Turmeric (Curcuma longa), is a spice that is obtained by drying the root of the herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family Zingiberaceae. Native to the tropical climate of South Asia, the turmeric plant thrives in places, which have heavy rainfall and an average temperature of 20°C and 30°C. The plants are harvested once a year between February and April after which the rhizomes are cleaned, boiled, dried and polished. They are further processed into turmeric fingers, ground turmeric, and turmeric oil.
India holds the distinction of being the leading producer and exporter of turmeric. Cultivated in South India for more than 5,000 years turmeric has been in use as a spice, medicine, fabric dye, hair remover and beauty agent. It is also used in numerous cultural, religious and ceremonial events.
Uses of turmeric
As a condiment: Turmeric is used as a spice and flavoring agent in most Asian cuisines. It is an essential ingredient of the traditional Indian curry, Vietnamese soup and the Iranian stir-fry. It is also used as a food additive (coded E100) in pickles, relishes, and mustard and when combined with annatto (coded E160b), it is used to color cheeses, yogurt, dry mixes, salad dressings, winter butter and margarine. As an oleoresin, it is used in oil-containing products to add color and flavor.
For general health: Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines as both an antiseptic and antibiotic agent to treat a wide variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, haemorrhage, toothache, cuts, burns, bruises, chest pain, and colic . Recent research has pointed out that curcumin the yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, is the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. Curcumin, when isolated, has been found to be an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and provides relief for rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis sufferers. It was also found to improve liver function, provide cardiovascular protection and reduce the occurrence of several cancers.
Selection and storage of turmeric
Color is not a criteria when it comes to choosing turmeric. Depending on the variety of the plant from which it has been harvested, the color of turmeric varies from bright yellow to dull orange. However, it is best to buy organically grown turmeric as this will ensure that all the beneficial properties of the spice remain intact.
Turmeric fingers and turmeric powder stays fresh for up to a year when kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. When using the turmeric rhizome, be sure to store it in a refrigerator and use within two weeks.
Purchase superior quality turmeric at Ameen Exports
Ameen Exports, a premium exporting company based in Cochin, Kerala, offers high quality turmeric products. Directly sourced from the planters the turmeric is further processed in our state-of-the-art processing centre. We offer customized packaging and branding of turmeric fingers, turmeric powder, and turmeric oil and oleoresins to clients located all over the world.
Contact us for more information.