Luxury Portfolio Vol. 08 Issue 01 - Gary E. Richardson

ARTISAN

TURMERIC A golden-colored spice featured in both traditional Indian cuisine and in Ayurveda treatments, turmeric has been used for thousands of years around the world. The health benefits and unique flavor of turmeric have made this ancient spice newly fashionable, topping several top food trends lists.

Turmeric is made from the rhizome (rootstalk) of the Curcuma longa plant and is a member of the ginger family. Its health benefits come from curcumin, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. Uses of turmeric date back over 4,500 years and in ayurvedic medicine turmeric was used both externally for healing wounds and internally for helping to purify the blood and aid the circulatory system. Turmeric is also seen as auspicious and sacred within the Hindu religion and has been used to dye Buddhist robes their distinctive orange color. Most turmeric is sold as a ground powder and similar to ginger, it’s sold in root form as well. Fresh turmeric is peeled to remove the outer skin and then can be grated or sliced. Turmeric adds heat, color, and flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. It can be added to smoothies, in meat marinades and rubs, and included in dips, dressings, and sauces.

luxuryportfolio.com