Turmeric | McCormick Science Institute (2024)

Description

Turmeric | McCormick Science Institute (1)

Turmeric is the dried knobby shaped rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa. Noted for its bright yellow color, it is related to and similar in appearance to ginger. The origin of the Latin name Curcuma stems from the Arabic word al-kurkum which was the original word for saffron. This is most likely since both saffron and turmeric are used to make yellow colored dyes. In many languages, the name “turmeric” literally means “yellow root”. In different languages turmeric is called: kurkum (Arabic & Hebrew), huang jiang(MandarinChinese), curcuma (French, German, Italian, Spanish), and haldi (Hindi)(1).

Botany

Turmeric is a herbaceous perennial that reaches about three feet tall with grass-like leaves and greenish-yellow flowers. Turmeric thrives in rainy tropical areas such as the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Turmeric is often referred to as a root but this is technically incorrect. Rhizomes are underground stems that grow horizontally underground (and have smaller roots growing from them). The underground rhizome of turmeric consists of two distinct parts: the egg-shaped primary or mother rhizome, which is an extension of the stem, and the long cylindrical, multi-branched secondary rhizomes, growing downward from the primary rhizomes (2).

Turmeric | McCormick Science Institute (2)Turmeric | McCormick Science Institute (3)Turmeric | McCormick Science Institute (4)

Botanically, turmeric is a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger)family.

The genus Curcuma consists of upwards of 100 different species. While Curcuma longa is the most widely used species, there are a few others of note that are used for culinary purposes:

Common Name

(and alternate names)...

Primarily grown in...

Botanical Name

(and alternate)...

Turmeric

Asia, India, China

Curcuma longa

(Curcuma domestica )

Javanese ginger/turmeric

Temulawak

Giant curcuma

Indonesia. Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines

Curcuma xanthorrhiza

Wild turmeric

Aromatic turmeric

Yellow zedoary

Eastern Himalayas

South India

Curcuma aromatica

Zedoary

White turmeric

Temu putih

South and southeast Asia

Curcuma zedoaria

India is the major producer, exporter, and consumer of turmeric and produces about 80% of the world’s crop. Turmeric is grown in several other countries such as Pakistan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, China, Korea, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean Islands, and Central America (2,3).

History & Folklore

The use of turmeric dates back 4000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where itwas used as a culinary spice and had also had religious and medicinal significance. Marco Polo, in AD 1280, mentioned turmeric in notes of his travels in China: "There is also a vegetable that has all the properties of true saffron, as well as the smell and the color, and yet it is not really saffron." In medieval Europe, turmeric was known as "Indian saffron". Since then, turmeric has been used as an inexpensive substitute for saffron.

Turmeric is sacred in the Hindu religion and a turmeric dyed string known as the mangala sutra is worn by brides to signify readiness to marry and manage a household. Turmeric is also used to dye clothing and has been used for centuries to create the bright yellow hue of Buddhistrobes.

Epicurean Facts

Appearance

The flesh of the Turmeric rhizome is orange-brown, yellow or reddish-yellow in color. Ground dried turmeric is soft and fine and bright yellow-orange in color. Compounds in turmeric called "curcuminoids"are responsible for its bright color.

Flavor Characteristics

Bitter, green, medicinal, minty, musty, and woody (4)

Tasting Notes

The rhizomes contain 2–5% of volatile oil and compounds called "turmerones" are responsible for the characteristic flavor of turmeric. Compared to its cousin, ginger, the flavor of turmeric is not nearly as spicy (2).

Culinary Uses

Most turmeric is used in the dried powder form to impart a golden yellow color. Turmeric is used in spice blends of the Caribbean, India, North Africa, the Middle East, and Indonesia such as curry powder and rendangs. It is the main ingredient in Madras style yellow curry powder, which was invented by the British in the 19th century. Turmeric is used in a hot drink called "turmeric latte" or "golden milk" that is made with coconut milk.

Turmeric | McCormick Science Institute (5)

In addition to its use as a flavoring, turmeric is a powerful coloring agent. It is traditionally used to color and flavor prepared mustard, pickles, relish, chutneys, and rice dishes as well as butter and cheese.

Cooking Tips

Turmeric is best when paired with other spices and herbs such as warm spices with complimentary flavor profiles such as cinnamon, black pepper, and ginger. Partner turmeric with coconut milk to create authentic homemade curries or golden milk. Use turmeric to add a splash of color and flavor to your favorite dishes. Add 1/4 tsp to the water when cooking 1 cup rice to give a yellow color. Or try adding ½ teaspoon of turmeric to store bought (or homemade) mac and cheese for a healthful and colorful boost.Fresh turmeric can be found in some gourmet markets. Before using, peel as you would ginger root. The root can then be grated or chopped.

Helpful tip: turmeric can stain cooking equipment. To combat this, you can coat wooden utensils with mineral oil before use or try washing out stains using a mix of baking soda, soap, and hot water.

REFERENCES

  1. “Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)”. Gernot Katzer’s Spice Pages. 2012. http://gernot-katzers-spice-pages.com/engl/Curc_lon.html Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  2. Chempakam, B., and Parthasarathy, V.A. “Chapter 6 - Turmeric” Chemistry of Spices, edited by Parthasarathy, V.A, Chempakam, B. and Zachariah, T.J., CAB International, 2008, pp 97-123.
  3. Prasad, Sahdeo, and Bharat B. Aggarwal. "Turmeric, the golden spice." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition (2011).
  4. Lawless, Lydia JR, Annette Hottenstein, and John Ellingsworth. "The McCormick spice wheel: a systematic and visual approach to sensory lexicon development." Journal of sensory studies 27.1 (2012): 37-47.
Turmeric | McCormick Science Institute (2024)

FAQs

Is McCormick turmeric real turmeric? ›

We source Alleppey turmeric, with high curcumin levels, bright yellow color and deep flavor. McCormick turmeric hails from India, where it's considered a sacred part of Hindu culture. Our 20-year-plus partner in India works to ensure consistent color and quality in every bottle.

Which McCormick spices have heavy metals? ›

All the thyme and oregano products, for instance, had heavy metal levels that CR found to be concerning. All but one each of the basil and ginger product ranges also had concerning heavy metal levels.

What country does turmeric come from? ›

India produces nearly all of the world's turmeric crop and consumes 80% of it. With its inherent qualities and high content of the important bioactive compound curcumin, Indian turmeric is considered to be the best in the world.

What is the religious significance of turmeric? ›

Turmeric is sacred in the Hindu religion and a turmeric dyed string known as the mangala sutra is worn by brides to signify readiness to marry and manage a household. Turmeric is also used to dye clothing and has been used for centuries to create the bright yellow hue of Buddhist robes.

What is the healthiest brand of turmeric? ›

Best Overall: Thorne Curcumin Phytosome 1000 mg

Thorne is well-known for its high-quality supplements that undergo rigorous third-party testing.

What is the healthiest form of turmeric? ›

Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules is our pick as the best overall because it contains a formulation of turmeric that has been suggested to be significantly more effective than other forms. It's also third-party tested and manufactured by a company known for producing high quality supplements.

Is there a class action lawsuit against McCormick spices? ›

McCormick & Co., the spice and condiment company, was slapped with a consumer class action Tuesday in California Northern District Court. The suit, filed by Bursor & Fisher, contends that an array of McCormick brand spices contain heightened levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium.

What is the McCormick spices lawsuit? ›

McCormick & Co. consumers dropped their proposed class action alleging the company deceptively advertised spices that could contain heavy metals. The notice of voluntary dismissal was filed Monday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

Who should not take turmeric? ›

People who should not take turmeric include those with gallbladder problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, iron deficiency, liver disease, hormone-sensitive conditions, and arrhythmia. Pregnant women and those who are going to undergo surgery should not use turmeric.

What is the golden drink that lowers cholesterol? ›

Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, is a common Indian drink that has recently been gaining popularity in western cultures due to many health claims. It's beautiful bright yellow color is a result of adding turmeric, along with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, to milk.

What is the best turmeric in the world? ›

Lakadong Turmeric is reputed as the world's best turmeric, organically grown in hilly terrains of Meghalaya, home to the Best Turmeric in India.

Do Muslims use turmeric? ›

Muslims can apply Turmeric, moisturizer, soap, make up etc. It's not part of religious rules. Many Muslims still practice some of the hindu traditions in India like applying turmeric to bride and wearing mangalsutra, calling it by another name. There are many customs which are common among Hindus and muslims.

What does turmeric do to the female body? ›

In traditional Eastern medicine, turmeric is classified as a warming herb or spice, often used to increase warmth and blood flow to the pelvic area. This in turn, supports essential nutrients travelling to the lower body to support a healthy womb environment.

What did Hawaiians use turmeric for? ›

Turmeric is in the ginger family. In ancient Hawaiʻi, this plant was used in medicine, religion, and as a yellow ochre-colored dye for kapa. The underground rhizomes have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and were used to treat infections and swelling.

Is McCormick turmeric healthy? ›

Over the last few years, scientific evidence has been building around the potential health benefits of turmeric. Research suggests its main active ingredient, curcumin, contains anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it's said to deliver a feel-good boost any time of day.

Which brand of turmeric is best? ›

Best turmeric supplement overall: Thorne Curcumin Phytosome

Thorne's curcumin phytosome supplement is our top pick because it contains a large dose of a highly absorbable form of curcumin without any artificial colors or flavors added.

Where does McCormick turmeric come from? ›

McCormick Turmeric hails from India, where it's considered a sacred part of Hindi culture. We monitor its progress from field to package to ensure consistent color and quality in every bottle. The turmeric plant hides its brilliant color underground, showing only glossy green leaves and multi-petaled white flowers.

References

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