5 ways to incorporate turmeric into your diet
Turmeric’s vivid orange colour, sharp flavour and subtle citrusy aroma are the power behind curry powder, mustard, pickles and spicy meat, fish, vegetable, and rice dishes. In the fields where it grows, the turmeric plant hides its brilliant colour underground, showing only glossy green leaves and multi-petaled white flowers. But dig up the root, carefully clean and dry it, and you have an extraordinary spice beloved as much for its colour as its flavour. This member of the ginger family is a common ingredient in spice blends from the Caribbean, India, Indonesia, the Middle East, and North Africa. In the bottle, Schwartz® Ground Turmeric should smell earthy and bold, and have a consistent, bright yellow-orange colour.
Usage
1. Turmeric is the primary colouring and an essential earthy flavour in Indian and Indonesian curries. It’s also a mainstay of commercially prepared curry powder. Use it to add vivid yellow-orange hue and a subtle citrusy aroma to curries and stews. Around the globe, cooks use turmeric for colour and flavour in stews. Moroccans, for example, use it—along with a potful of other spices—in the slow-cooked meat and vegetable stews called tagines. We love how the broth colours the couscous that accompanies this dish.
2. Homemade pickles and relishes are a natural for turmeric. For refrigerator dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, pickled cauliflower, and corn and bell pepper relish, add a pinch or two of turmeric for a boost of colour.
Perfect Partners
1. It’s fun and easy to make your own mustard with ground turmeric. Use powdered mustard or mustard seed, turmeric for colour and your favourite herbs for flavouring. We love tarragon and white wine as additions to whole grain mustard made with mustard seed.
2. Turmeric is a colourful addition to Thai, Indian, and Persian marinades for chicken. Try mixing it with Dijon mustard, honey, thyme leaves, and yogurt. Marinate the chicken, then grill or bake. It couldn’t be easier—or tastier!
3. Turmeric and coconut milk play well together. Whether in curries, smoothies, or soups, it reinforces the tropical appeal of coconut milk. Thai chicken or shrimp coconut soup, anyone?
If you’re not quite sure how to use turmeric powder, though, don’t feel intimidated. Try one of these top turmeric recipes to get started.
1. Turmeric shot
Turmeric shots are an easy way to enjoy the feel-good benefits of turmeric daily. This take includes the vibrant, quality flavour and colour of Schwartz Ground Turmeric, balanced out by a pop of citrus juice, the zing of fresh ginger, heat from cayenne chili pepper, and olive oil to aid in absorption of the turmeric.
2. Turmeric Latte
Wake up to the comforting taste of a homemade Turmeric Latte. The earthy flavour of Schwartz Ground Turmeric is perfectly complemented by warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and anise.
3. Vegan Detox Salad with Ginger and Turmeric Dressing
Mix up your weekday lunch routine with this nourishing salad. You’ll only need 10 minutes to prepare this light and refreshing recipe, boasting 14 detoxifying and health-boosting ingredients. Prepare it as the recipe recommends, or swap ingredients out based on what you have on hand. Finish it all off with a zingy homemade dressing starring Schwartz Ground Turmeric.
4. Turmeric Baked Oats
For a cozy, comforting start to the day, look no further than this baked oatmeal recipe using Schwartz Ground Turmeric. Rich and wholesome, it’s the perfect breakfast to keep you fueled all morning long. Best of all, it’s also suitable for vegans, and gluten-free (just substitute in gluten-free oats) and contains no refined sugar. Store in an air-tight container and they’ll last up to a week in the fridge!
5. Carrot Soup
Ginger, garlic, and Schwartz Ground Turmeric provide a subtle, warming spice to this soup, balanced out by vegetables and rich stock. You can make this recipe with a soup maker if you have one, but it’s just as easy to do on the hob with a large saucepan.
