The spice turmeric, is a member of the ginger family and has been used for over 2,000 years in China, India, and the Middle East.
Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, has a tough brown skin and bright orange flesh. Ground Tumeric comes from fingers which extend from the root. It is boiled or steamed and then dried, and ground.
Turmeric is one of the necessary ingredients of curry powder. It is used in Indian and Asian dishes, but is also used in mustards, relishes, chutneys, pickles, rice, chicken dishes, curry, or soups. Often a substitute for saffron, annatto seed, or the Peruvian spice, palillo, it adds a yellow color to foods. Because of its bitter taste, do not use this as a flavor substitute for saffron. Turmeric will stain, so washed out with soap and water quickly.