Turmeric
Earthy, warm and slightly bitter. The powder colours strongly but does not add chilli heat.
AI-generated illustration.
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What is it?
Turmeric is the rhizome of Curcuma longa, a relative of ginger. It is used fresh or dried and ground.
«Earthy, warm and slightly bitter. The powder colours strongly but does not add chilli heat.»
Background
In the cupboard, you will most often find the yellow powder. Fresh turmeric also adds moisture and fibre, so use a recipe designed for that form.
Flavour profile
Earthy, warm and slightly bitter. The powder colours strongly but does not add chilli heat.
Pairs well with
Rice, lentils, cauliflower, soups and spice blends. Start with a little when it is supporting other flavours.
Stir the powder into an onion base with oil before adding liquid. Keep the heat moderate and stop before it scorches.
Did you know?
Turmeric and ginger belong to the same plant family, but give food different flavours.
Common mistakes
Too much powder can make a dish bitter and dusty. Add more for flavour, not just colour.
Know the difference
Turmeric is a single ingredient. Curry powder is a blend, and saffron gives a completely different aroma. Yellow is no guarantee of flavour.
A little spice knowledge
Measure into a small bowl before starting. Its colour makes it easy to overdo when sprinkling directly from the packet.
Works well with
Ginger, coriander seeds, cumin and black pepper.
Sapidus’ favourite partners
Try a small pinch in a portion of lentils with onion and tomato. Taste before treating the rest of the pot the same way.
Never combine with?
To preserve the clean flavour of a mild fish soup, try turmeric in one ladleful first.
Storage
Store tightly closed, dark and dry, away from cooker steam. Smell before use and buy an amount suited to your consumption. Follow the packaging advice for fresh or processed products.
Try it yourself
Compare two small portions of rice, one plain and one with a small pinch of turmeric. Assess flavour and colour separately. This suggestion is not presented as a test carried out by Sapidus.
1 claims linked to sources.
Source research was AI-assisted. Explore the background and follow the links to the sources.