Turmeric

A rhizome related to the ginger family, turmeric is bright-orange when fresh and becomes a vibrant yellow with drying. Dried and ground turmeric is a common ingredient in Asian cooking, providing a brilliant yellow colour and musky flavour. It is also used fresh as a vegetable in South-East Asia. Essential in the making of curry powder and the North African spice mix Ras el Hanout, turmeric has long been respected for its medicinal properties and as a fabric dye. Turmeric, valued for its antiseptic qualities (particularly for burns and minor skin irritations), is made into a tonic for treating liver complaints, is considered a blood purifier, and in India is used as a skin cleanser when mixed with milk. Available: widely (look for fresh turmeric in Asian food stores and good greengrocers).