I go through phases where a certain type of food or ingredient sits first and foremost in my mind. Something grabs on and won't let go until I've explored it further by learning more about it and using it in several recipes or applications. Lately, it's been turmeric—specifically the fresh root, which is part of the ginger family.
I think it started when I saw a bin of the fresh root at the market, stared at it for a few minutes, then left without buying any. I didn't buy it because I didn't want it to go to waste. I have a tendency to pick up cool "new" ingredients, only to let them go to waste while looking for the perfect way to use them.
So, in the new year, I've made a pact to let perfect go. I'm going to embrace mess and mishaps and mistakes, so that I don't miss out on life. So, I made a point of going back to the market and buying a bunch of that turmeric root to experiment with. I've grated it into scrambled eggs, soup, smoothies, stir-fry, and sauces. I've even embraced yellow-stained fingers and fingernails.
Turmeric is considered a superfood.
Superfood
/ˈso͞opərˌfo͞od/
noun
A nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.Touted for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-aging, and anti-carcinogenic properties (which come from the active ingredient called curcumin), it is also used to help ease abdominal cramps, reduce bloating, and aid in digestion, as well as reducing the accumulation of toxins in the gut.
These are just a few of the reasons that earned turmeric its superfood status—searching the web will lead you to many more. I know that I'll be incorporating it, both freshly grated and dried (powdered, like you find in the spice section) into our diet on a regular basis. If you want to do the same, or perhaps it's already a regular in your kitchen, here are 100 recipes ideas to help you do just that.
If a recipe calls for freshly grated turmeric and you only have dried, you can go by the same rule that you use for herbs—3 parts fresh equals 1 part dried (so if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, you can substitute 1 teaspoon dried).
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| Banana Flax Turmeric Overnight Oats by Nourish Everyday |
Breakfast
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| Orange Pomelo Turmeric Mojito by Meg is Well |
Drinks
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| Whole Wheat Turmeric Blueberry Muffins by The Kitcheneer |
Bread
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| Turmeric Orange Poppy Seed Dressing by Give Recipe |
Salad and Dressing
Condiments
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| Turmeric Lentil Stew by Running to the Kitchen |
Soup
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| Braised Short Rib Tagine with Figs & Almonds {for two} by Snixy Kitchen |
Beef
Pork
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| One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice by Ev's Eats |
Chicken and Turkey
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| Gumbo Fried Rice from Iowa Girl Eats |
Fish and Seafood
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| Vegetarian Singapore Noodles by Living Lou |
Meatless
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| Moroccan Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Dressing by The Lemon Bowl |
Side Dishes
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| Banana Turmeric Chocolate Cake by Give Recipe |
Dessert and other Sweet Treats
For your pet
FAQs
How much turmeric should you consume to retain the health benefits? Here are a few helpful tips to get you started. Sayer uses 1/2 - 1.5 teaspoons per day of the dried root powder, certified organic. A typical dose of supplemental curcumin is about 250mg per day, and often increased when dealing with a condition.
Is ground turmeric as effective as fresh turmeric? ›
Raw turmeric boasts higher curcumin content and essential oils, reduces color contamination risks, and promotes better digestion and immunity compared to turmeric powder.
What is the best amount of turmeric to take daily? ›
Generally speaking, a dose of 500 mg to 2,000 mg of turmeric is usually recommended. This is based on the dosages used in studies. Look for products that list the actual amount of curcumin in the supplement for best results. Doses of over 8 grams of curcumin per day are not recommended due to the risk of side effects.
How much turmeric to use in recipes? ›
A half a teaspoon of ground turmeric is usually plenty for seasoning bean dishes, rice dishes, whole grains, soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and pickling brines.
What happens to your body when you eat a teaspoon of turmeric every day? ›
Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can contribute to healthy digestion. It's used in ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent. Now Western medicine has begun to study how turmeric can help with gut inflammation and gut permeability, two measures of your digestive efficiency.
How many teaspoons of turmeric should I take a day for inflammation? ›
“How much turmeric powder should I take per day, for it to have anti-inflammatory benefits?” If you are using the powdered spice rather than a turmeric extract, you will need to take quite a bit of it because it is not well absorbed, at least 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) per day.
What is the healthiest form of turmeric? ›
Thorne Curcumin Phytosome Capsules is our pick as the best overall because it contains a formulation of turmeric that has been suggested to be significantly more effective than other forms. It's also third-party tested and manufactured by a company known for producing high quality supplements.
Which is better, fresh or dried turmeric? ›
Freshness: Raw turmeric is prized for its freshness and potency, as it has not undergone any processing or drying. This ensures that the beneficial compounds, including curcumin, are preserved in their natural state.
Is it better to take turmeric powder or capsules? ›
With turmeric powder, you are going to have to consume more of it in order to get the same amount of curcumin. This means that if you are looking for purely health benefits, it is best to simply take the supplements. They are far more concentrated, and get you the curcumin you need without the bloat.
What drugs cannot be taken with turmeric? ›
Turmeric may interfere with the action of these drugs, increasing the production of stomach acid:
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Add turmeric, black pepper, and a healthy fat like coconut milk or avocado oil to soups and curries. Heat turmeric in a golden latte or tea with a sprinkle of black pepper. Blend it into a berry-packed smoothie. Give your plain white rice a dash of color with subtle flavor.
Are there any negative side effects to taking turmeric? ›
Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses. When applied to the skin: Turmeric is likely safe.
What foods taste best with turmeric? ›
7 Ways to Eat & Drink Turmeric
- Add it to scrambles and frittatas. Use a pinch of turmeric in scrambled eggs, a frittata, or tofu scramble. ...
- Toss it with roasted vegetables. ...
- Add it to rice. ...
- Try it with greens. ...
- Use it in soups. ...
- Blend it into a smoothie. ...
- Make tea.
Turmeric is known for its potent medicinal properties and antioxidants, which makes it one of the healing spices. But excessive addition of this spice can not only generate heat in the body, but at the same time spoil the taste of the delicacy by making it bitter.
Should I put turmeric in my coffee? ›
Benefits of adding turmeric to your coffee
These include: Reduced inflammation. Curcumin may alleviate chronic inflammation, which has been linked to chronic ailments like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, mental decline, and some digestive disorders ( 4 ). Pain relief.
Is 2 tsp of turmeric too much? ›
It is usually recommended to have about a teaspoon a day which is considered to be safe. Anything in excess may trigger certain reactions.
How long does it take for turmeric to work? ›
An in vitro study showed that curcumin can help prevent the formation of free radicals, and another animal study found that curcumin can block the activity of free radicals and stimulate the action of other antioxidants. The available research suggests that turmeric's antioxidant effects can be felt between 4-8 weeks.
What medications should not be taken with turmeric? ›
Turmeric may interfere with the action of these drugs, increasing the production of stomach acid:
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Ranitidine (Zantac)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Turmeric Side Effects
Turmeric and curcumin are generally safe. They're more likely to have side effects if you take lots of it at doses found in pills, capsules, or gummies. It can cause nausea, diarrhea, or stomach ulcers, especially in high doses or after long-term use.
