Turmeric Is The Main Ingredient In Curry Powder

Turmeric is a fascinating spice. It is native to tropical Asia and China, and is grown in the West Indies, especially in Haiti.

India is one of the biggest producers of the spice. This plant is also popular in Jamaica, Philippines, and Indonesia. The specie does not grow well outdoors in the United States, but can survive in a greenhouse setting.

The essential ingredient of the plant is the rhizome. The rhizome is the horizontal stem of a plant, and the rhizome produces a wonderful aroma.

The plant can mature anywhere from three to six feet tall. Roots and shoots branch off the rhizome. The color of the root will depend on where the plant is grown. There are three main varieties grown throughout the world. The Alleppey grows in India and produces a mellow orange - yellow color. The Madras is a light lemon tone.

The Haiti root has a much dark orange color with a small amount of yellow tones mixed in.

This is by far the richest of the root colors. The flowers also have a different appearance.

In China, the flowers and foliage produce a dark green color. In the East Indies, the flowers take on a vibrant orange tone.

The plant is started in the spring by divisions of the rhizomes. The root divisions are put out in rows and as the plant matures, the stems, leaves and flowers emerge from the ground.

The plant is at its full maturity when the leaves begin to wilt and the flowers die off.

The roots are dug up and put out in full sun to dry. This takes around ten days to two weeks. Once all the moisture is gone from the root and it becomes brittle, it is ground up for culinary use.

Turmeric is a favorite spice in India and is blended in dishes for its rich, tangy flavor as well as distinct bright color.

It is used throughout the world in pickles and relish as well as cakes, cookies, curry blend, salad dressing, different meats and also fresh and shell fish. I have been to a couple of weddings where the couples were from India.

This was a wonderful cultural experience. To see the stunning attire, hear the native music, as well as the aroma of curry flowing throughout the reception room.

Turmeric also has a variety of potential medicinal values. In China and India, the powder is mixed with fresh lime juice and water. It is made into a paste and used to sooth lesions, measles, mumps and other skin irritation. This spice is said to help in taking care of ear and eye discharges, may help with diabetes, and possible liver fat.

Over the years there has been much research done on this plant specimen. If you are interested in learning more about the medicinal value, take the time to contact a professional in your area. You shouldn't ingest or apply any plant specimen without checking out the possible side effects.



The Turmeric plant gives a us a distinct aroma and flavor to use in a variety of culinary dishes. The growth pattern as well as drying process of Turmeric, is very similar to the Ginger Plant.