Turmeric

A relative of ginger, turmeric is from the underground root of a tropical plant. It has a musky, faintly peppery aroma and flavour and is used in curry powders, rice, lentil and potato dishes, and commercially to colour drinks, butter, cheese and mustards. It is sometimes called ‘poor man’s saffron’s — its vivid yellow colouring certainly resembles that of the expensive spice but the two are not interchangeable.