Turmeric

Curcuma domestica; kunyit (in Java, kunir). This has long been popular in South-East Asia for its pungent flavour as well as its vivid colour. By turning boiled rice yellow, the colour of royalty, it creates an air of festivity. In the West it is usually sold as a powder, but if you can get fresh turmeric, the rhizome, cut off a small piece, peel it, and crush or blend it with the other spices.