Cooking Tips

All You Need To Know About Turmeric & Why You Should Try It

Turmeric is very popular, and you probably have already heard lots of people talking about it. You can find it in supermarkets and grocery stores. You can also purchase it from online stores. But what is it really?

This article will provide you with all the things that you need to know about turmeric and why you should try it. Read on to learn more.

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric, also known as Golden Spice or Indian Saffron, is a tall plant that usually grows in Asia as well as in South America. It is a flowering plant, and it belongs to the ginger family. Its roots are used not only in cooking but also in treating various health conditions. If you are familiar with curry powder, particularly the yellow one, turmeric is its main spice. It comes with a bright, yellow-orange color and a distinct flavor.

What Are the Health Benefits?

Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which comes with a plethora of health benefits. With its very powerful medicinal properties, consuming turmeric, be it a spice for different dishes, or even in the form of tea, you can expect a positive impact on your body and brain.

Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound and it can definitely match the effectiveness of drugs, without you worrying about the side effects. This substance can also increase the antioxidant capacity of the body, enhance brain functions, lower risks of brain and heart diseases, prevent cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, delay aging, and fight depression.

How Is Fresh Turmeric Prepared?

Although you can buy turmeric powder in many stores, you have the option to prepare fresh turmeric if you wish to. First, you can utilize a vegetable peeler or even a paring knife to take its skin off. Or, another option is to rub the stem down using the back of a spoon. You can then finely slice or grate it. Take note that turmeric is less fibrous than ginger so you can expect it to be much easier to grate.

How to Use Fresh Turmeric

Turmeric has many uses, and you can easily incorporate it into your everyday cooking. You can make tea out of it, blend in a smoothie, and utilize it to add more flavor to your eggs. It can also be an excellent ingredient for salads and dressings. If you are marinating, you can add turmeric to the marinade, too.

How to Store Fresh Turmeric

If you are preparing fresh turmeric, do not rush in using all of it. You can simply wrap it in a paper towel, put in an airtight container or even a Tupperware, and store in the fridge. It should last up to 2 weeks. You also have the option to keep it in the freezer if you wish for it to last much longer.

Are There Possible Side Effects?

Just like anything else, turmeric also has side effects if taken in large amounts. It can make your stomach upset or irritate your digestive system. It can stimulate contractions as well. If you are using blood-thinning drugs, you might as well use turmeric moderately.

 

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