What Does Turmeric Taste Like & What Are Its Benefits?

Published on

8.2.22

by

Turmeric is a popular ingredient in many cuisines. But what does it add to a dish? Read more to learn what turmeric tastes like, plus its benefits.

What seasonings do you add to your food? It can be easy to get into a routine of using only a few favorite herbs and spices. You get so used to certain flavors that trying something new can feel intimidating.

But if you only stick to salt and pepper, you never know what you could be missing out on. In addition to adding flavor to your dishes, some spices and herbs have potential health benefits that may sustain your body as well as your taste buds. 

Today, let's talk about turmeric. If you've been hesitant to try this spice, you don't have to be scared. We'll show you all the reasons people love turmeric and introduce you to amazing, easy recipes that incorporate this spice. 

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from a root known as Curcuma longa. This spice has a yellow color that can add vibrant color to many dishes while contributing a rich flavor. 

It's also a common ingredient in curry powder, which is popular in Indian cuisine. Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin, which contributes to this spice’s many uses. 

The word turmeric comes from the Latin phrase terra merita, which means meritorious earth. Some people confuse turmeric with tree turmeric or Javanese turmeric root. However, these are different plants with distinct features. 

Turmeric use dates as early as 4,000 years ago with the Vedic culture in India. In ancient times, people used turmeric in association with religious practices in addition to using it as a food flavoring. 

How Does Turmeric Taste?

Turmeric has a distinct flavor, which is one reason it is a primary ingredient for many curry powders. It has a potent peppery spice with an earthy, musky essence. In many cases, people combine turmeric with other milder or sweeter spices to balance out turmeric's boldness.

How Is Turmeric Used?

If you've never tried turmeric, you could be wondering what all the excitement is about. Turmeric has served many purposes over the years, but its two primary uses are currently for flavor and natural medicine. 

Turmeric Adds Flavor

Primarily, turmeric is a popular ingredient that many people incorporate into their dishes. This ingredient's potent spice and bitterness contribute unique tasting notes any food. 

Turmeric for Natural Medicinal Purposes

In addition to the flavor it adds, turmeric is well-known for its possible medicinal properties. People have used this spice for years to help relieve their symptoms and support their health. 

9 Possible Benefits of Turmeric

Although more research needs to be done on turmeric's effectiveness for supporting bodily functions, some studies suggest that turmeric offers a wide range of benefits. If you're someone who is excited by natural medicinal remedies, keep reading to discover turmeric's possible uses.

Turmeric May Ease Inflammation

One of the major compounds found in turmeric, curcumin, is naturally anti-inflammatory. Because of this, some people turn to turmeric instead of over-the-counter medications to ease inflammation. The presence of the curcumin compound also suggests that turmeric may have the potential to ease pain in the body.

Some suggest that this powdery spice also contains antioxidants which are widely known to help neutralize free radicals in the body. 

Turmeric Can Help Fight Viral Infections

Is it cold or flu season where you live? If so, you might find turmeric especially useful.

This spice has the potential to help people fight off viral infections. You might consider enjoying turmeric with your food or in a cup of tea if you're trying to support your body during flu season. 

Turmeric May Ease Symptoms of PMS 

The ingredient curcumin in turmeric may help relieve some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome for those with intense menstrual cycles. It may help reduce pain from cramps that accompany menstrual activity.

Turmeric May Help Protect You from Heart Disease

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is one action that can help support your heart. Some research suggests that turmeric may have properties that help lower levels of LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as bad cholesterol. 

Although more research is needed to confirm this, some other studies already show that turmeric can help support heart health in those who undergo bypass surgery.

Turmeric May Relieve Osteoarthritis Symptoms

When a person struggles with osteoarthritis, they often suffer from bone and joint stiffness and pain from inflammation. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties can help ease some of the swelling and pain that occurs with osteoarthritis.

Turmeric Might Support Skin Health

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which some people believe can help support your skin and reduce acne. More research is needed to understand whether turmeric can significantly impact skin health. 

Turmeric May Have Possible Anti-Aging Properties

Curcumin, the main compound found in turmeric, has the potential to help slow the aging process. The anti-aging effects of curcumin have been documented in some studies, which suggest that it could help give a boost to your skin health and elongate the life of your skin cells. 

Turmeric Can Support Eye Health

You're probably aware that eating carrots can help support your vision. However, did you know that curcumin may have properties that encourage eye health and help ward off eye diseases? Some research suggests that curcumin can help prevent the degeneration of cells in the eyes, but more research is needed to confirm this link.

Turmeric May Help Treat Diabetes

One study observed curcumin's effect on animals with diabetes. In this study, after administering an ingredient in curcumin to animals with type 2 diabetes, researchers noticed decreased blood sugar levels as well as increased plasma insulin production. While this study highlighted the effects on animals, these findings could translate to mean curcumin is helpful for diabetes management in humans. 

Tasty Ideas for Including Turmeric in Your Meals

As you can see, adding turmeric to your meals has the potential to benefit you in so many ways! Not only is this ingredient good for your health, but it also packs a delicious punch with its intense flavor. 

Ready to dive in and try turmeric for yourself? You don't have to figure out how to use it alone. We've put together a quick list of recipes that include this ingredient.

Each recipe is super simple to follow so you can try them at home this week if you like!

Pork Chops With Turmeric and Tomatoes

Getting dinner on the table can feel overwhelming now and then. How can you include foods in your meals that nourish the body and satisfy hunger?

Here's one recipe that can help give you peace of mind. Our Pork Chops With Turmeric and Tomatoes recipe is refreshing and filling simultaneously. You only need a few ingredients to put this meal together!

Lemon Turmeric Salmon With Broccoli

Some days, you don't have time to think about creative, lengthy recipes with dozens of steps and ingredients. Luckily, this Lemon Turmeric Salmon With Broccoli only takes a few minutes to make. 

Enjoy nutritious broccoli and tasty salmon with a lemon-turmeric coating. It's a meal so easy that you'll want to remake it often.

Vegan Roasted Eggplant With Turmeric

Meatless dinners can be delicious, and this recipe is proof! Our Vegan Roasted Eggplant With Turmeric is a terrific meal option when you want to load up on nutritious foods and tasty new flavors. 

Turmeric and Cashew Fried Rice

Spending a long time preparing meals can take away from meaningful moments with loved ones. Instead of following a recipe that has you tied up for an hour preparing your food, you can try something easier.

Our Turmeric and Cashew Fried Rice recipe is one meal that doesn't take long to prepare. You can follow this recipe and serve it to your household all within twenty minutes. 

Coconut Cauliflower Soup

You don't need a good reason to make a pot of soup. Still, on chilly, rainy days, soup makes a perfect companion for recharging and getting through the weather.

Want to try a new soup? If you're tired of chicken noodle and baked potato soup, consider going for a soup with a creamy texture and a kick of spice. Our Coconut Cauliflower Soup is perfect for the job! 

Duck Breast and Sauteed Cauliflower

We think you'll enjoy this all-in-one meal. It shows you don't have to order takeout to keep things easy! Our Duck Breast and Sauteed Cauliflower is unbelievably easy to prepare, and you'll love every bite. This meal is ready in fifteen minutes!

Lentil Salad With Yogurt Sauce

Lentils are such a versatile food, and they've never been easier to enjoy with this recipe. When you need a quick snack before heading back to work or going out for the day, this recipe is a game-changer. Our Lentil Salad With Yogurt Sauce features the tasty kick of turmeric with zingy lemon and creamy yogurt sauce. You can make it in ten minutes and get back to your day. 

Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry

In the mood to try curry? You can follow this recipe to enjoy filling sweet potato curry with lentils and tasty turmeric. It's a terrific meatless meal for a group of dinner guests or a solo meal at home. 

Golden Latte

Turmeric makes an excellent ingredient for many savory dishes, but did you know this spice can add vibrant flavors to semi-sweet beverages? Take our Golden Latte, for instance.

In this beverage, coconut cream, turmeric, cinnamon, and honey are just a few of the flavors that combine to create a complex but yummy flavor profile. Enjoy sipping this beverage on a cool fall day if you want to take the experience to the next level. 

Golden Veggie Soup

Turmeric is well-known for its vibrant color and this is one dish where you can see it in all its glory. Our Golden Veggie Soup combines cauliflower and chickpeas with creamy coconut milk and turmeric. It's ready in under half an hour!

Trying New Ingredients Can Be a Breeze

How often do you venture into the world of new ingredients? Perhaps you tend to stick to recipes you know and love, and you haven't experimented with new additions to your typical weekly menu in ages.

There's nothing wrong with knowing what you love! But when you start to feel curious about discovering new cuisines, we're here to help you every step of the way at Jow. We keep recipes straightforward so you can try new dishes without hassle!

Let Us Spice Up Your Meals

At Jow, we're happy to introduce you to hundreds of easy-to-follow recipes from many cuisines. We also love going the extra mile to help you bring delicious meal ideas to life! 

You can think of us as your personal grocery shopping assistant. Here's how it works:

  1. Tell us about yourself: Let us know what kind of appliances are available to you, any foods you avoid, food allergies, and your household size. 
  2. We'll suggest recipes: After you tell us about your kitchen and food preferences, we'll suggest possible recipes for you to try making this week. 
  3. We'll start a grocery cart: When selecting the recipes you like, we'll optimize the ingredients needed to fit your household size. Then, we'll start a grocery cart with all the ingredients you need. You can even add other household items to it, too!
  4. Enjoy making new foods at home: After you've checked out, you can pick up your groceries from a nearby grocery store or have them shipped to your house! Then follow our easy recipes to bring your dishes to life. 

Turmeric Can Make Your Menu Exciting

Turmeric is a spice that has been well-known and loved for thousands of years. It's a versatile ingredient that can bring life to your dishes! Trying this spice in your dishes is an easy way to keep your meals exciting.