Turmeric

Turmeric is a flowering plant and the root of the plant is mainly used for cooking. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric gives yellow appearance to curries and it has been used as a medicinal herb and spice for thousands of years in India.

Over 80 percent of turmeric world production is supplied by India and India contributes to 60 percent of world exports. Other major producers are China, Pakistan, Thailand, Jamaica, Haiti, Peru, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Turmeric is often referred to as Indian Saffron or the Golden Spice and Asia and Central America have the ideal conditions for Turmeric cultivation. Turmeric is said to have originated from India.
Leading turmeric exporting countries worldwide are India, Myanmar and Indonesia. To harvest turmeric, it takes nearly eight to ten months when the leaves, stem start to turn brown and dry.

Turmeric could be used for flavouring and colouring curries and cosmetic products. The turmeric powder has also been used as a colorant in cereals. Turmeric is widely used as an ingredient in many food and beverage industries.