What is turmeric and what is it used for?

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Turmeric (or turmeric) comes from Southeast Asia, present mostly in Indian and Iranian cuisine, as a colorant
Although for culinary purposes it is possible that we use the words turmeric or turmeric to refer to the same ingredient, the fact is that turmeric is a relatively large plant genus that has more than 80 species, one of which is turmeric. It originates in tropical areas of Asia where it benefits from high temperatures and high humidity.

The turmeric has a culinary and economic interest its rhizome, fundamentally for its powerful characteristics as a dye. It is used in cosmetics, in the preparation of dyes for clothes and fabrics and of course, as food coloring.
In this last facet, it is the usual ingredient of many curries giving an intense orange color, very pleasing to the eye, although it is also used to give color to drinks or pastries. This root or rhizome can be consumed fresh, but normally we will find it in dehydrated form and powder, not having lost its coloring qualities.
My experience is that the turmeric brings an interesting flavor if it is savored in oil at high temperatures, but in all other uses we can say that it is a product that brings little flavor used exclusively to give color to foods, from currys, biryanis Or why not, a paella. For some reason white rice or transparent sauces do not seem to have as much appeal as their more colorful equivalents and orange seems to be one of the colors that our brain is most grateful to put something to the mouth.

Plated Indian biryani rice colored with turmericThe amount of turmeric to put on the plate will therefore depend on the intensity of color desired, but, to give an example, a curry prepared for about 6 people will see as a tablespoon and a half turmeric gives a beautiful orange-yellow color Which will make it much more appetizing.
In addition to its uses as a cooking ingredient, turmeric or turmeric would also have excellent medical properties. Used for centuries in Chinese culture as natural anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis treatment. It is also currently investigating its potential properties as a remedy to fight cancer.

The turmeric is kept very well for a long time, preserving all its qualities as a coloring.