Turmeric, like its close relative ginger, is a rhizome or rootstocks. It is common to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, where they are fused in numerous cuisines. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time now, although outside of its home in Asia, people mostly think of turmeric as just a spice used to make curry. Turmeric’s association to hot and spicy foods might have affected this thinking, but more than anything, it deserves to be adopted and fused with other course meals as it tends to enhance the flavor of any food, and it also has a ton of health benefits. But really, what does turmeric taste like? Maybe you have heard it through word of mouth, but you are still unsure of its taste. Don’t worry, we got you covered! Continue reading to find out what does turmeric taste like and the wide array of what turmeric has to offer.
What Does Turmeric Taste Like?
Flavor-wise, the golden-colored Indian spice has an overly earthy and bitter taste, and sometimes a bit sweet. But its pungent taste is not the only one that’s remarkable, but its color, too. One spoonful of turmeric is enough to give an entire pot of soup or rice a vibrant color of yellow orange.
You will see them sold in most supermarkets in a dried and ground form. Turmeric in powder form is easy to mix with marinades or sizzled with aromatics like garlics and onions in a stew or soup.
Sometimes, you can also find them raw. Fresh turmeric looks like small knobs of ginger. It still has its dried counterpart’s bitterness, but it has a brighter color, and a fresher flavor.
It is important to note, however, that when working with turmeric in your kitchen, it’s best not to wear white or anything light colored; especially your favorite dress as it stains like crazy! It will instantly stain anything it touches, from your tupperwares to your stainless steel stuff, so be very careful.
What Foods Go Best with Turmeric?
A curry is not complete without turmeric, but turmeric can be partnered with other foods and recipes, especially when you need that burst of color and flavor.
It can be added to salad dressings, curries, and sprinkle on veggies before roasting. Read the list below to find out what foods go best with turmeric:
Egg Dishes, Stir Fries, and Yogurts
Fresh turmeric is better to give off that extra kick, but you can always use powdered turmeric for these foods as well. Both can really give a unique touch to these basic dishes by adding color, texture, and a wide array of flavors.
Quinoa
Superfood + superfood? Yes! You can also add turmeric to quinoa. They make for great partners when it comes to texture and taste, and their nutritional contents combined are to die for.
Squashes and Sweet Potatoes
These two both serve as a good complement to turmeric as the latter can help balance their sweetness.
Tahini
Mix tahini with turmeric for a quick, healthy, and tasty dressing.
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
A classic lentil and vegetable soup goes well with turmeric as the presence of turmeric provides a boost in flavor and nutrition as well.
Plain Yogurt
Sprinkle turmeric on a plain yogurt to make an incredible salad dressing.
Turmeric Tea
There’s always the option to buy turmeric tea online or in your local health store. This alternative is worth considering; especially if you do not have the space in your kitchen to store ingredients. Want to make your own? Then here is the basic recipe for turmeric tea:
- 1 mug of hot but drinkable water
- Honey (runny is better)
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- Lemon juice (optional but will add more cleansing effect to your body)
Add the turmeric together with the black pepper to the hot water, then mix in the lemon juice if you have prepared one. Add honey for a sweeter taste.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
How do you like your turmeric? Raw, fresh, sprinkled on your food, or as a tea? No matter what you prefer, you will still reap the many health benefits of turmeric, some of them are listed below:
- Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease – Although the cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, the curcumin content of turmeric might help prevent it. The antioxidants found in turmeric were also found to be helpful in preventing damage that can lead to the disease.
- Eases Arthritis – Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory effects which can help reduce painful symptoms such as swelling and inflammation in people suffering from arthritis.
- Boosts the Immune System – Turmeric’s medicinal properties help boost the immune system, even in people suffering from immune disorders.
- Helps Fight Cancer – Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants all contribute to cancer prevention. Curcumin was even recognized by the National Cancer Institute as an effective anticarcinogen, a substance that helps fight cancer.
- Helps Treat Uveitis – An inflammation of the iris is called uveitis. An early study found that curcumin contents of turmeric may be effective as a treatment just like corticosteroids minus the side effects.
In Conclusion
Turmeric is an all-rounder spice which can help prevent lots of medical conditions, and anyone can consume it no matter what culinary preferences a person might have. After having an answer for the question, “what does turmeric taste like?” Some people might also wonder how long they are going to wait for turmeric to work its wonders in their body. The short answer is, it depends. It all depends on how you consume it and for what purpose you are consuming your turmeric. For instance, if you are using turmeric to improve your diet and basically live a healthy lifestyle, you are more likely to notice quick changes than someone who is consuming turmeric to treat certain health conditions. You might very well love or hate it, but no one can deny the power it holds over the taste of our foods and its impact in our health and nutrition.
