Tumeric powder from fresh roots

Saroj

Hi

What is the best way to powder fresh tumeric roots? Some mention to boil it first. Does that destroy the nutrients? Oven vs sundried?

Thanks.

Saroj

Torey

@Saroj From a personal perspective, I would just dry the turmeric without the boiling process for home use. I think it may be boiled when prepared commercially because it makes the drying process more uniform so that the root dries evenly. There is the suggestion by the National Institutes of Health that boiling (or any kind of cooking) will destroy the curcuminoids.

Because it has a fair bit of moisture and because its a root, I would probably use a dehydrator to make sure of good airflow.

Saroj

Thanks Corey.

annbeck62

I agree, I would not boil and sundry or use a dehydrator if possible. If using an oven I would have it on the lowest temperature possible. Heat can destroy a lot of the nutritional and health benefits.

Sheila

A dehydrator works best - keeps an even temperature and doesn't get hot enough to destroy the nutrients. Depending on the root size you may want to slice it so you get an even dry on the roots. Once dried it can be stored in a cool dark place and ground as needed or you can store it in the freezer if you have room for a longer life.

katymockus

Can turmeric grow only in certain zones?

Torey

@katymockus Welcome to TGN's forum.

Turmeric is a semi-tropical plant in the ginger family. Its is only hardy to zone 8 and likes a lot of humidity.

katymockus

Bummer as I live in Maine!

LaurieLovesLearning

@katymockus Some people have had success growing it indoors.

I keep trying to grow ginger, which is a similar plant, indoors. Once I finally figure out the key to it in my house, tumeric is next!

nicksamanda11

So, I have a bunch of dried root- do you guys always powder it or is there a use for the chopped dried root? Like infused oil maybe? Or infused vinegar? Maybe I'll just try both and let you know how it turns out!

nicksamanda11

I went ahead and put all of the dried turmeric root slices in my own ACV- it bubbled and began turning golden immediately. I have a great feeling about this one!

Torey

@nicksamanda11 Let us know how the finished product is. I think a turmeric vinegar would make a great salad dressing base.

You could make an infused oil and turn it into a salve to use as an anti-inflammatory rub. But a word of caution. Your skin will turn yellow and it will stain your clothes.