Turmeric (E100 when used as a food additive) grows wild in the
forests of South and Southeast Asia. In medieval Europe, turmeric
became known as Indian saffron. Turmeric is very high in Potassium
(K)
at about 2g/100g and iron (Fe) at about 55mg/100g. It is currently being
researched for its apparent capacity to help prevent
bowel cancer. Potassium
is used in your body to control the balance of fluids and help lower blood pressure. Some research shows compounds in turmeric to have anti-fungal and
anti-bacterial properties. Turmeric can be used as a teeth whitener (see
video below) and as a dye but it
is not colour fast [
discussion]
eventually fading to a very pale yellow.
Pictured below right is the root of the plant showing its
distinctive yellow/orange flesh. The flesh is dried and ground
into a powder. Below left are turmeric plants growing
as a mixed crop with coconut palms in Tamil Nadu, India. |