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Turmeric’s vivid orange color, sharp flavor and subtle citrusy aroma are the power behind curry powder, mustard, pickles and spicy meat, fish, vegetable and rice dishes. In the fields where it grows, the turmeric plant hides its brilliant color underground, showing only glossy green leaves and multi-petaled white flowers. But dig up the root, carefully clean and dry it, and you have an extraordinary spice beloved as much for its color as its flavor. This member of the ginger family is a common ingredient in spice blends from the Caribbean, India, Indonesia, the Middle East and North Africa. In the bottle, it should smell earthy with a touch of ginger, and have consistent, bright yellow-orange color.
Usage
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Substitutes
Q: If I don’t have turmeric on hand, what makes a good substitute?
A: Turmeric is used more for its color than its flavor. Sweet paprika has a bit more flavor, but its rosy red color can stand in nicely for turmeric’s yellow-orange. Use it in equal measure.
History/Fun Facts
Europeans were latecomers to turmeric’s charms. It wasn’t until the 13th century that Italian explorer Marco Polo encountered turmeric in China and brought it home. He admired its similarity to the color of saffron, the vibrant—and wildly expensive—stamens of the crocus flower. But turmeric already had a long history in Asia, both as a dye and a spice. Today, turmeric colors many things, from curries, mustard and pickles to silk and cotton, including the beautiful “saffron” colored robes of Hindu monks.
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