I harvested lots of turmeric from my garden today.

Does anyone have good receipes of what to do with it? I used it as part of a vegetable stew today, but am looking for more interesting ideas. I am also keen to know how to preserve it .

I have never found any ways to incorporate more than a small amount of turmeric in a recipe. I add it to soup, stews, eggs, meatloaf, rice, quinoa and Indian style food. It can also be used to add a rich color to dishes, like rice. Of all the spices I use, this seems to require the least amount in a recipe before its flavor is too pronounced. Sorry, don't know about the harvesting.

Lisa

I've never used turmeric in any form than as a yellow powder from the spice section of the store. Is it a root like ginger?

mmm curry:

http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=728115&showcomments=true

Tumeric is a beneficial for As like me and before I saw it in WF I only used the powder.
Recently they started selling the root.  It looks very similar to ginger root but, of course, more orange.

You're lucky because you can get it right from your garden.  I'm sure you know that it stains very easily.  Either on your hands or on the counter.  

I have cleaned the root and put it thinly sliced in salads.  It may bother some people to eat it in quantity but not me.  I also cleaned and thinly sliced the root and cooked it in olive oil with onions.  I put the tumeric root in first and let it cook awhile in the oil and add the sliced onions.
It makes a tasty side dish.

Joy

check out (this is the correct one, thanks Curious!)

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Turmeric

That recipe for Chicken curry sounds scrumptious!  Have to tweak it a little but hey its all about the end result.

Tried to go to tumericastronomy.com site but it wouldn't bring it up.  I did click on
tumeric astronomy (you know how finicky the internet can be) and it gave me several subjects to click on.  I was interested to see what the 20 (whew that's quite alot I'd say) benefits of tumeric were.

I was not disappointed.  I'd say I will continue to use tumeric as often as I can.

Hope everyone who is able to take tumeric benefits greatly from it.  It is worth researching every avenue and that includes spices to help us on our quest for health.

Joy

Joy, I made your side dish today for lunch - it tasted great. Thanks! It also enabled me to use quite a bit of tumeric (since I have lots).

The chicken receipe sounds great Niagreen, I'll have to give it a try.

The website is very informative, thanks Geminisue! I could not get into the side via your link, I think this link gets you there: http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Turmeric

I know tumeric has lots of benefits, in particular for the liver and inflammation. I grow it because it is a beautiful plant and I like the bitter taste - and yes, it looks a bit like ginger.

Glad you like it  

Fresh turmeric must make some amazing spice pastes with lemon grass and chillis.

My uncle in Indonesia makes a juice thing he drinks - swears by it for his health. He gets a really big bunch of turmeric and blends it all up, stores it in a big bottle and drinks a little glass of it everyday for 'my insides, to clean all my organs.'  He says it's good for the common 'acid stomach' and poor digestion.

A website said -
'It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production in the liver and encouraging excretion of bile via the gallbladder. This improves the body's ability to digest fats.'

'This herb would be useful to follow up antibiotic treatments, in addition to acidophilus and garlic. It helps to improve the intestinal flora and acts as an anti-bacterial.
Another wonderful aspect of turmeric is its beneficial influence on the liver.Turmeric shares similar liver protectant compounds that milk thistle and artichoke leaves contain. It is said to shrink engorged hepatic ducts, so it can be useful to treat liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and jaundice. Turmeric can also benefit skin conditions including: eczema, psoriasis and acne, for it is a potent detoxifier.'


If you are into smoothies..

http://www.kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2009/02/09/the-weekly-detox-smoothie/


Enjoy  

Niagreen,


Can you find out exactly how your uncle blends his "health juice" and if he adds anything else to it?  Sounds like something I'd like to have on hand.  I feel tumeric is fast becoming a stable for me and since I am trying to eat the fresh root as some ingredient daily in cooking I'd like to know how to have this on hand.

Much appreciation, when you get a chance.

Joy

That is fantastic information - thanks Niagreen!

Joy, I messaged my uncle yesterday and he said he just takes fresh turmeric and blends it together with water. He used to take this everyday but now he blends turmeric and fruits in his daily smoothie/blended fruit drink.

he said -
'Yes, it just Tumeric and water. If you don't like strong juice you just add more water. Well,take tumeric regularly it is good for the body. But not too much. As I told you I don't make tumeric juice like before but I blend it with some fruits. It keeps my body in good stamina. I don't feel that I'm tired. Tonight I want to make 2 tumerics and 2 kencurs with some fruits.'

kencur is galangal.

hope this helps

I greatly appreciate you're getting that info, Niagreen, from your uncle.  I asked because I do feel that too much tumeric might be adverse in the body.  

So I probably will blend it with some other fruits.  I've been a longtime fan of acai which I get from WF in a four pack.  It is made with quaranta a sweetner that would offset the bitterness of too much tumeric.

Joy

Thanks for your uncle's receipe Niagreen! I also have galangal in my garden (not yet harvested, but it should be ready), so I am going to try his receipe.

A tasty garden you have Curious!

Turmeric is so versatile.

Hi Joy and Curious,

I just recieved this another email about turmeric from my uncle -

'I forgot to tell you that after you blend tumeric with some water (to make the machine work easily not so hard). You sieve and boil it first. Then let it cool before you put it in a bottle. If you take tumeric regularly your skin becomes smooth and good for stomach, lowering cholesterol, stamina etc. I hope this information helps you well.'

(he seems very enthused about my newfound turmeric interest!)

I think it's the same as ginger - ok to put a thumb sized piece in a smoothie, but if making a tea it is boiled first.  

some testimonials I found on the web -

'I was diagnosed with MS some 6 months back. I am from India – i started looking into various diet changes and looked into traditional healing herbs used in India. Turmeric is one of them – I have been consuming 1 spoon of raw turmeric powder every day for the last 1 month and I have seen amazing effect – all symptoms gone and energy level gone up. I don’t take any conventional medicine at all and don’t propose to use them ever!'

"I have been using Turmeric for my inflammation for 2 years now and swear by it. I have an autoimmune disease which causes a lot of inflammation. I take 1 tablespoon a day and it keeps my swelling way down.I am now goiter free and do not need thyroid removal surgery. If I go off of it the swelling picks back up and my goiter returns.I have taken it in capsule form or by mixing it with water and swallowing fast!"


ps. If you have digestive problems with taking lots of turmeric mix it with something that has oil in it which should help ease any discomfort. Indian people sometimes mix it with coconut milk and honey to make a tea

Thanks Niagreen, for the update!

Quoted from Niagreen

I just recieved this another email about turmeric from my uncle -

'I forgot to tell you that after you blend tumeric with some water (to make the machine work easily not so hard). You sieve and boil it first. Then let it cool before you put it in a bottle. If you take tumeric regularly your skin becomes smooth and good for stomach, lowering cholesterol, stamina etc. I hope this information helps you well.'

You uncle sounds like a great person!

Niagreen,

I'm really glad I decided to peruse the topics on the board and not just the latest posts as I usually do.  I'm sure it was on there but I must have missed it.

Like Curious I'm also glad for the update.  I made it several times with acai juice, apple, pineapple,
and a few other things.  It was a bit difficult to swallow a cup of it.  I don't think it did any harm but I just bought some more tumeric root and I plan to make another smoothie.

Let me see if I got this right.  Peel the tumeric root and mix with water in the blender to liquify.
Then boil it and let cool before you mix with other ingredients.

Is that right?

Kudos to your uncle for sharing this super tumeric tonic!  So glad to hear what its doing for you.

thanks again for sharing.


Joy

Quoted from Joy

Let me see if I got this right.  Peel the tumeric root and mix with water in the blender to liquify.
Then boil it and let cool before you mix with other ingredients.

Is that right?

Joy, I understood it differently: You peel the tumeric root, mix it with water in the blender to liquify, then boil it and let it cool (as you said). But then you fill it in a bottle and drink a bit of it daily.
If you mix it with other ingredients, I think you can just take the raw tumeric root.
That is how I understood it.

I have never seen Tumeric root in the produce section of the grocery store.  Do you have to have the fresh root for this mixture to work?

Quoted from Curious

Joy, I understood it differently: You peel the tumeric root, mix it with water in the blender to liquify, then boil it and let it cool (as you said). But then you fill it in a bottle and drink a bit of it daily.
If you mix it with other ingredients, I think you can just take the raw tumeric root.
That is how I understood it.

Hiya joy and curious - Yes, this is how he makes his turmeric drink - he takes a big gulp of this mixture daily. he doesnt boil the turmeric he puts in his fruit smoothie.


ive only ever managed to get dry turneric here

But the other day mum bought me some of the fresh root she found accidently - way to my heart! I made a spice space and cooked lamb in it - it was delicious but I went round to me friends house later in the day smelling potent! I stood on her doorstep waiting for her to answer the doorbells thinking 'wow, someone else on her road is cooking an indian this evening' its only when i got inside and my friend said 'curry' that I realised it was me!

Hi Kim - if you can only get the powdered turmeric you can use a pinch or so ... Up to 1tsp of turmeric in a cup if coconut milk and honey to make a tea. I'm sure this is good also.

Earth clinic . Com has a lots of testimonials about turmeric and its uses -

Thanks Niagreen for confirming that.  

Kim, the WF I go to started carrying the tumeric root months ago.  That's when I got it.  I have the dry spice which I purchased from http://www.MySpiceSage.com.  They're prices are very reasonable, you can purchase it in small or large amounts, and the quality seems very high.  Also it appears to be fresh and not laying around for who knows how long.

I'm going to take a look at that site, Earth clinic.com.

Joy

Quoted from Joy

Thanks Niagreen for confirming that.  

Kim, the WF I go to started carrying the tumeric root months ago.  That's when I got it.  I have the dry spice which I purchased from http://www.MySpiceSage.com.  They're prices are very reasonable, you can purchase it in small or large amounts, and the quality seems very high.  Also it appears to be fresh and not laying around for who knows how long.

I'm going to take a look at that site, Earth clinic.com.

Joy

Thanks!  I will check out WF.

I like turmeric. but drinking a cup seems way more then I would think is needed.. a shotglass out be enough..

or better yet as a spice in foods..

ok I will add some to my other home made mixed spices, of my Swami spices.. its getting hot..haha

Buy some Indian cookbooks and start cooking Indian.  My second favorite cuisine...

MF,

I've only eaten in an Indian restaurant a few times and that was a long time ago.

But, fast forward, to the present and ever since I got the book "Healing Spices" from my library by an Indian researcher I am sold on Indian Spices.  

I bought about 20 spices at MySpiceSage.com.  It is a very user-friendly site and explains not only degrees of hotness, how spices taste, but they also have recipes.  The thing I really like is you can purchase a small amount to see if you like it.  They always throw in a "free" spice with each order.

Now what am I going to do with 4 oz. of whole cloves? (which by the way in the book states it can be used to make toothache pain disappear.  

I am going for gum surgery this week so maybe it's a good idea to have it on hand!

Joy

I use it in just about anything.  Although I admit, I haven't tried it on fruits.  But in rice, salads, meat, veggies, whatever.  It's really good for you.

JJR,

I just "discovered tumeric (haha)" myself.  Since reading the book Healing Spices I found out about its beneficial properties.  I also only used the ground spice.  

If you're going to use it in powdered form only also try it on scrambled eggs.  

I only started buying the whole tumeric root recently when I saw it in WholeFoods.  Niagreen mentioned she's using it and her uncle drinks tumeric root that's been blended with water and boiled.  

But here's the thing he also incorporates it into his smoothies.  Coming up with a tasty combination for a smoothie  sometimes takes a few tries.  The tumeric root even blended with water is still bitter so when you add sweeter fruits like apple, pineapple, etc. it masks that bitterness.   I also use Acai smoothie packs also purchased at WF (acai being a big energy booster).

So I'm glad to hear that you find tumeric beneficial as others have.  


Joy

Wow.

Tons of info.  Now I'll have to buy a container of it.

Thanks everyone.

I definitely feel better and more balanced when I take turmeric (Scienca).

It's great!

Quoted from Kim

I have never seen Tumeric root in the produce section of the grocery store.  Do you have to have the fresh root for this mixture to work?

I've seen it at the local hfs.

I'm going to have to look for the root, it is a superfood diamond on my swami. I forget about it sometimes, glad I found this thread!

The tumeric root which I've only seen in Whole Foods, at least in my area, is versatile.  

You can chop it up and saute it with ginger and garlic.  I bought some cheap plastic gloves for my hands because it is the devil to get that orange off your hands and the counter.

After sauting with tumeric root,  fresh ginger, and fresh garlic I use my slicer on a zucchini and add that.

The zucchini cooks within minutes so keep an eye on it.  I also add Indian spices like ground curry,
black cumin seeds, fenugeek seeds to add even more flavor.  Lately I've thrown in some sliced turkey.  

For me it's a "one pan" dish.  

You can also slice fresh tumeric up and put into a salad with butter crunch lettuce and chopped parsley, avocado and the dressing of your choice.

Joy

Love those one-pan dishes Joy.

Here is a rave for tumeric spiced nuts.

Yesterday I heated a small cast iron pan, melted a good knob of butter and a slosh of olive oil gently, threw in a crushed clove of garlic, cup of organic raw macadamia nuts and a slosh of maple syrup; let them bubble and foam away gently browning and toasting the nuts til golden - (not burnt)

The butter, oil and syrup coat the nuts beautifully, tipped them onto a plate & dusted with ground: tumeric, allspice, coriander seed, cayenne and sea salt. Tossed them around a bit until coated, could not wait, burnt my tongue   once cooled they were sticking together like brittle

Quoted Text

Love those one-pan dishes Joy.

Yesterday I heated a small cast iron pan, melted a good knob of butter and a slosh of olive oil gently, threw in a cup of organic raw macadamia nuts and a slosh of maple syrup; let them bubble and foam away gently browning and toasting the nuts til golden - (not burnt)

The butter, oil and syrup coat the nuts beautifully, tipped them onto a plate & dusted with ground: tumeric, allspice, coriander seed, cayenne and sea salt. Tossed them around a bit until coated, could not wait, burnt my tongue   once cooled they were stuck together like brittle  

I am coming over.. what a dish.. I need to see how many of those items are good for O's.. wow.. so inventive.. love reading about it..  

Honeybee,

Looks like you're going to have to set a few extra places for me and Goldie and anyone else who reads this.  Of course, if there's any that's left over!!!

Just checked typebase food values and macademia nuts are a neutral for A's.  You know, I've been looking for a "snack food" that I can make rather than buy from the store.

I just finished the one pan zucchini dish I described and it was delish!  I wish I had the ingredients for the spiced nuts.  Actually, I have most of them probably except the nuts.

Tomorrow is another day!

Joy

I bet those nuts would be just as good with a different variety, say something from the beni list

Quoted from Joy

Honeybee,

Looks like you're going to have to set a few extra places for me and Goldie

Joy

Absolutely, it will be a bring a bottle or plate affair

Quoted from grey rabbit

I bet those nuts would be just as good with a different variety, say something from the beni list

Any nuts or mixture of nuts would work as long as they are raw i reckon

I just thought I'd check the "nut list" because grey rabbit is an A also.  Macademia nuts are a neutral and I haven't had them in a very long time.

On the bennie list are pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (neutrals).  They make a nice mix.
And, of course, walnuts are a bennie.

I'd say we have a good choice and can change them for a variety.

thanks again honeybee.

Joy

I use tumeric in my apple, carrot, lemon and ginger juice - put them through the champion juicer and it is so energising.  Tumeric blends in well with ginger.
Almonds and hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts and pinenuts, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds are a few of the superfood nuts and seeds that are on my swami (43% warrior, 38% teacher or thereabouts!)

Quoted from honeybee

Love those one-pan dishes Joy.

Here is a rave for tumeric spiced nuts.

Yesterday I heated a small cast iron pan, melted a good knob of butter and a slosh of olive oil gently, threw in a crushed clove of garlic, cup of organic raw macadamia nuts and a slosh of maple syrup; let them bubble and foam away gently browning and toasting the nuts til golden - (not burnt)

The butter, oil and syrup coat the nuts beautifully, tipped them onto a plate & dusted with ground: tumeric, allspice, coriander seed, cayenne and sea salt. Tossed them around a bit until coated, could not wait, burnt my tongue   once cooled they were sticking together like brittle

Yuuuummmm!!  As soon as I read this this morning I had to try it - I didn't have everything on hand but I used the butter and olive oil, macadamias and walnuts, maple syrup, then tossed them in Himalayan pink salt, turmeric and a tiny bit of cayenne.  They are really nice and I can't wait to try out other seeds and nuts with this.  I also went to the shops this afternoon and bought some allspice to add.  The walnuts were particularly delicious - not sure if it's because they are diamonds for me or maybe everyone would think they were nice.  

Thank you Honeybee for sharing

Gotta fess up tho guys, I didn't invent this, it is an appropriation of many similar recipes I found online  

Also I edited my OP to include the crushed garlic too - it is important for garlic fiends lol

Quoted from Caz B

Thank you Honeybee for sharing

So glad you enjoyed them! Pecans and walnuts would be delish.

You could also adapt if you wanted a sweet only version (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardomom, allspice etc)

Having discussed turmeric with several people from India (10 people at work, and other in passing), I have been told that turmeric is a well use antiseptic and is applied to cuts and abrasions. I tried it once but didn't take note of much as I'm a fast healer when it comes to cuts and abrasions. But this is what they tell me.

2-3'000mg's daily for me & bioperine... in capsule form---

Quoted from Serenity

I use tumeric in my apple, carrot, lemon and ginger juice - put them through the champion juicer and it is so energising.  Tumeric blends in well with ginger.
Almonds and hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts and pinenuts, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds are a few of the superfood nuts and seeds that are on my swami (43% warrior, 38% teacher or thereabouts!)

That does sound really good.  I need to try that juice.  I have just done carrot sometimes.  I have yet to do a blend when juicing.  

JJR,

Just a suggestion.  I don't put my tumeric in the smoothie anymore because I'm always using it either in a salad or cooking with it.

Before you mix everything together slice up the tumeric and put in the blender and add water.  This only takes a few seconds.  Then I strain the mix and add it to the ingredients in the juice.

It makes for a much smoother juice.

Joy

So I just realized I forgot to put some turmeric in my eggs this morning so I making myself my new favorite snack. Roasted sunflower seeds and walnuts with turmeric, sea salt, honey, allspice, cinnamon, and I'm trying just a bit of cumin this time. So many GH combos and diamonds it's like a superfood special treat! Thank you so much for this thread!

GR,

That sounds scumptious!!!   Compliant with benefits!!!

Enjoy.  

Joy

I have been loving those roasted nuts, so satisfying, try add dusting of powdered ginger & organic raw cocoa powder

When you gals roast nuts, what is the method you use? Oven, stove top, cast iron pan???

I just read that turmeric is a diamond food for Hunters.  I put it on parsnip-- kind of an unusual combination, but kind of also good.  I think I'm going to try to use turmeric every day on something.

Quoted from 14442

I just read that turmeric is a diamond food for Hunters.  I put it on parsnip-- kind of an unusual combination, but kind of also good.  I think I'm going to try to use turmeric every day on something.

I use it on my eggs / veggies. I also have it in my spice mix. (I combined all my ben spice and herb in one mix.)  Use it as a meat rub, on fish.

I take it in capsule form and forgot for  a few days. Now I realize it is an appetite stimulant for sure