Curcuma longa | turmeric | curcuma longa longa
What is Curcuma longa – Curcuma longa is the botanical name for turmeric (haldi) – Turmeric is an annual plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. The plant is a perennial, rhizomatous, herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
The rhizomes are used fresh or boiled in water and dried, after which they are ground into a deep orange-yellow powder. Turmeric powder is commonly used as a colouring and flavouring agent.
Curries from the Asian cuisines are not complete without turmeric. It is also used for dyeing, the colour imparted by the principal turmeric constituent, curcumin.
Read more: Health Benefits of Curcuma longa
Turmeric, native to South Asia, is one of the fastest-growing dietary supplements. This enhanced use is due to the health benefits of turmeric. Apart from brightening up the pantries of many homes in India, turmeric is interwoven into daily life, the cuisine, and cultural and healing traditions.