Turmeric can be found as a single ingredient spice in either whole-root or powdered form. It is also used extensively in natural supplement ranges, skin soothing lotions and cosmetics.

Turmeric is native Southern India and Indonesia where it grows well in rich soils, with a good moisture content and warm temperature. Luckily, agricultural experts say that it grows best when natural fertilizers like cow manure is used.

Turmeric powder starts its journey as freshly harvested turmeric rhizomes (technically not a root), plucked from the earth. The rhizomes are allowed to dry out in the sun and then ‘polished’ using a large spinning drum machine to remove the skins. It is then ground into a fine dust using specialised machinery.

The effects of turmeric are enhanced when used in conjunction with black pepper. Scientists have been able to isolate the naturally occurring compound responsible for this - pipeline. Many health supplement brands now take full advantage of this knowledge and the inclusion of piperine is the hallmark of a high quality turmeric supplement. One of the most common trade names for this ingredient is BioPerine®.

Turmeric is used as a natural, yellow food colourant. If a food item contains E 100 in the ingredients list, it is using turmeric to give it a yellow colour. It’s a great alternative to tartrazine used in artificial factory foods...