It is one of the main ingredients in curry powder, which gives curries their distinct yellow colour. Turmeric is also used as a herbal remedy to treat inflammation, cancer and other diseases. While It has been used for cooking and medicine for hundreds if not thousands of years, there are some concerns with how it’s grown today. That’s why more people are choosing organic turmeric powder instead of non-organic varieties! This guide explains what organic turmeric is and why it should be your go-to choice when shopping for this spice at your local grocery store or online retailer.
What is Turmeric Powder?
Turmeric powder is the dried, ground rhizome of Curcuma longa. It root is a member of the ginger family, which includes cardamom and galangal (a relative of ginger). Many people use turmeric as an ingredient in traditional Indian and Southeast Asian cooking.
The rhizome is consumed fresh or boiled to make tea; it’s also available in dried form as a spice. Turmeric powder has a peppery taste similar to ginger but is milder with less bite than fresh turmeric root.
Where Does Turmeric Come From?
It is the dried, ground rhizome of a tropical plant called Curcuma longa. It’s native to southern Asia and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia. The plant is an annual herbaceous perennial that grows well in warm, humid climates and can reach a height of about 3 feet (0.9 meters). Its leaves are similar to those of ginger but have fewer hairs; they’re also much softer than ginger leaves, so do not eat them raw unless you want your mouth to become very scratchy!
The turmeric root grows underground and is harvested annually around the time of its flowering period—typically September through November in India—but it takes at least six months from seedling until harvest time, so don’t expect your first crop until next fall if you decide to grow this plants this summer!
How Can You Tell If Your Turmeric is Organic?
All organic foods must meet specific standards, so you’ll want to ensure that your turmeric is organic.
To determine whether or not your turmeric is organic, look for the following:
- The USDA Organic label
- The National Organic Program (NOP) logo
- The Non-GMO Project label
- Fair Trade Certified labels
Benefits
The benefits of using organic turmeric are vast, and they extend far beyond the simple fact that it is better for your health. The truth is that organic turmeric is more effective at treating many ailments than regular this, but it also has other advantages.
Studies have shown that organic turmeric contains higher levels of curcuminoids than regular turmeric. These compounds make this spice so beneficial to your body because they have antioxidant properties that can fight off free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. This means that using organic turmeric will improve overall results when taken regularly over time.
Tips for Buying
- Check the ingredients list. Ensure that this you’re buying is made from 100% organic powder and not a blend of other ingredients. If you’re having trouble finding an organic product with no additives, try to find one certified by the National Organic Program or another certification body as “100% Certified Organic.”
- Buy in bulk if possible. Buying in bulk can reduce your overall costs since purchasing smaller quantities of an expensive ingredient will increase your unit cost. This is especially true if you eat lots of curcumin-rich foods like curry dishes or smoothies!
- Consider local markets when possible for additional savings (and freshness). You can also look into buying directly from growers; make sure they’ll give you clear information about how their product was grown and harvested before making any purchases!
