Turmeric

A spice obtained from the dried and ground rhizome of a tropical plant related to ginger. Turmeric has a strong, spicy flavor and yellow color and is used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Turmeric is also an important ingredient in mustard and most blended curry powders. Also known as Indian saffron because of its strong color, it is used even today for dyeing cloth and dairy products such as margarine.