TURMERIC –A GRAND CONDIMENT

 TURMERIC –A GRAND CONDIMENT

Before embarking on the day’s topic, let me place on record –a response to the previous spice item “Ginger”. The response is faithfully reproduced.

“Your article on Ginger is timely as it has appeared during winter season. Value-added products made of ginger, help users to get relieved from complications like abdominal discomfort. INJI MORAPPA is an ideal lozenge /lozenger for alleviation of bloating. Of course, it works as an appetizer for some.   A good article indeed.  Congrats”.

The above response came in just hours after the article on ginger was posted. It was from Prof. Kannan, retired HOD Sociology, MK University.

Thank you Professor

TURMERIC

Turmeric is a multidimensional utility as a regular ingredient in most recipes in India and is a ‘sacrosanct’ item serving both sentiment and medicine besides being held in esteem for its value as an auspicious material, as an immune trigger and as a cosmetic item in complexion care. Botanically, turmeric is a close cousin of ginger and a clear resemblance between the two is perceptible. Curcuma longa is the botanical name for turmeric. Possibly, the species epithet indicates the long slender tuberous rhizome stretches that are typically yellow at the core. The yellow colour is from curcumin – diferulomethane –a polyphenol.

A variety of essential oils numbering over 32 are known in turmeric Of them Atlantone, Tumerone, Zingiberene ,Gemacrone are widely reported.

Key components include [%] Fat=5-10, Protein= 6-8,Carbohydrates =60-70, Curcuminoids=1-6 and about 6-13 % Water.

By some grand heritage Turmeric has deeply penetrated the Indian cuisine –irrespective of geography and language. Such a stuff [turmeric] attracted the US agencies who fought a futile battle of filing a patent for ‘identifying’ turmeric as a vital food ingredient. The then India –a Nation known for low profile knee-jerks, somehow woke up like a lion disturbed from slumber, and silenced all such claims with valid evidence  of India-Turmeric history of several thousand years.

Besides, no auspicious event goes without turmeric [be it using a new garment, inviting people to attend celebrations, Offerings to Deities in temples, even printed invitation cards are smeared with turmeric at the corners –a silent intimation of solemnity and esteem of the event.

Obviously, Indian civilization has practically ascertained the utility of such natural products;

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