What is the origin of Turmeric?
Originally, this golden spice is native to India and Southeast Asia. Turmeric usage is also mentioned in Shennong Ben Cao Jing, one of the oldest Chinese medicine works of literature, where it is believed Shen Nung made use of it as far back as over 4,000 years ago.
Turmeric is cultivated in tropical & subtropical regions, but mainly in India, Thailand, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian countries. It grows at altitudes between 400 and 1,000 meters above sea level and strives in a warm climate with high humidity which makes tropical regions ideal for the cultivation of Turmeric.
As far as harvesting, the plant needs 6 to 8 months after planting to grow, in half shades, under trees, on clayey and well-drained soils. When the leaves have dried, the turmeric rhizome is ready to be harvested. Rhizomes are then boiled, dried, and lastly grounded (in powder) to be conditioned for exportation.
What are the applications of Turmeric?
Turmeric has a lot of applications in various domains, for many different purposes. Whether it is to relieve dental pain, enhance rice preparations in food recipes, or treat skin conditions, the benefits of turmeric are multiple. As a matter of fact, the ancestral uses have been confirmed by numerous clinical studies. The curcumin (from the curcuminoids, the main active ingredients of the root) is the source of various properties and researched effects: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or gastric actions.
Medical Use
In daily life, Turmeric is used in medicine for several reasons: its active ingredient helps improve liver functions, treats skin diseases or wound healing, and supports digestion. For a very long time, Turmeric has been used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, thanks to Curcumin which has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects.
In the Indian system of medicine, turmeric occupies an important place, as an ingredient in the preparation of medicinal oils, ointments, and poultices.
Versatile, Turmeric can be used in many forms, for various researched effects. Raw rhizomes’ juice, for instance, is used as an anti-parasitic to treat skin pathosis. Burnt and grounded Turmeric roots, turned into a powder, can be applied to teeth to relieve dental aches.
Culinary Use
It is impossible to think of Indian food without turmeric. When added to Indian delicacies such as curry and rice, it gives a rich color and slight flavor to food. Turmeric combines well with spices such as Chili powder, Coriander, Cumin, and Cinnamon. Ground Turmeric is used worldwide as a seasoning.
Indonesian cuisine also makes extensive use of Turmeric (called Kunyit in the local language), especially in the region of Padang in Sumatra where it is used for gulai, a kind of curry.
Cosmetics Use
For ages, Turmeric has been very popular in cosmetic use. Active ingredients like Curcumin have an effect on healing and preventing dry skin, providing a natural shielding barrier against UV rays, pollution, chemicals, or microbes. Turmeric is therefore a great ingredient in cosmetic preparations to delay the aging process of the skin or to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
How does De Monchy evaluate Turmeric quality?
There are 4 different types of turmeric products, turmeric leaves, fresh turmeric root, dried turmeric root and ground turmeric root.. At De Monchy Natural Products, we only focus on the turmeric powder derived from dried turmeric root, both organic and conventional. Turmeric grades are evaluated based on their curcumin levels.
Turmeric: A logical extension to our spices range.
At De Monchy Natural Products, we aim to provide our customers with the highest natural products quality, along with the best customer experience we can serve. As we are pioneers in supplying vanilla, we make a point of being able to support our customers’ needs in natural products, and thus it is logical to extend our portfolio to spices. Turmeric is one of the most commonly used spices in the world.
Being able to source sustainably, ethically and hassle-free premium Turmeric from India is a great opportunity for our customers, and we are more than happy to provide our services for this spice.
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