Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Turmeric

Curcuma longa Allergen-Free
turmeric

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Zingiberaceae
  • Primary Cuisine South Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Turmeric rhizome

The Forktionary Angle

"The golden wonder of the spice world, bringing not just warmth and color to cuisine but also a wealth of wellness to the body."

Definition

A vibrant yellow-orange spice derived from the root of a plant, known for its earthy flavor and coloring.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Bitter, Slightly peppery, Pungent
TexturePowdery (dried), Fibrous (fresh)
AromaWarm, Musky, Gingery
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Active Compound

Curcumin (up to 3% by weight)

Best Absorption

Enhanced by black pepper & fat

Staining Power

Strong natural dye for fabrics/skin

Nutrition Facts

Per 2g (1 tsp ground)
Calories354 kcal
Total Fat9.9 g
Saturated Fat3.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein7.8 g
Total Carbohydrate64.9 g
Dietary Fiber21 g
Total Sugars3.2 g
Calcium183 mg
Iron41.4 mg
Potassium2525 mg

Chef’s Secret

Bloom ground turmeric in a little oil at the start of cooking to intensify its flavor and color before adding other ingredients.

Substitutions

Best Match

Cumin

1:1 (flavor, less color)

Provides an earthy, warm flavor, but lacks turmeric's vibrant yellow color and slight bitterness.

Curry Powder

1:1 (use less initially)

Often contains turmeric and other spices, can provide similar flavor and color profile, but may alter specific spice balance.

Saffron (for color)

Small pinch : 1 tsp turmeric

Excellent for bright yellow color in dishes, but imparts a distinctly different, more delicate floral flavor and is very expensive.

Ginger (fresh or dried)

1:1

A close relative, offers peppery, slightly pungent notes similar to fresh turmeric, but lacks the bitter undertone and color.

Buying Guide

Store ground turmeric in an airtight container away from light. Fresh rhizomes can be refrigerated or frozen.

Flavor Pairings

Coconut Milk Lentils Rice Chicken Spinach Ginger Cumin

Recipes Using Turmeric

Course Comfort Food Weeknight Cuisine

Abgousht

Dive into the rich and flavorful world of Persian cuisine with this Abgousht recipe! This hearty lamb stew, slow-cooked to perfection, is packed with tender lamb, chickpeas, potatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices. A comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions will guide you to a delicious, authentic Abgousht.

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Healthy Time To Make Low Cholesterol Asian

Adas Polo Persian Rice With Lentils

Experience the rich flavors of Persia with this incredible Adas Polo recipe! This hearty and aromatic dish combines fluffy basmati rice, savory lentils, sweet caramelized onions, and plump raisins, all infused with warming spices. Perfect served alongside succulent chicken or lamb, or enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian option. This easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Iran!

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Winter Presentation Lentils Served Hot

African Vegetable Stew

Experience the warm embrace of Africa with this vibrant vegetable stew! Cinnamon takes center stage, its fragrant warmth weaving through a medley of vegetables and spices for a truly unique and satisfying flavor profile. This hearty and healthy stew is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Preparation Asian Occasion Eggs Dairy

Akoori Parsi Scrambled Eggs

Spice up your morning with Akoori Parsi, a flavorful and vibrant Persian scrambled egg recipe! This quick and easy breakfast dish combines fluffy scrambled eggs with aromatic spices like turmeric and coriander, and a delightful hint of chili. Perfect served with warm chapatis for a truly authentic experience.

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Main Dish Meat Rice Savory

Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice Chicken Dish

Experience the rich flavors of authentic Al Kabsa, a traditional Saudi Arabian dish! This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and served over fluffy rice. A delightful variation on this classic, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to savor the aromatic spices and succulent chicken in this easy-to-follow recipe. Discover the magic of Al Kabsa today!

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60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient African Fish

Algerian Fish Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Algerian coast with this authentic fish soup recipe! Inspired by a harbor-side restaurant in Algiers, this Chorba is rich, aromatic, and easily customizable to your spice preference. Add extra cayenne pepper for a fiery kick! Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Course Indian Low Fat Occasion

Aloo Gobi Cauliflower And Potatoes

Experience the magic of Aloo Gobi, a classic Indian dish! This recipe delivers tender potatoes and cauliflower in a fragrant and flavorful curry sauce. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make this a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

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Main Ingredient Asian Lactose One Dish Meal

Aloo Gobi Mattar Cauliflower Pea And Potato Curry

Experience a flavor explosion with this vibrant Aloo Gobi Mattar! Combining the best of Aloo Gobi and Aloo Mattar, this curry is bursting with fragrant spices and tender vegetables. A delicious adaptation of a Route79.com recipe, it's a fantastic way to sneak extra greens into your meal. This gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free dish is traditionally cooked in a karahi, but a wok or large nonstick pan works perfectly. For an authentic taste, we highly recommend using ghee. Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice with chapati or naan for a truly unforgettable culinary journey!

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Low Saturated Fat Pasta Rice And Grains Low Saturated Fat Side Dishes

Aloo Matar Ka Pulao Indian Rice With Potatoes And Peas

Discover the authentic flavors of India with this Aloo Matar Ka Pulao recipe! Inspired by a cherished family recipe, this fragrant rice dish combines tender potatoes and sweet peas in a symphony of warming spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of India.

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Preparation Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

Aloo Rasdar Indian Potato In Gravy Ala Rukshana

A fiery and flavorful Indian potato curry recipe, passed down from a dear friend! This Aloo Rasdar boasts a vibrant, tangy taste thanks to the addition of dried mango powder (optional, but highly recommended!). Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet delivers a complex depth of flavor. Adjust the chili to your spice preference – be warned, it packs a punch! Discover an authentic taste of India with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for both experienced cooks and adventurous beginners.

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Dietary Time To Make Beef South American

Anticuchos Peruvian Beef Kebabs

Experience the fiery flavors of Peru with these authentic Anticuchos! Marinated in a vibrant blend of aji amarillo (or hot paprika for a delicious alternative), these juicy beef kebabs are a taste of Peruvian street food magic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sizzling summer BBQ, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Get ready for an explosion of flavor!

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Vegetables Course Dinner Party Preparation

Armenian Rice Pilaf With Mushrooms

Experience the rich flavors of Armenia with this aromatic rice pilaf! This recipe, inspired by an Armenian friend, features tender mushrooms, fragrant rice, and a touch of warm spice. Easily adaptable for vegans by substituting margarine for butter. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Asian Potatoes Appetizers Indian

Asher's Aloo Bondas

Experience a flavor explosion with Asher's Aloo Bondas! These crispy potato fritters are the perfect appetizer or afternoon snack. Made with a perfectly spiced chickpea flour batter, these golden-brown delights are irresistibly delicious. A birthday favorite, these Aloo Bondas are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Learn how to make this addictive treat today! #aloobondas #indianrecipe #chickpeafritters #appetizer #snacks #vegetarian #easyrecipe

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Asian Indian Lamb Sheep Curries

Badam Pasanda

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Badam Pasanda, a luxurious Indian chicken curry. This exquisite dish features tender chicken simmered in a velvety sauce of yogurt, cream, and ground almonds, infused with warming spices. Prepare for a taste sensation that's both subtly sweet and delicately spicy – a true culinary masterpiece you'll crave again and again! Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Preparation Dietary Time To Make Course

Bbq Pork Shoulder

Experience the legendary taste of Kansas City BBQ with this mouthwatering pork shoulder recipe! Slow-cooked to perfection, this fall-apart tender masterpiece boasts an unforgettable smoky flavor. Plan ahead for a 16-hour cooking journey (plus overnight marinades!), but trust us – the incredible results are worth every minute. Prepare for rave reviews! This recipe delivers an authentic Kansas City BBQ experience you won't soon forget. Impress your friends and family with this showstopper.

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Time To Make Meat Preparation Curries

Beef Vindaloo The Real Thing

Experience the fiery heat and aromatic explosion of authentic Beef Vindaloo! This low-fat, healthier take on a classic Goan curry uses white wine vinegar and a touch of sugar for a surprisingly balanced flavor profile. A perfect blend of spices, expertly ground (using a grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle), creates a rich and complex taste that will leave you wanting more. Pair this culinary masterpiece with a crisp lager for the ultimate dining experience. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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African Chicken Meat Roast

Berber Chicken

Experience the fiery flavors of Morocco and beyond with this Berber Chicken recipe! Tender chicken boasts incredibly crispy skin thanks to an overnight marinade and a strategic pre-cooking dry. The aromatic spices will tantalize your taste buds, creating a truly unforgettable Middle Eastern/African feast. Perfectly paired with our recommended fruited rice (recipe not included). Prepare for a flavor explosion!

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Poultry Camping 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Spiced Skewered Chicken Chicken Sosaties

Experience the vibrant flavors of South Africa with these delicious Spiced Chicken Sosaties! Inspired by Jessica B. Harris's "The Africa Cookbook," this recipe features juicy chicken marinated for 24 hours in a fragrant blend of spices, then grilled to perfection. Serve hot with apricot chutney for a truly unforgettable taste of the continent.

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