HOW TO GROW TURMERIC
photo credit to plantithawaii
The whole plant is edible; the roots are boiled, dried and ground up to produce turmeric powder, the leaves make a wrap for steamed fish, and even the flowers can be eaten as an exotically beautiful vegetable, like lettuce with a kick.This might be one of the world’s healthiest foods! Not only does it contain a healthy serving of iron and manganese, It’s proven itself as a cancer treatment, both preventing and destroying cancerous cells. Cur-cumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, actually lowers cholesterol by working in tandem with the liver to remove harmful cholesterol from the body. Turmeric’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties make it useful for cleaning and treating wounds, and its anti-inflammatory properties allow it to treat arthritis, psoriasis, headaches and even blood clots! Think of it as Motrin, but with none of the harmful side effects!
TIPS & ADVICE
- Use gloves when peeling turmeric root as they may stain your hands yellow.
- Boil turmeric for 45 minutes, peel and dry for about a week. Then grind into the fine yellow powder used in curries and other spices.
- Store roots in a cool, dark place until use.
- Aphids and mites by be attracted to turmeric, but most insects in the U.S. are not interested in the plant. Spray them off with a hose.
For more detailed information on growing your own turmeric, click the link below and head over to therainforestgarden.com via the link below….