Turmeric seasoning

Oriental spices are increasingly part of our dishes. But few people know about such spices as turmeric, although they certainly noticed an unusual orange shade of Central Asian pilaf. It is achieved thanks to this seasoning. The scope of application of Oriental spices is surprisingly wide - from cooking to cosmetics. What is this seasoning - turmeric - and where to add it?

Origin and Application

Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family, actively grown in the eastern part of India and popular in this country. Only root is used for food, which is boiled, dried, and then crushed.

The spice is slightly woody, tart. It tastes a bit spicy, but pleasant. Turmeric is called "Indian saffron" for its unusual bright orange color, although only shade is related to the most expensive spice. You can find another name for seasoning - "turmeric".

With exclusively Eastern origin, turmeric has been actively spread throughout the world. In cooking, it is used in Europe, South America, Peru, Taiwan, the Philippines and other regions. Particularly fond of her British, Americans and, of course, Indians.

However, cooking is not the only way to use turmeric for the benefit of your body. It is very popular for the treatment of various diseases in oriental medicine:

• SARS, colds;
• liver ailments;
• for treating throat with cough and sore throat;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• wounds, burns;
• joint inflammation;
• stomatitis;
• dirty blood;
• conjunctivitis;
• to cleanse the body;
• anemia.

In cosmetology, it is used as a natural dye, is included in the composition of some care products. Nevertheless, turmeric seasoning is most widely used in cooking.

How to use turmeric?

Since turmeric has a specific spicy taste, it must be added to food in a limited amount so as not to spoil the dish. This requires some skill. It is necessary to apply it in those cases where its taste will be the appropriate shade.

• Pilaf, rice. In dishes with rice seasoning lay at the stage of preparation. It paints the grains in a pleasant orange hue and gives it sharpness. To get a good pilaf, 0.25 tsp will be enough for a glass of cereal. spice.
• Vegetables. Cauliflower, potatoes, zucchini, lentils, pumpkin are perfectly combined with turmeric. It can be added to stews or vegetable soups. Do not forget about the taste of seasoning while cooking. At 1 kg of food is enough 0.5 tsp. spice.
• Indian Curry. This is a mixture of spices, which is very popular in India and is used for laying in meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Turmeric is an integral part of this seasoning. To cook curry, you need to take 1 tsp. turmeric, coriander, red and black pepper, cumin, mustard, garlic, salt. In order for meat to acquire an unusual taste and aroma when baking, it is enough to lubricate it with curry seasoning before heat treatment.
• Oriental dishes. If you are a lover of Central Asian cuisine and know how to cook dishes characteristic of it, then surely put ¼ tsp in them. turmeric The spice goes well with Moroccan couscous, Burmese meat, Persian goulash.
• Hen. This meat especially "loves" turmeric. You can cook tandoori chicken meat, after marinating it in a marinade of yogurt, ginger, salt, garlic, coriander, 1 tsp. turmeric and garam masala mixes.
• Milk products. A pinch of turmeric, added to yogurt, milk or kefir, will improve digestion and give these products an unforgettable taste. Such drinks are effective in losing weight. The Indians, combining turmeric with other hot spices, prepare a tonic hot tea based on milk, which is also an excellent remedy for colds.
• Conservation. A small amount of turmeric can be safely added to the marinades. Spice has bactericidal properties and protects products from ingress of harmful microorganisms.
• Bakery products. If you like the unusual taste of the spice, you can add a pinch of it to the dough when baking. Sweet products due to seasoning do not spoil for a long time and retain a pleasant fresh smell.
• Legumes Dishes from peas and beans are very popular in the East. Traditionally they are cooked with a little addition of turmeric (1/4 or 1/6 tsp. Per 1 kg of the dish). Seasoning contributes to the digestion of these products heavy for the stomach.
• Fortification of oil, other seasonings. Turmeric can be added to mustard, oil for frying, crackers for cooking meat or fish.

Tea with turmeric

One of the most popular drinks in India is tea with the addition of turmeric. Its healing properties are very impressive. Drink:

• refreshing in hot weather;
• accelerates blood;
• improves digestion;
• promotes weight loss;
• removes slags;
• relieves inflammation;
• removes cholesterol;
• fights oncology.

That is why in Europe it is part of various diets. To tea with seasoning brought the maximum benefit, you need to know how to drink turmeric. The traditional drink recipe is as follows:

1. 1 tsp. dried turmeric, a piece of ginger root, 1 tsp. Place the cloves and lemon wedge on the bottom of the dish where you will make the tea. If you do not want to then filter the drink, use a small bag for brewing, where you put all the ingredients.
2. This amount of spices will need 1 liter of water. Pour it into a saucepan and boil.
3. Boil the seasonings for another 10 minutes.
4. Strain - and tea is ready. If desired, you can add honey to it. Drink this drink can be both hot and cold.

For treatment, you can use the recipe described in Ayurveda:

1. A quarter cup of water and 1/8 tsp. turmeric mix well.
2. Add 2-3 pods of cardamom.
3. Boil the mixture over low heat for 5-6 minutes.
4. Add 1 tbsp. milk and 1 tbsp. l almond oil.
5. Boil the mixture again and remove from heat.
6. To give the drink a sweet taste, you can put 1 tsp. honey

Turmeric is a seasoning that not only adds taste and color to dishes, but also improves the general condition of the body. You just need to know where to add this spice. No wonder in the East, any food is perceived as a medicine. With the help of turmeric and your daily meals will give you health and good mood.