This edition of Druids Garden sees a member of the ginger family, quite commonly used, and even one of the cheaper spices as our subject.

Of course its Turmeric.(Curcuma longa)

This plant has so many benefits and uses. During my research I even found it used in leading radiator anti-leak sealant! How versatile!

Originating from India over 2000 years ago, it was first used only as a dye until its versatility was unleashed as a spice and for use in early cosmetics! It was as early as 1280 when even Marco Polo was writing of it as “having the properties of saffron, yet it is not really saffron” It was also mixed with water and fashioned into a cone shape for use in Pujas (a religious ritual in the Hindu faith) as a form of the elephant God Ganesha.

Interestingly enough, I even found Turmeric listed in Susruta's Ayurvedic "Compendium," a volume dated 250 BC, where turmeric is listed as a cure for food poisoning.

Medicinally, When taken orally (Mainly through mixing in meals) Turmeric has some fascinating benefits! There has been much research on Turmeric and as always there is some conflicting results, however most of the research seems to favour its anti cancer properties, prevention of Alzheimer's, and benefits for liver disorders. Its said that just a teaspoon a day can greatly reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s, and help your liver too! These benefits come from stuff called curcumin found in turmeric. Its also great at promoting general “well-being” due to it being an antioxidant.

My favourite use for Turmeric is actually in the first aid kit! Its perfect for cuts and abrasions, not only does the powdered root stop the bleeding but its anti-bacterial and anti inflammatory properties protect and promote speedy wound healing with minimal scaring.

As for the culinary experience, South Asian and Middle eastern cooking tend to favour Turmeric heavily, although it is traditionally used in south Africa to give boiled white rice a golden colour. Its mildly aromatic with hints of orange and ginger and has a somewhat bitter and pungent flavour. Sometimes its used as a saffron substitute although I don’t recommend it – nothing beats the real thing!!

One of the easiest ways to spice up your vegetables is to melt some butter, and mix with some powered turmeric root to add a flavorsome change to boring veggies. Because I’m a nutty fan of Turmeric I also mix it through my mash potato and  sometimes add it to my salt and pepper blend in my shaker (Pepper also aids in the absorption of Turmeric). It just ads an extra dimension to less interesting meals.

As for gardening, I have nothing other than anecdotal evidence (And my grandparents say so) that turmeric deters ants.

Turmeric is a low growing tropical herbaceous plant, which forms many long thin rhizomes, used to produce spice and dye. It’s a perennial and only grows in temperatures over 18 degrees and has similar growing properties to ginger.

What an amazing herb Turmeric is, with hundreds more uses that those in this article – so play and experiment with this magical spice!

 Ben Sorensen /|\

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