الوصف

Turmeric, the dried rhizome of a herbaceous perennial, is indigenous to Southeast Asia. The primary rhizomes, round in shape are called 'bulbs', while the thin, long secondary rhizomes are 'fingers'. Turmeric contains up to 5% essential oil and up to 5.5% curcumin, poly phenol (pH indicator). In turmeric most important for the aroma are Turmerone, turmerone, Zingiberene. Conjugated Diarylheptanoids are responsible for the orange colour and probably for the mild spicy taste. .After harvest, the rhizomes are cleaned, boiled, dried and polished. Turmeric is closely related to ginger. The propagation of turmeric is by rhizomes. Turmeric is characterized with a fragrant, peppery aroma. It is slightly bitter in taste with a musky flavor. In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.