Turmeric is a widely known (albeit often misspelled and mispronounced) South Asian spice. It is so commonplace that even if it isn't in your spice rack as such, it is what makes your curry powder and even some varieties of mustard yellow. Beyond its use in cooking, it is also widely believed to have several medicinal benefits.
Geography
Turmeric is native to South Asia, principally India. It is grown throughout South and Southeast Asia, and in places as far afield as Hawaii. However, the plant does require tropical conditions (hot weather and lots of water) to survive. Sangil, in India, is the center for world turmeric trading.
Identification
Turmeric's active component is curcumin, which contributes to its earthy, bitter, peppery flavor and a mustard-like scent. The plant itself is related to ginger, and resembles it strongly in appearance (if not in smell and taste).
Features
Turmeric is one of the many herbal remedies available to Ayurvedic medicine. In that school, it is frequently used as a topical antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent, and is also sometimes recommended as a tooth-cleaning agent as well. Thai herbal medicine recommends it as a topical agent for all kinds of skin problems, and turmeric is commonly found in skin balms, herbal sauna recipes, and herbal treatment packs there. The Japanese traditionally use it to address stomach ailments.
There is also an old wives tail that turmeric repels ants, but neither modern study or traditional medicine supports this.
Potential
Western medicine is only starting to investigate the uses of turmeric. The U.S. National Institute of Health currently have four ongoing studies looking into the applicability of turmeric to treating Alzheimer's disease, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and multiple myeloma.
Function
Despite the various medical uses, most turmeric is still grown for and applied in cooking. It is a major spice in South and Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cooking. It would be impossible to imagine such popular international cuisines as Indian or Thai without turmeric.
Tags: South Southeast