Learn about the life saving spices

...not all of us are familiar with the "Indian saffron" , so I would like to give you a chance to learn about it and start using as often as possible for the rest of your life…

We are talking about Turmeric

Turmeric: this spice is a member of the ginger family. Like ginger, it is the root of the turmeric plant that is used as a spice. (ground form)

Turmeric has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions by non traditional medicine practitioners. Nowadays, the spice is being investigated by medical laboratories for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease and cancer and other medical conditions. As an example of preliminary laboratory research, turmeric is confirmed to decreased

the severity of pancreatitis. Completed recent studies suggest that turmeric has healing qualities. Its molecules attach themselves to cell membrane walls, stabilizing them and boosting their resistance to infection. However, those molecules are quickly metabolized by the liver and intestinal wall, limiting its efficacy, except when taken in conjunction with black pepper.

Turmeric is widely used in Asian food and gives Indian curry its flavor and yellow color. It is also used in mustard and to color butter and cheese. Turmeric has been used in both Ayurveda (Indian) and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, and to treat skin diseases.

If you are interested, more info available from University of Maryland Med Center website.

Turmeric aids in:

1.        digestion problems,

2.       arthritis pain,

3.       menstrual pain,

4.       heartburn, gallstones, and stomach ulcers.

Storage:

Turmeric is available in the spice section of most grocery stores.

Since it is highly susceptible to light, it is usually packed in airtight tins. Store the tin in a cool, dark place. Turmeric will begin to lose its potency after about six months, even sooner if exposed to light and/or heat.

Application - Turmeric is an important ingredient in curry mixes:

It is suggested to use black pepper in conjunction with turmeric to realize any potential health benefits!!!

Turmeric is extremely pungent, and actually gets stronger when cooked. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly when experimenting.

It also goes well with any cooked vegetables.

Avoid touching your clothing when working with turmeric. It is a powerful yellow dye.

MY WAY OF USING IT: mix together and either use right away or store in the spice cabinet for future use:

1.       1 tsp curry

2.       1 tsp cumin

3.       1/3 tsp turmeric

4.       ¼ tsp black paper

I use the Turmeric mix (above) any chance I get. I cannot suggest that an occasional use of it in a small amount will make a big difference that is why I try to use it 1 or 2 times a week in my cooking.

I am offering you two recipes, but you should try to find your own favorite by browsing the web and trying different ways of cooking with Turmeric.

      Fresh Cucumber Salad and eggplant:

1.       Slice fresh red onions, garden cucumbers, organic fresh tomatoes (hopefully you are buying them form a local farm, in season)

2.       Cube the eggplant and sprinkle with sea salt. Leave it for a few minutes and drain the moister that will appear on the surface. That will aid in removing the bitterness of the eggplant that is occasionally present in it.

3.       Sauté eggplant in a veggie stock with a spoon of coconut oil and the spice mix I listed above.

4.       Mix your Fresh Garden Veggies and the eggplant (yes, just cooked eggplant, hot and steaming.)

5.       Leave the salad for a few minutes to gain its “juiciness” from exchanging the heat and coolness between all the ingredients.

6.       Enjoy!

        Sautéed cauliflower and pineapple:

Sauté cauliflower in veggie stock with the spice mix provided above. Add some sweet white onion and yellow zucchini . After the veggies showing some softness (may be 5 minute or so), add chunks of pineapple and mix it all together. Leave it on the stove for another 3-5 minutes and serve with your choice of protein or just as is!  I personally love it!