Turmeric Tuber Vs. Rhizome

Native to southern India and Indonesia, turmeric has been harvested for more than 5,000 years, playing an important role in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia and traditional Chinese medicine. Arab traders introduced turmeric to Europe during the 13th century; however, it has only recently attracted the interest of Western cultures. Both the main rhizome, and the small tubers it produces, are now used in homeopathic medicine.

Popularity

• Turmeric flavors soups and stews.

  Much of turmeric's newfound popularity is due to a number of research studies that have focused on the plant’s unique therapeutic properties. Turmeric, applied directly to the skin for wounds, rashes and eczema is naturally healing, bringing relief from burning and itching skin sensations. Powdered turmeric, ingested as tea, pills, powder or in a tincture has been used to aid digestion and is useful for stomach ailments including liver congestion, ulcers and gallstones. Turmeric also helps relieve arthritis pain and regulate menstruation.

Applications

• Bitter and peppery-flavored, with a soft fragrance reminiscent of ginger and orange, powdered turmeric is one of the main ingredients used to make curry. Turmeric, also known as turmeric root, yellow ginger, Curcumin or Indian saffron, is also used as a food and fabric coloring. Ballpark mustard derives its bright yellow color from the generous addition of turmeric. Turmeric's finger-like, long underground roots or stems (rhizomes) are harvested and dried, then ground into a fine powdered spice. Fresh turmeric rhizome is added to gumbos, stews, soups and casseroles. Cooked turmeric has a mild, carrot-like flavor and texture.

Locations

• Turmeric requires warm, temperate conditions and plenty of moisture to grow to full flavor and maturity. The major countries that commercially grow turmeric are Jamaica, India, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Haiti, China, Sri Lanka, Java, Peru, Australia, the West Indies and the Philippines. Within the United States, turmeric is grown in Hawaii.

Description

• Turmeric, a tuberous rhizome with rough, segmented skin, is bright orange and fairly easy to grow in warm, neutral pH soils. A tropical perennial closely related to ginger, turmeric grows from two to three feet tall. The plant's long, lily-like leaves are complemented by conical clusters of pale lemon-yellow small flowers. Division of the rhizome propagates turmeric. The rhizome is thick and fibrous with small tubers growing off the sides from the main rhizome. These tubers are harvested by breaking them off the rhizome. The rhizome is then divided into sections and replanted to produce an abundance of new plants. Although both the rhizome and the tubers can be dried and ground to produce the spice, the small tubers contain more of turmeric's medicinal qualities and have a more pleasing flavor than the rhizome.

Wonder Drug?

• Many practitioners are turning to turmeric as an antidote to Alzheimer's disease. The Slone-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center reports, "Data from an epidemiological study is suggestive of improved cognitive performance in elderly Asians who consume turmeric in the form of curry powder."