Fresh turmeric
What is it?
Well known for its medicinal properties, turmeric is often taken in capsules. But this spice, when consumed fresh, can also be a boon for preparing flavorful dishes, or even used in your natural cosmetics.
Featuring flowers and long, pointed, glossy leaves, this plant can reach up to 1 meter in height. The external appearance of fresh turmeric resembles that of ginger. But once sliced, you discover a very vivid orange interior that adds yellow color and a delicious flavor to various dishes. It’s also the main ingredient in curry!
Fresh or powdered turmeric?
Turmeric powder is obtained after boiling and drying the plant’s rhizome. Today it is very easy to find in all supermarket spice aisles and in health food stores.
Fresh turmeric is considered more aromatic, with a more subtle taste than the powdered form. It easily complements your savory and sweet dishes.
In France, you can find fresh turmeric in Asian grocery stores, and sometimes in health food stores.
Moreover, unlike the powdered form, fresh turmeric has not undergone any processing, which maximizes its full range of benefits.
Also read the Buying turmeric capsules: our comparison
How to consume fresh turmeric?
How to choose it
It is important to check the quality of the skin of the turmeric rhizome. It should be intact.
It is used like fresh ginger: you should peel it, grate it, or blend it depending on what you want to prepare. Warning: handling turmeric requires gloves because it stains the fingers, and the yellow color is difficult to remove!
Choose fresh turmeric rhizomes that are firm and juicy when cut.
It’s recommended to consume fresh organic turmeric. You can find it in organic shops such as Biocoop or Bio c’ Bon. Asian grocery stores (Indian, Chinese) often carry it. It can also be found in supermarkets, though availability is very inconsistent. Check with your preferred stores.
Storing fresh turmeric
It should be stored in an airtight container and protected from heat, light, and humidity.
If you want to store your turmeric in the freezer, you should wrap it in an airtight bag and cover it with several layers of aluminum foil.
Finally, for storage in the refrigerator, place the rhizomes in a perforated plastic bag and they can remain there for several weeks.
Some simple recipes with fresh turmeric
Curry paste
Turmeric is one of the main ingredients that make up homemade curries. To make this curry paste recipe, have on hand chili peppers, ginger, onions, curry powder, garlic, and finally, fresh turmeric.
Depending on taste, you can also add sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, basil, or concentrated tomato juice to the recipe.
For this preparation, cut the chili lengthwise and remove the seeds. Then chop the onions and grate the ginger and turmeric. After mincing the garlic, mix everything together.
Finally, add the remaining ingredients to the mixture for a final blend. The curry paste is ready to savor.
Fresh turmeric infusion
With anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties, infusions made from fresh turmeric rhizomes are a treat for the body.
Ingredients to make a delicious turmeric infusion:
- A few crushed peppercorns: pepper helps to better absorb curcumin, the active compound in turmeric
- Sliced lemongrass: an herb known for its bactericidal properties and its benefits for the digestive system
- A few slices of ginger : no one needs to be reminded of the benefits of this powerful anti-inflammatory and diuretic
- 3 slices of fresh turmeric, peeled or thinly sliced according to preference
After 5 minutes of infusion, the drink can be enjoyed. It’s a very strong blend; it can be softened by adding honey and adjusting the amounts.
Discovering Golden Milk, or Golden Latte
Golden milk is an Ayurvedic beverage consumed since time immemorial in India. Also called golden latte, it supports the joints, is an excellent liver detoxifier, and soothes the nervous system.
The main ingredients of this milk are the fresh turmeric, coconut milk and pepper. As a reminder, the latter, thanks to the piperine it contains, helps the body retain curcumin from turmeric.
You can also add ginger, or agave syrup, honey, cinnamon…
