Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright golden-yellow spice made from the dried, ground rhizome of Curcuma longa. It tastes earthy, slightly bitter, and peppery, with a warm aroma; a small amount deeply tints foods. Cooks often bloom it in oil, whisk it into marinades and dressings, or stir it into curries, rice, soups, and pickles. Sold mostly as a fine powder; whole dried fingers and fresh roots also appear.

Native to South Asia, turmeric became a staple across the Indian subcontinent and spread through Southeast Asia and the Middle East via trade. It anchors many South Asian spice blends and Southeast Asian curries. The rhizomes are typically boiled or steamed, dried, and ground for the spice trade.