It is obtained from the dried tuberous roots of Curcuma longa Linn, which is popularly used as a colouring agent. It contains 95 percent of curcuminoids. Curcumin possess antimicrobial and anti inflammatory actions and has been used for ages as a medicament against blood diseases to eye infection.

Botanical Name: Curcuma longa

Family Name: Zingiberaceae

Name in some International Languages:

Hindi Name: Haldi

Spanish-Curcuma
Arabic-Kurcum
Chinese-Yu.Chin 

Flavour Characteristics:Musky Flavour, slightly bitter and fragrant

Usage Profile:Foods, medicines and cosmetics

Commercial part:Rhizome or underground stem

Turmeric has been used medicinally throughout Asia to treat stomach and liver ailments. It is a natural blood purifier. It is also used externally, to heal sores, as a cosmetic and for many other health benefits; it aids digestion, and helps to fight against infection and many more…

Spice Description

Turmeric, basically a tropical plant of ginger family is the rhizome or underground stem, with a rough, segmented skin. The length of main rhizome is approximately 2.5 - 7 cm (1 - 3 inches) in length with a diameter of 2.5 cm (1 inch), with smaller tubers branching off. The color of rhizome is yellowish-brown with a dull orange interior and color of powder is bright yellow.

Color: Bright yellow
Flavor & Aroma: Earthy aroma and a pungent, slightly bitter flavor
Bouquet: Earthy and slightly acrid

Main constituents

• Turmeric contains an essential oil max. 5%, this contains a variety of sesquiterpenes specific for the species.
• In turmeric most important for the aroma are
  - Turmerone: Max. 30%
  - Ar-turmerone: 25%
  - Zingiberene: 25%
• Conjugated Diarylheptanoids are responsible for the orange colour and probably for the spicy taste (3 - 4%).

Turmeric in india

The turmeric spice was a major part in Indian culinary dating back to 3000 B.C. Turmeric was cultivated in India. The turmeric plant requires hot climate with light soil. The hot and humid climate of India suits the growth of tropical turmeric plant.

Use of Turmeric powder

The use of turmeric dates back nearly 3000 years to the ancient Vedic culture of India. Since then, it has been used as important spice, beauty products and in spiritual ceremonies. There are various benefits and uses of Turmeric Powder from food to medicines. There are hardly few recipes in which Turmeric Powder is not used in Indian Dishes. Almost all Indian vegetable and meat dishes use turmeric either as separate spice or in the spice mixture. A small pinch of turmeric powder would add an orange-yellow hue to salad dressings. It is also a great spice to complement recipes that use rice, lentils and dry beans. Turmeric powder is one of the most significant colouring material of India. Turmeric colour also serves as a chemical indicator since it changes its colour on adding acids or alkalis. Turmeric powder can be used for encapsulation and preparing highly beneficial Turmeric health tablets. It is an essential ingredient in various Indian food preparations for taste and colouring and in various herbal preparations. Turmeric powder, extracts and curcumin also exhibit antioxidant property. Turmeric powder's flavor could also be described as peppery, or even warm in the mouth.

Turmeric Medicinal Use

From many years awareness of turmeric and its use as medicine is continuously
increasing. A flowering plant, Turmeric, in the ginger family, is commonly used as a food coloring and is one of the basic ingredients in curry powder. To heal many health disorders like liver problems, digestive disorders, treatment for skin diseases and wound healing turmeric has long been used in Medicinal as an anti-inflammatory. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric which has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects.

Digestive Disorders

Liver Diseases

Cancer

Atherosclerosis

Osteoarthritis

Menstrual problems of Woman

Bacterial Infection / Wounds

Eye Disorder

Other Health Disorders

Turmeric decreases congestion and inflammation from stagnant mucous
membranes. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory to the mucous membranes, which coat the throat, lungs, stomach and intestines. Regular use of turmeric can benefit from Colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, and post-giardia or post salmonella conditions. The itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures can reduce by use of turmeric. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for those it is potent detoxifier.

"Turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity of health. Turmeric is effectual for purification the chakras, as well as purifying the path of the subtle body."

Curcumin powder