…Sprinkle on Turmeric

If you were like me as a kid, you may have loved dipping into the sugar bowl and pouring a spoonful (or two!) onto your already sweet cereal. Well thankfully my taste has changed, and now adding fragrant spice like cinnamon, nutmeg and yes, even turmeric sounds like a much better idea. You don’t need much, use liberally…spice makes things nice, and healthy too. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp. Turmeric on Raw granola with favorite Nut Mylk, add sliced fruit or berries.

Honeyed Turmeric Muesli [without honey] from Health, Fitness & Food- Raederle’s Raw Recipes, Etc.

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#12 Spiced Jicama Rice

‘Turmeric Rice’ is a beautiful Indian dish. In Medieval Europe Turmeric was dubbed “Indian Saffron”, as it was a popular alternate to the more expensive Saffron (it remains so to this day!).

Instead of using white rice (one of the most genetically modified foods), you can make a much easier raw version using water rich Jicama. The root vegetable will take on the flavor of whatever sauce or spice you add (much like rice itself)- so try adding turmeric freshly grated or powdered to a bowl and watch the magic of living foods unfold. Also will taste splendid with a bit of shredded coconut! *Bonus-it prepares in a lot LESS time and with no scrubbing of pots, than traditional cooked rice.

Raw Jicama “Rice” & Orange Spice from Fully Raw Kristina

Raw Food Cauliflower Rice from Jennifer Murray

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OTHER PRACTICAL USES FOR TURMERIC

FOR BEAUTY/SKIN

Indian brides have long used Turmeric as part of their beautifying regime. Try as Turmeric facial mask and see the effects-experience a radiant glow! Helps alleviate acne/psoriasis/ eczema, fade wrinkles and even skin tone. One of my favorite natural product lines is MyChelle Deurmaceuticals, they have a great selection of products which are wonderful for all skin types. I absolutely adore their vegan friendly Fruit Enzyme Spray & Cleanser, which both contains turmeric. There are many natural varieties of Turmeric Soap on the market, which are highly beneficial to the skin.

Turmeric Face Mask * from Henry Happened

For more beauty recipes…see this article NATURAL BEAUTY with TURMERIC * by Carolanne Wright.

*use raw oat or almond flour & almond mylk for added bonus skin soothers, VEGAN friendly.

FOR NATURAL DYE

For hundreds of years in India & Bangladesh, they have used turmeric to dye fabrics a gorgeous yellow hue. Used particularly to dye saris & Buddhist monk’s robes.Follow these guidelines, How to Make Natural Fabric Dye from Itty Bitty Impact. Even use to dye your natural yarns for knitting (silk, wool, cotton, etc.) a bright yellow. For a gorgeous [perfect for Autumn] project, try- How to Tie-Dye a Shirt Naturally Using Turmeric from Delighted Mama

FOR FIRST AID

Try as this a well established remedy for minor cuts and skin irritations/burns…make a paste of turmeric and water, apply to the area for up to an hour, and then rinse. The turmeric speeds healing prevents infection of wounds. The powdered root can stop bleeding fast; can be applied to minor cuts.

FOR MEDICINAL USE

Healers since ancient times have used turmeric to treat digestive problems [soothes inflammation, tightening & toning digestive tract and relieves gas], as a decongestant to open air passages, improve blood flow and relieve headaches.

* NOTE- Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. And it’s important for pregnant women to consult with a health practitioner before using regular or copious amounts of turmeric, as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

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Joy & The Pursuit of Positive,

GreenAura

“Each spice has a special day to it. For turmeric it is Sunday, when light drips fat and butter-colored into the bins to be soaked up glowing, when you pray to the nine planets for love and luck.”

~Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The Mistress of Spices

Photo Credits:

1. [featured front image, roots on clothe] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/missmeng/5482699753/”>missmeng> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

2. [turmeric in hand] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/annamatic3000/2285438924/”>annamatic3000> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

3. [bowl of turmeric] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlos_lorenzo/298380494/”>Carlos Lorenzo</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

4. [tea] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaxxon/4329553740/”>jaxxon> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

5. [turmeric at market, mask] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/morganmorgan/3254179994/”>iwishmynamewasmarsha</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/”>cc</a>

6. [turmeric root with soil, held] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/robryb/2075939274/”>RobRyb</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

7. [turmeric drink, juice] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/linkwize/2007883533/”>linkwize> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

8. [dressing] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/2is3/646488192/”>2is3> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>

9. [soup] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/ayngelina/3246098118/”>ayngelina> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>cc</a>

10. [statue dusted with turmeric] <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/anandham/4120643078/”>Prem Anandh P via http://photopin.com”>photopin> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>