Scientific studies have shown that turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement on earth, and lucky for us, it naturally grows in huge abundance right here in Bali.
If you’d allow us to engage in some scientific speak for a moment…turmeric is a “rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant” of the ginger family. In other words, turmeric grows beneath the soil with no stems protruding above ground. Perennial means that the plant lives for more than 2 years!
Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years, first as a dye, and then later for medicinal purposes. To thrive, the plant requires plenty of annual rainfall and temperatures between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Pretty much a perfect match for Bali’s tropical climate.
Turmeric has a warm and bitter taste, and it can be used in just about everything. Juices, smoothies, salad dressings, curries, soups, and scrambles all do great with the addition of some yellowish-orange turmeric. Turmeric pancakes? Yep. Turmeric latte? Mhm. Turmeric and mango smoothie? That works too.
If you’re not familiar with turmeric’s medicinal properties, well, prepared to have your mind blown. According to webmd, turmeric is used to treat arthritis, heartburn, joint pain, stomach ache, Crohn’s disease, bloating, diarrhea, liver problems, loss of appetite, high cholesterol, skin inflammation, jaundice, headaches, bronchitis, lung infections, menstrual problems, and fever. We’re not kidding…it really does treat all of that.
If you’re looking for a creative way to incorporate turmeric into your diet, try making some golden turmeric hummus. Add 15 ounces of chickpeas, 3 tablespoons of tahini, 2 cloves of garlic, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ½ tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, the juice of 1 lemon, ½ tablespoon grated turmeric, and and ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric into a food processor or blender, and blend on high until creamy and smooth. All 9 ingredients are available in our store!
Have other suggestions for how to use turmeric? We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at info@balidirectstore.com.
