Turmeric

Native to the Orient, the turmeric plant is a rhizome related to ginger.  Turmeric looks like ginger except it is bright orange inside. It is most commonly used in the dried, powdered form where it imparts a sharp, slightly bitter flavor and a bright orange color. It is used in India cooking to add color to stews and various dishes more than for flavor. It is the substance used to make prepared mustard "yellow". The root is widely cultivated in India and the Caribbean.

Turmeric Powder

Ground turmeric powder is more easily found in many grocery stores and certainly in Asia markets.  Turmeric powder is a key ingredient found in many curry recipes including our favorite Curry Chicken recipe.

Turmeric Paste

Angkor Foods produces a turmeric paste made from fresh turmeric root, organic coconut oil, lime juice concentrate and sea salt.  The paste can be used as a substitute for ground turmeric in curries and soups.  Or, add it to softened butter to make a compound butter for steamed vegetables.  The company recommends using two times the about of paste compared to ground.  So if your recipe calls for 2 teaspoons ground, use 4 teaspoons turmeric paste.

If you don't have fresh turmeric root:

• For 2 tablespoons chopped root, substitute 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric instead.
• Or> If you want a different flavor profile you can substitute (per 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric needed) 5-7 saffron threads
• OR> 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  OR> If you just want to reproduce the color you can use 1 drop yellow and 1 drop red food coloring mixed in a little water.