Turmeric Facts
Did you know?
Turmeric has a very long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4,000 years!
Origin
Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant member of the ginger genus, native to tropical South Asia.
Moderation is key
Repeated intake at higher doses may cause digestive issues, headaches, nausea and skin rashes.
Six reasons to sprinkle some more
- May delay aging and fight age-related chronic disease
- May lower risk of developing brain and heart disease
- May increase antioxidant capacity of the body
- May treat symptoms of arthritis
- May enhance brain function and memory
- May fight inflammation and reduce pain when combined with black pepper
Applications
From small individual turmeric powder containers used in household kitchens to wholesale turmeric powder boxes, the tropical and sub-tropical spice adds color and flavor to sauces, soups, curries, beverages, spreads and a variety of other dishes. If you are buying your bulk turmeric powder for wider use, read our guide to buying bulk spices.
21 Vitamins and Minerals
- Calcium
- Copper
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Zinc
- Betaine
- Choline
- Folate
- Niacin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Turmeric Cultivation
The genus Curcuma consists of nearly hundred & thirty accepted species in the family Zingiberaceae. Turmeric is a perennial herb spread across tropical and sub-tropical regions like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The turmeric producing regions in India are Salem and Erode in Tamil Nadu; Alleppy, Wayanad in Kerala; Sangli and Marathwada in Maharashtra; Nizamabad in Andhra; Cuddappah in Telangana; Gundelpet in Karnataka; Kandhamal in Orissa and the North eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam & Sikkim.
Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin referred to as curcuminoids are the major polyphenolic compounds in turmeric. Environmental factors such as minimum relative humidity, altitude, soil nitrogen content and soil pH contributed to the varying curcumin content of the different varieties of turmeric. The pale yellow to orange-yellow volatile oil of turmeric consists of a number of mono- and sesquiterpenes referred to as curcumenone.