Turmeric

Turmeric root is an increasingly popular ingredient used in a variety of ethnic cuisines. However, few people realize how complex the journey of this bright yellow root is before it makes its way onto your dinner plate. From its beginnings in the humid tropics to its travels to other parts of the world, this blog post breaks down the steps of how turmeric is created and ends up in its final destination in your favorite dish.

From the Ground Up: How Turmeric is Created

Turmeric root is native to India and the various tropical areas of Southeast Asia, where it is grown in hot and humid climates. The plant belongs to the ginger family, and grows as a rhizome or underground tuberous root. Turmeric is a hardy crop that can be easily grown from cuttings. These cuttings will eventually form a network of horizontal stems and vertical rhizomes, known as hands, which emerge above the surface of the soil as the plant matures.

The plant takes three to four months to reach maturity, after which the hands are harvested by hand and dried to produce the familiar yellow-brown root. As it is dried, the root changes color to the deep golden hue that is so typical of turmeric. After drying, the roots are graded according to size and color, and then peeled of their outer husks. The cleaned and sorted root is then cut into small, uniform pieces. During this entire process, the turmeric is kept well-ventilated to ensure proper drying and to prevent spoilage.

Processing

Turmeric is used in many different forms, but the most common form is powdered turmeric. Powdered turmeric is created by milling the cut turmeric root until it is a fine powder. Turmeric powder is then boiled in water and strained to create a thick paste called a slurry. Other forms of turmeric include whole root, pickled, or fresh turmeric juice.

Next, the turmeric is put through an extensive refining process which involves removing the impurities such as dirt, skin, and other debris. This is done by sifting the powder through a fine mesh or sieve. The sifted powder is then passed through a centrifuge to further refine it. This process is important for producing the high quality and consistent product that consumers expect.

Packaging and Shipping

The processed turmeric is then packaged and shipped to different parts of the world depending on consumer demand. It is usually vacuum packed and sealed in plastic bags or sealed containers in order to protect it from air and moisture. The packaging also helps to preserve the potency and flavor of the turmeric.

Once the turmeric is packaged and sealed, it is shipped to its destination. Turmeric can be shipped by land, air, or sea and the mode of transport depends on the distance it needs to travel. The turmeric is usually shipped in large containers, which can range from small boxes to large truckloads.

At the Final Destination: Bringing Turmeric to Your Dinner Plate

When the shipment of turmeric arrives at its destination, the next step is to bring it to the consumer. This means that the turmeric is distributed to supermarkets, grocery stores, and other retail outlets. Once it reaches the store, the turmeric is displayed in a variety of product forms such as powdered, whole root, pickled, and fresh juice. The consumer can then decide on what type of turmeric suits their needs and preferences.

Once the consumer has chosen their preferred form of turmeric, it is time to prepare it for the meal. Turmeric is most commonly used as a spice and flavoring in a variety of dishes. As a spice, turmeric is usually added to a recipe near the beginning of the cooking process. This gives the turmeric time to mix with the other ingredients and create a flavorful dish.

Once the dish is ready, it is then served at the dinner table. The turmeric has gone through an extensive process, traveling thousands of miles to get to its final destination. Turmeric may seem like an ordinary ingredient, but the amount of work and labor behind it is truly remarkable. Now that is a journey worth celebrating the next time you enjoy a dish with turmeric.