Turmeric

Where does Turmeric grow?

Found in: Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belize, Bhutan, Bougainville, Brazil, Cambodia, Caribbean, China, Chuuk, Congo DR, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, East Africa, East Timor, Easter Island, Ethiopia, Fiji, FSM, Gambia, Guam, Guinea-Bissau, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Marianas, Marquesas, Mauritius, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Peru, Philippines, Pohnpei, Reunion, Rotuma, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Sikkim, Slovenia, South America, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Uganda, United States, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna, West Africa, West Timor, Yap, Zambia

Notes: As Linnaeus used the wrong plant and Koenig used the right one it is recommended that Valeton's name be used. There are about 50 Curcuma species. They are mostly in SE Asia. It possibly has anti-cancer properties.

Status: It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. An important spice in rice eating cultures.

Growing Turmeric

Cultivation: Plants are normally grown from pieces of the rhizome. Pieces with one or two buds are used. Larger side tubers are best. They are planted 6-8 cm deep. The distance between plants needs to be 30-40 cm. They can also be grown from seed where these occur. The roots are harvested as the leaves start to die back.

Edible Uses: The orange coloured rhizome is used as seasoning especially in curry. They are also used for food colouring. They can be used fresh or boiled and dried. The young shoots are also eaten. The flowers are roasted or fried and eaten.

Production: Leaves appear above ground in about 4 weeks. The crop is harvested in about 9-10 months when the lower leaves turn yellow. When the roots are harvested they are put in boiling water for an hour. This assists drying and avoids sprouting. They are then dried in the sun. The outer layer is removed by rubbing.

Nutrition Info

Turmeric Photos

References

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