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

Time To Make Middle Eastern Asian 4 Hours Or Less

Aab Goosht E Lappeh

Experience the rich, savory depths of Aab Goosht E Lappeh, a hearty Persian/Iranian lamb stew. This comforting classic features tender lamb, split peas, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Unlike many stews, rice is NOT served with this dish; instead, enjoy it with crusty Iranian bread, pita, or Middle Eastern flatbread, soaking up the flavorful broth. A perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion meal!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Equipment Poultry Asian

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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Seafood Course Seafood 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Time To Make Preparation Low Carb Low Fat

Algerian Stew With White Beans Barboucha

Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this authentic Algerian Barboucha stew! A fragrant blend of spices and tender white beans simmered with succulent meat (lamb or tripe), this hearty stew is a culinary journey in every bite. The rich aroma alone is captivating, and the taste? Simply unforgettable. Serve with fluffy couscous or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This recipe transports you to a remote Moroccan town, recreating a truly authentic dining experience.

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Rice Main Ingredient Indian Cuisine

Almost Core Chicken Biryani

Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of India with this Almost Core Chicken Biryani recipe! A slightly altered version from Food & Wine, this dish features tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice infused with fragrant spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Indian Time To Make Course Indian

Aloo Gobi

Recreate the magic of Bend It Like Beckham with this vibrant and flavorful Aloo Gobi recipe! This authentic Indian curry features tender potatoes and cauliflower simmered in a rich blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible taste.

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Occasion Preparation Vegetarian Equipment

Aloo Gobi Potato And Cauliflower Curry

This Aloo Gobi recipe is a guaranteed family favorite! My youngest son requests this delicious potato and cauliflower curry again and again. Tender potatoes and perfectly crisp-tender cauliflower florets simmer in a fragrant blend of warming spices. Enjoy it hot as a side dish to your favorite curry, or cold the next day – it's equally delightful! Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Low Cholesterol Side Dishes Course Low In Something

Aloo Phujia

Aloo Phujia is a vibrant and flavorful Indian potato dish bursting with spicy warmth! This recipe features tender potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic onions, perfectly seasoned with a blend of warming spices. Get ready for an explosion of taste in just 50 minutes!

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Soups Stews Cuisine Soups Stews Meat

Another Chicken Soup Recipe

Unearth a culinary treasure from the past! This chicken soup recipe, passed down through generations, is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for chilly evenings, this family favorite is packed with comforting goodness and boasts a rich, savory broth. A taste of history awaits – try it today!

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Fruit Dietary Jams And Preserves Occasion

Apple And Green Tomato Relish

This unique and festive Apple & Green Tomato Relish recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! A beautiful, vibrant relish perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself. Originally created for Christmas gifts, this recipe received rave reviews and requests for more. Its unexpected combination of sweet apples and tart green tomatoes creates a flavor explosion that's both sweet and tangy. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this relish is the perfect addition to any holiday spread or cheese board. Make a batch today and experience the magic!

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Occasion Dietary Main Dish Course

Awesome Sambhar

Craving comforting, flavorful Indian food? This Awesome Sambhar recipe delivers a delicious lentil curry with irresistible spices and just the right touch of heat – perfect for a weeknight meal! Ready in under an hour, it's surprisingly simple to make and pairs beautifully with rice and a fresh salad. Get ready for a taste of authentic Indian comfort food!

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Taste Mood Chicken Indian Curries

Bal's No Butter Butter Chicken

A lighter, healthier twist on a classic! This "Bal S No Butter Butter Chicken" recipe, from the Spice Goddess Bal Arneson herself, delivers incredible flavor without the heavy cream. Learn how to achieve a vibrant, smooth, and mildly spiced curry using fresh spices and grapeseed oil's high smoke point for a clean taste. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe is easily adaptable and serves with roti or rice.

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Course Main Dish Dietary 1 Day Or More

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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Roast Roast Chicken Meat

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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Condiments Etc 15 Minutes Or Less Weeknight Taste Mood

Berbere Spice Mix Ethiopian

Unlock the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia with this authentic Berbere spice blend! This aromatic mix, featured in countless Ethiopian dishes, adds a fiery kick and complex depth to grilled fish, poultry, meats, and vegetables. Whether you're seasoning your cooking or adding a finishing touch at the table, our Berbere spice mix will transport your taste buds to the heart of East Africa. Inspired by a classic homemaker's recipe, this easy-to-make blend is perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices.

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Vegetables Dietary Indian Vegan

Bhindi Bhaji Fried Stuffed Okra

Experience a flavor explosion with our Bhindi Bhaji recipe! This fried stuffed okra dish boasts a subtle yet captivating spice blend, elevating the humble okra to new heights. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, it's a vegetarian delight. Serve it as a star alongside dal, rice, bread, raita, and chutney for a complete Indian feast, or simply enjoy it as a delicious side dish. Prepare to be amazed by this easy-to-make, incredibly flavorful okra recipe!

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Middle Eastern Soups Stews Asian Iranian Persian

Persian Style Onion Soup

Experience the rich, savory depths of Persian cuisine with this decadent yet healthy onion soup, inspired by Gordon Ramsay's focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Sweet caramelized onions, fragrant spices, and a bright citrus finish create a symphony of taste in every spoonful. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.

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Occasion Healthy Preparation Chicken

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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