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The Golden Spice - All About Turmeric

The golden spice - All About Turmeric

Kerala's climate and soil are well-suited for growing turmeric. Kerala's farmers use traditional farming methods passed down from generation to generation. They do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. This results in a product that is not only healthy but also environmentally friendly. We at Thottam Farm Fresh produce at our farm and also source from farmers we know and make Kerala Spices online for anyone all over the world.

Known as the land of spices, Kerala also produces cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, jeera, turmeric, black pepper, fenugreek, anise, chili, coriander and nutmeg. These organic Kerala spices online are safe and healthy to consume. 

Turmeric is one of the ancient spices cultivated primarily in India. The term turmeric is derived from the Latin phrase ‘terra merita’. It is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous imperishable plant. It is related to the ginger family ‘Zingiberaceae’ and has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It is often used in curries and gives them their characteristic yellow color. In addition to its culinary uses, turmeric has many medicinal properties. Nearly 30 kinds of turmeric are cultivated in India. 

 Turmeric - production, and uses  

Turmeric, a spice native to the Indian subcontinent, has been used in India for centuries as a spice and medicinal herb. Global turmeric production is roughly 11 lakh tonnes per time. India leads the global product script, counting for 80 of the aggregate. India exported 1.71 lakh tonnes of turmeric from 1.37 lakh tonnes the previous year. Turmeric deals have been steadily adding since the COVID- 19 outbreak in 2020 – 2021.  

The turmeric plant grows to about 1 meter in height and has large, bright green leaves. The roots are harvested and then dried and ground into a powder. The main ingredient in turmeric powder is curcumin, which has been shown to have many health benefits. 

Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It has been shown to improve brain function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin can also help to lower cholesterol and prevent cancer. Turmeric is a healthy spice to take in supplement form, but it is vital to choose a product that contains a high percentage of curcumin. Other than Kerala, Meghalaya turmeric is also known to be the best globally. 

Turmeric powder is used to add flavor and color to curries, rice, and other dishes. It can also be used as a natural food coloring agent. In addition to its culinary uses, turmeric has many health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  

Another way to use turmeric is turmeric milk. Turmeric latte or “golden milk” has always been a favorite. Drinking turmeric-infused milk (or Haldi doodh) at night reduces aches and pains, strengthens bones and boosts immunity. 

Turmeric's health benefits 

According to Sanskrit medics, Ayurvedic and Unani systems, turmeric has a long history of medicinal value dating back nearly 4000 years in Southeast Asia. Presently, turmeric is extensively cultivated in the tropics. Turmeric is associated with different names in different regions of the country. In North India, turmeric is called “ Haldi, ” and in the south, it is known as “Manjal”. 

Turmeric is the most comprehensive and significant herbal component in Ayurvedic treatments and traditional remedies. The active component present in turmeric is curcumin. Health benefits include: 

  1. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It helps the body fight off invading microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. 

  2. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help ease inflammation and swelling in people with arthritis. Research suggests that curcumin is effective in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Intake of turmeric extracts alone or combined with other herbal substances can help control pain. It improves function in persons with knee osteoarthritis. 

  3. The spice helps in lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) & helps reduce your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. A low dosage of curcumin reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels. 

  4. Its active organic improves the liver and reduces toxicity levels in the body. The antioxidant effect of turmeric is an ideal answer for liver disorders. 

  5. Due to its antioxidant properties, it has photoprotective properties. Curcumin has been proven to defend against chromosomal damage caused by gamma radiation.  

Thus, the turmeric plant is largely prized for its vast medicinal qualities. Known as the “Indian saffron”, turmeric is an essential part of Indian cuisine and is used widely across the globe—from Japanese tea to Thai cosmetics. 

Turmeric is used in cooking or taken as a supplement. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage. You can find turmeric in the spice aisle of your local grocery store or you can even order it online from Thottam Farm Fresh for fresh and organic turmeric.