Browse through our product ingredients and you’ll notice something … we LOVE turmeric! Not only does it provide a glorious rich colour to your curries, it contains powerful medicinal properties that are backed by science.
We aim to cook with turmeric every single day. Here's why.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that:
- Fights inflammation on a molecular level
- Supports gut health
- Neutralises free radicals
- Boosts the immune system
- May increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
- Lowers your risk of heart disease
- Supports joint movement
- Boosts serotonin and dopamine
- Improves longevity
Some studies have even shown curcumin to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, and improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
Can I buy good turmeric from the supermarket?
It’s important to note that while the benefits of this spice reach far and wide, not all turmeric is created equal, and the purity and potency of turmeric products can differ enormously.
Studies of supermarket powders and curry blends have shown curcumin levels to be low across the board, with many brands containing dismal levels of this healing compound.
Here are some important questions to consider when buying turmeric:
What is the potency of the product?
It’s actually the percentage of curcumin that determines the healing potency of turmeric. At Love My Earth, our organic turmeric contains a minimum of 6% curcumin.
Is it (really) pure?
Is the product a pure spice, or does it contain fillers? Look for things like salt, sugars, gluten and preservatives, and this applies for both food grade and health products.
Is it Certified Organic?
The use of words like chemical free, natural, wholesome, clean, preservative free and even organic does not necessarily mean they are truly organic. Always choose a product that has organic certification to ensure it is an organic product (ACO and NASA are the most reputable in Australia). This will ensure there are no harmful pesticides or chemicals used in the growing and manufacturing process, and that the product was not subjected to fumigation processes to kill insects when entering the country.
The many uses of turmeric:
Turmeric is an incredibly versatile spice, It can be used in sweet and savoury dishes, hot and cold drinks, elixirs, smoothies and tonics. It can be used for its natural yellow colouring for food and materials, and its powerful medicinal properties make it a popular choice for powders, liquids and tablets. In India, it’s even used as a paste in beauty treatments to give the skin a special golden glow!
From an ayurvedic perspective, turmeric is tri-doshic, meaning it’s great for balancing all doshas of the body.
I personally love to use fresh turmeric grated into salads and dressings, add it to my smoothies, or steep it in hot water as a tea.
Don’t be afraid to load up on this golden spice the next time you’re cooking. It’s an essential staple for any good curry, and you’ll find it in all of our Organic Spice Mixes, including our Butter Chicken, Kerala, Tandoori, Vindaloo, Korma and Dahl mixes (we weren’t kidding when we said we love turmeric).
We also sell our potent Organic Turmeric (6%+ curcumin) by itself, or in a delicious Turmeric Latte blend!
Here are a couple of our favourite recipes incorporating turmeric: