Turmeric - How To Use
(Also known as Indian Saffron and False Saffron)
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Is turmeric similar to ginger?
Turmeric in powder form comes from the root of a flowering plant that is actually part of the ginger family. It has a warm, ginger-like, floral fragrance, and a slightly woody and bitter taste. It imparts a similar hue to Saffron but lacks a distinctive flavour. Therefore, it works well with other complex blends, acting as a base with its earthy properties. When using turmeric, it's important to follow a "less is more" approach to avoid overpowering the blend with bitter notes. Turmeric adds pungency to curry and invigorates rice, vegetable stews and egg dishes. It plays a pivotal role in many masala blends.
India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric. During mediaeval times in Europe, it was often used as an imitation of "Indian saffron" for dyeing cloth, although it didn't replace Saffron in taste. Like all herbs and spices, you should never expose turmeric to light.
What flavours go with Turmeric?
- Asparagus
- Caraway
- Cinnamon
- Chilli peppers
- Cloves
- Corriander
- Cumin
- Curry Leaves
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Honey
- Paprika
- Saffron
- Sweet Potato
Our rich-in-turmeric Yemeni blend - Hawaij - is bursting with flavours like caraway, cloves and coriander, showcasing the homage in this alchemy. Advieh Mahi which is traditionally used in fish recipes of Persian origin is also ripe with flavours like turmeric, chilli, cumin and garlic.
Health Benefits
Is Turmeric good for you?
Turmeric is high in trace mineral manganese and helps process fatty acids and cholesterol. Turmeric is said to aid digestion, blood circulation and cholesterol levels. The ancient system of Ayurvedic also suggests that it may remedy stomach and liver ailments with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Europeans have suggested turmeric for arthritis, asthma and the skin condition eczema.
Interesting Facts
- In the pre-Christian era, traders brought turmeric from Camelēr's land to the shores of North Africa and Persia for culinary purposes. Britain brought turmeric into the periphery as part of an all-purpose curry during Imperial India.
- Turmeric, whiskey, and honey are essential components of classic South African hot toddy drinks. A special for soothing sore throats and clearing winter-induced colds.
- The yellow we typically see in mustard comes from turmeric and not the mustard seed.
- According to Aston University, Birmingham, Turmeric is a natural antivenom against King Cobra bites.
- The city of Erode in India is the largest Turmeric producer globally, and its nicknames are the "Yellow City” or“Turmeric City." In Hindu rituals, turmeric is worshipped as a symbol of the sun.
Chief flavour profile
Turmerone and ar-turmerone: (earthy, musky and woody) The dominant earthy compound is found in a few other spices. It is the minor compounds that leave room to complement other spices and herbs. Cumin, paprika and cardamom bring a rich smokiness and earthiness to unlock the depth of the key flavour compounds of turmeric.
Blends to try with Turmeric
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Hawaij $12.00Introducing Hawaij - Hawaij has a deep golden hue and a flavorful, complex blend of spices, including caraway and turmeric. It elicits an earthy, rich taste experience with a subtle hint of pepperiness. Hawaij can be described as a daring, Yemeni garam masala. All-natural, salt-free and vegan.Endless culinary adventures - You can use Hawaij as a marinade or rub for poultry or pork. For vegetarian inspiration, try with lentil-style curry dishes, roasted cauliflower or toasted chickpeas. Some of our customers tell us that Hawaij is sublime in chicken or pork escalope with panko breadcrumbs. Fundamentally, Hawaij is an all-purpose seasoning.We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh-E Khoresh $12.00
Introducing Advieh-E Khoresh- Great Taste Award winner-2022. This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. Balance & luxury come together in this deluxe blend with black lime, rose petal and saffron, as the main ingredients. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. Just a pinch of this blend offers incredible depth with an aromatic scent.
Endless culinary adventures - Traditionally, this blend is added to stews, casseroles, and grilled meats such as lamb kebabs, but our customers have also loved it on chicken thigh tray bakes, risotto, and roast potatoes.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh Mahi $12.00
Introducing Advieh Mahi - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. It is aromatic and flavourful, with highlights of cumin seeds and fenugreek leaves. All natural, low sodium and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Mahi (Persian for "fish spice"), is the perfect spice mix for seafood dishes! When mixed with a neutral oil and brushed over fresh fish, this nutritious blend provides a tasty health boost. Why not try for seasoned cod, or salmon? Our customers tell us that this is the perfect spice mix for kedgeree, fish pie and even octopus lollipops with tempura batter!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh-E Halegh $12.00
Introducing Advieh-E Halegh- Award-winning. This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. Advieh-E Halegh offers a tantalizingly delicate fragrance with the delectable sweetness of cinnamon, cloves and rose petals. This blend lends itself to flavours of rhubarb and orange. All-natural, salt-free and vegan.
Endless culinary adventures - This blend is perfect for enhancing a variety of sweet treats like cakes, puddings, biscuits, crumbles and more! Even stir it into breakfast smoothies or overnight oats with grated apple. Get inspired with our Persian rice pudding recipe, or elevate a refreshing orange sorbet.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh Berenj $12.00
Introducing Advieh Berenj - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. A balanced blend of turmeric, rose petals and other spices that create citrussy, floral and woody notes. All-natural, salt-free, and vegan. Advieh Berenj is sometimes known as Advieh Polo.
Endless culinary adventures - Berenjs mild floral notes have a subtle intensity that elevates rice and pilaf dishes. It can be used in a couscous salad or with quinoa to add a rich aroma and flavour. Customers have also used this blend in a dirty chai latte! This warming spice mix is perfect for the delicious mixed rice dish 'Loobia Polo' and the crispy Persian rice recipe 'Tahdig'.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.