Turmeric - a medicinal plant that is very popular in Asian countries. It has been known about it for more than 4 thousand years. Its benefits are described in the ancient writings of Chinese and Indian healers. With the help of this spice, food masterpieces are created, and in India no celebration is complete without it.
This seasoning is extracted from the root of the plant by boiling, drying and processing to a powder state. India is the main producer of the spice turmeric. Plants come in different varieties, but only one type is used for medicinal and nutritional purposes - long turmeric.
What is turmeric?
So, turmeric is a plant with elongated green leaves and deep pink flowers from the Ginger family, which is traditionally grown for root use for culinary and medicinal purposes. It is added to dishes not only for taste and smell, but also to achieve dietary goals.
For the production of the spice, only the turmeric root is taken. Outwardly, it looks like ginger. The rhizomes are collected, boiled, dried, the bitter peel is removed and ground. It is in this form that turmeric is distributed throughout the world. The color of the finished powder resembles curry, but they should not be confused.
Where does it grow?
The seasoning of turmeric is most common in Indochina. In the 1st century, the spice found its way to Ancient Greece, from where it spread throughout Europe over the next 400 years and ended up in China. It was there that breeders developed the most delicious and expensive culinary spices.
Today, the perennial plant is cultivated in the South-East of India, on about. Java, China, the Philippines, Jamaica and even South America, where it has become an integral part of the spicy Mexican cuisine.
Types of turmeric
In total, more than 40 types of turmeric are known. For food and medical use, 3 main varieties of spices are most often grown:
- Turmeric long or homemade is a bright yellow powder that gives food a delicious golden hue.
- "Aromatic turmeric" is a more expensive variety, which is more often used to impart a pronounced aroma to dishes. Meat, pastries, drinks and various confectionery products - this type of spice diversifies them.
- "Turmeric cyodaria" - this type of spice is cut into pieces for the preparation of liqueurs and liqueurs.
Various varieties of fresh and dried leaves are also found on the shelves in India, which can be added to dishes and teas.
Taste and smell
Turmeric has a bright, volatile odor that becomes subtle and unobtrusive when cooked. The flavoring bouquet of different varieties is different. Homemade food is better for cooking due to its light spicy taste. "Fragrant" spice is more applicable in confectionery and cosmetology. As for the "tseodarii" - you can't eat it at all. The pungent taste and camphor aroma of the root make it suitable only for alcoholic beverages.
Plant photos
To figure out where it grows and what turmeric looks like, you should study the pictures and photographs of this plant.
The culture belongs to perennials with a low stem (up to 1 m). The growth rate is quite high, since in 1 season the plant grows to its maximum height. The root system has a rounded shape and a gray-yellow tint (see image).
The root is no more than 5 cm thick. Thin strings with small tubers at the ends are directed from it. Leaf plates rise above the ground, which are located at the end of long petioles. The leaf has an oval shape and an intense green color.
Turmeric, the photo of which can be seen below, blooms with bright flowers, so it can be used as a decoration for home or office. The flowering period falls in the summer, and flowering elements appear at a height of 0.3-0.4 m from the leaves.
The stem is covered with many stipules, which hide the buds in the axils. Flowers look plain, and stipules give the culture a special appeal.
The benefits and harms of turmeric
Like any other food product, the spice has many beneficial properties and contraindications. Some people may develop an allergic reaction and even a complete intolerance to any amount of the spice.
Beneficial features
Much of the benefits of turmeric are due to the high aromatic content of the curcuminoid class. The main one is curcumin. In Ayurvedic medicine, spicy powder has been used for over 4 thousand years, and modern scientific research only confirms the indispensability of the plant in medicine with facts.
The main property of curcumin is the fight against inflammatory processes in the body. In every second person, they appear first in the form of general unexpressed ailments, which can transform into psoriasis, atherosclerosis or obesity.
Curcumin acts on the root cause of ailments. He knows how to block the development of certain protein complexes that activate the inflammatory response of cells in any tissue of the body.
It is also known that any chronic inflammation can cause the appearance of cancer cells. It's pretty clear that preventing the root cause with a healthy spice will save you problems down the road. The pronounced choleretic properties of the spice will contribute to a faster cleansing of the gastrointestinal tract from the affected cells.
It has been proven that without proper metabolism it is impossible to properly assimilate food. Many useful substances simply pass by and are not absorbed by the vessels. At the same time, the harmful ones cling to their walls and lead to sad consequences, for example, to thrombosis. Spice turmeric will come to the rescue in this case.
By improving blood circulation, turmeric normalizes the absorption of essential elements. Research shows that an overall improvement in blood microcirculation prevents plaque, blood clots and cholesterol deposits. This effect of the seasoning can be compared to the effect of regular light exercise.
It has already been mentioned above about harmful proteins, but there are also those without which the health of the body is simply impossible. We are talking about collagen, the active component of turmeric, because it maintains the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and is involved in its restoration. Medical tests have shown that a lotion of turmeric powder accelerates wound healing.
According to Indian traditions, the bride, before the ceremony, smears the whole body with a paste based on turmeric, as a result of which the skin is given a natural shine and healthy tone. Creams, masks and oils of similar action containing this aromatic spice are increasingly appearing on Russian shelves.
Contraindications
The harm of turmeric is obvious for allergy sufferers, they may develop hives or Quincke's edema. Also, seasoning is not added to food for such diseases:
- Pancreatitis;
- Diabetes mellitus (due to the high carbohydrate content);
- Varieties of hepatitis;
- Low pressure;
- Gastritis, ulcer;
- Gallstones.
Be that as it may, small doses are unlikely to provoke any trouble. To whom they are contraindicated in general are pregnant women and babies under 6 years old.
The high activity of substances in the spice makes it incompatible with drugs.
Insect pests and diseases
The air is too dry in city apartments before the central heating is turned off. And at this time, the awakened plant is gaining a green mass, which requires high humidity. If you neglect the daily spraying, it will not do with dry leaf tips, which spoil the appearance. Turmeric will become the object of attack by insects that prefer dry hot air:
- a spider mite will entangle the leaves with cobwebs;
- the worm will ruin the look of sticky white cotton wool on the leaves;
- aphids, whiteflies, scale insects, thrips will cling to young greens and will not give a chance of survival without urgent action.
Insect pests
Therefore, in order to avoid problems that can lead not only to disease, but also to the death of the plant, it is necessary to fulfill the conditions of care from the very beginning. If the problem still arises, it is necessary to urgently start treatment:
- Collect all pests by hand using cotton pads.
- Thoroughly wash all aboveground parts of the plant with a solution of laundry soap or special green anti-insect soap.
- The entire home flower garden is subject to inspection and processing, since pests multiply very quickly in favorable conditions.
- Treat with any insecticide, strictly following the instructions (Fitoverm, Aktellik, Aktara, etc.) and observing the frequency of treatments, since the problem will not go away from one treatment.
- Wash window sills and glass with flower pots with soap and water. If the home flower garden is located on whatnots, wash all the shelves and racks.
- Provide plants with the required moisture level.
Drip irrigation of turmeric
The plant can also suffer from waterlogging of the soil. You can find out that turmeric is sick by the appearance of the leaves, which have become lethargic and covered with spots. If the plant is already blooming, then the inflorescence will also lose its attractiveness.
With a severe defeat, the only way to save a green pet is to transplant it into another soil. When transplanting, the parts of the roots affected by rot should be removed and treated with healthy fungicides (Fitosporin-M, Gamair, Maxim, Topaz and others).
How to choose and where to buy quality turmeric?
When choosing turmeric in packages, you should pay attention to the tightness of the package. If you buy a loose spice, then you need to make sure that there are no lumps in it and it crumbles easily. If you look closely at its structure, then it should be as if porous, and not dense. The shelf life should not exceed 3 years.
When buying fresh roots, make sure they are bright yellow on the inside and have a pungent spicy scent. In the store, the rhizome can be stored for no more than 14 days in the vegetable refrigerator, otherwise it will taste bitter.
You can buy the seasoning in almost any market in bulk and in supermarkets in sealed containers or jars. There are also many offers from online stores on the Internet. This option is good for having a lot of product reviews from customers.
Possible difficulties
If it is possible to provide all the conditions of detention - general for the species and specific for different varieties - no difficulties will arise.
Correct wintering and competent removal from hibernation guarantees active development and abundant sustainable flowering, while observing the rules for caring for turmeric:
- a properly built watering regime and maintaining air humidity will not allow the green leaves to dry out, and the inflorescence to lose its shape and brightness;
- sufficient lighting contributes to harmonious growth: the flower does not stretch out in search of light, does not deform, does not become faded;
- timely feeding will ensure the health of the plant and give strength for flowering. Lack of nutrition inhibits or completely excludes flowering and high-quality preparation for rest.
Difficulties arise if the plant is weakened due to improper care. Such a flower is not able to resist diseases and is susceptible to attack by pests.
How to take turmeric for medicinal purposes?
It is not customary to use turmeric in traditional medicine, but in the folk medicine of the East it has an honorable place as a medicine for the stomach and metabolic processes.
Many diets are based on herbal medicine and aim to cleanse the blood and organs of toxins. The first "call" about the need for cleansing are various skin problems. These can be rashes, unhealthy color, puffiness and premature aging. In this case, eating turmeric accelerates the secretion of enzymes by the gallbladder, which cling to harmful substances and remove them with fluids from the stomach, liver and blood. All Ayurvedic doctors use these properties of the seasoning.
Turmeric for women
This powerful antioxidant has many health and beauty benefits for women. In the off-season, turmeric-based meals, drinks and poultices can help warm skin, strengthen and moisturize hair, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Indian spice is also good for fitness diets, as it removes excess water and lactic acid and suppresses appetite. It will help reduce sugar cravings. Adding turmeric and cinnamon to smoothies and smoothies will replace candy and cookies.
Turmeric for men
The benefits of turmeric for men are clear. Thinning the blood improves potency and testosterone production and increases the attraction to the fair sex. Men are more prone to heart attacks than women, so the use of a seasoning to strengthen blood vessels is mandatory.
With frequent physical activity, this product will reduce muscle pain and give them a little tone. Against this background, brain activity will also improve.
Outdoor turmeric care
The spice is undemanding to care. It is enough to follow these simple rules:
| Criterion | Recommendations |
| Watering | Turmeric is a moisture-loving plant, so timely and correct watering is very important for it. With a lack of moisture, the bushes will begin to wither and wither. If there is too much water, the roots can rot. The irrigation schedule is influenced by climatic conditions, soil composition. It is necessary to ensure that the top layer of the earth does not have time to dry out. The water should be settled, heated under the sun. |
| Top dressing | Complex mineral mixtures are required for decorative deciduous plants with a high phosphorus content. The dosage of the applied fertilizer should be 2 times less than indicated on the package. For the first time, it is necessary to feed the bushes during the period of inflorescence formation, when they only open their petals. Repeat watering with the solution 2 weeks after the end of flowering. |
| Formation | Remove dried leaves and wilted flowers for a spectacular and neat appearance. |
| Loosening | Produce after each watering or natural precipitation. Remove weeds in the process. |
| Harvesting | The rhizome must be dug out before the onset of cold weather. In this case, the above-ground part should begin to fade.
|
| Harvest storage | Place the rhizomes in containers filled with wet sand. The room temperature should be no more than + 10… + 12 ° C. Shredded raw materials should be kept in a glass jar with a tightly closed lid. Store it in a cool, dark place for no more than 3 years. It must be taken into account that the spice strongly absorbs foreign odors. |
Turmeric for health after 50 years
In addition to the nutrients already mentioned, the spicy golden root contains trace elements necessary for elderly people, such as:
- Bioflavonoids - needed for the prevention of asthma and sclerosis, accelerate cell regeneration and fight skin diseases;
- Iodine - destroys microbes, nourishes nails, skin, hair and tooth enamel;
All other beneficial features allow you to effectively use the spice to maintain health after 50 years. Moreover, it is not difficult to eat a spice. Spice can be sprinkled with tea, coffee, milk and even water. The seasoning will also not harm the taste of many traditional Russian dishes.
The use of turmeric in food can also cause unwanted side effects in patients with hemophilia, gallstone disease, acute ulcers and high acidity.
Contraindications
For all its usefulness, turmeric has a number of contraindications. Basically, they relate to individual intolerance. Same do not recommend use this spice for people who have gallstone disease and kidney stones... Pregnancy is also a contraindication to the use of this culture.
If you have surgery, you will have to give up turmeric, as it affects blood clotting.
Even if you can use this product - do not forget about the sense of proportion. Only under this condition will this spice be beneficial and will not bring undesirable effects.
The use of turmeric in cosmetology
Turmeric's uses aren't limited to cooking. The extract of the beneficial root is included in rejuvenation creams, refreshing lotions, masks and scrubs.
- This scrub is suitable for deep cleansing of pores and exfoliation of dead skin. At home, you need to take a teaspoon of olive oil, ½ tsp. turmeric and cinnamon and a handful of coffee grounds. The evenly mixed solution should be applied to dry face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with cold water after 5-6 minutes.
- To combat wrinkles, you can make a 1: 1 turmeric and honey mask. Keep a thick layer on the skin for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- A mixture of golden spice and Amla oil can be safely rubbed into the scalp for half an hour. This mask will strengthen the hair follicles and restore split strands.
- A thick mixture of fragrant seasoning powder with water can be applied to the skin after depilation. This will soothe irritations and delay the appearance of new hair. It is better to do the procedure at night. the yellowness from the spice remains for 12 hours.
Where does it grow?
For a good crop harvest, it is cultivated at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, an average annual temperature of 20-30 * C and 1500 mm of precipitation (with a smaller amount, irrigation is used). The main geographic area of growth of turmeric is India.
Plant species
In addition to turmeric, more than 40 plant varieties are known. The main ones are:
- Aromatic turmeric - widely used in the culinary industry;
- Turmeric zedoaria - a feature is a weak aroma of camphor and a bitter-burning aftertaste;
- Round turmeric is a source of turmeric starch.
The use of turmeric in cooking
It should be noted right away that it is impossible to abuse the seasoning of turmeric root. The permissible dosage for cooking is half a teaspoon per 1.5 kg of prepared food. The high carbohydrate content can lead to weight gain if the condiment is consumed excessively.
Where is turmeric added?
The turmeric flavoring goes well with a variety of foods. By adding it to sweet or salty, you can create interesting exotic shades. Adding to such dishes is considered classic:
- rice with vegetables;
- baked vegetables;
- potatoes in any form;
- masala and kurma;
- chicken curry with rice;
- chickpea and soybean dishes;
- carrot, pumpkin soup, or broccoli soup;
- oatmeal (sweet and salty);
- omelet;
- burrito;
- Sweet cakes and muffins;
- Dips and sauces for side dishes and any meats.
Recipes
There are countless recipes for dishes and drinks with turmeric. The following are popular instructions for making healthy drinks with the addition of Golden Root.
Turmeric tea
A spicy ginger drink is prepared in a saucepan, stewpan or turkish pot.
- Put 250 ml of water on the fire;
- Add a pinch of grated ginger;
- ½ tsp stir turmeric thoroughly in water and boil;
- Remove from heat and squeeze lemon juice with honey to taste.
Done! This exotic tea with vitamin spice will help to recover from colds, relieve sore throat and cough.
Turmeric coffee
Almost everyone who gets up early loves to cheer up with a cup of aromatic drink. Why not add some vitamins to it?
- Brew coffee;
- Add a tiny pinch of turmeric and bitter pepper;
Done! Such a morning drink will be twice as useful as ordinary coffee, will increase the effect of caffeine and will delight you with exotic flavors of a familiar product.
Turmeric with honey
What can be better combined than two healthy foods? Honey and turmeric are the basis for a delicious "golden antibiotic"!
- Mix the spice with 2 tablespoons. apple cider vinegar and a pinch of black pepper;
- Add tsp. grated zest and 100 g of honey;
- Stir the mixture until smooth.
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator.
Done! Such a traditional medicine made from turmeric with honey is not only useful, but also very tasty. It can be used as an antibacterial agent for the prevention and treatment of colds. If you eat a spoonful of honey turmeric per hour in the first 2 days of illness and 3 tablespoons a day on the remaining days, then recovery will come in 3-5 days.
Golden milk
To prepare this anti-aging drink, you just need to dissolve a teaspoon of the spice in a glass of boiled milk. For the correct effect, you need to take a drink by a sip throughout the day.
You can add honey, cinnamon, or cardamom to the drink for added richness.
Indoor Growing Secrets
Turmeric will not disappoint a grower who can satisfy all the needs of an exotic culture. And she, in addition to the standard conditions of detention, requires special care in the period after flowering, so that the flower does not die, but begins a new life cycle.
Location and illumination
Turmeric feels comfortable indoors without drafts and serious temperature fluctuations. During the active growing season, the optimum for it is up to 26 ° С, and at rest - within 12-15 ° С.
The flower of tropical origin requires a lot of light, but the southerly orientation of the windows will require shading on particularly hot days. On the northern ones, you will have to organize additional lighting. West or east facing windows are most suitable for growing turmeric.
Turmeric on the windowsill
In summer, turmeric will gratefully respond to the abundance of fresh air and ultraviolet radiation, therefore, if possible, the pot with the plant is taken out to the balcony or placed in the garden.
Watering and humidity
With settled water at room temperature, the soil in a pot of turmeric is moistened every 3-4 days so that the substrate does not dry out, but stagnation of excess moisture in the pan is unacceptable. This irrigation regime is relevant during the period of active development, growth and flowering.
After flowering, the leaves gradually begin to dry out - the plant prepares for wintering. It is important to remember this in order not to start "saving" the flower with increased moisture. At this time, watering should be very gradually reduced: they should be less frequent and less abundant. When all the leaves die off, watering is stopped completely: the wintering of turmeric is dry.
During the growing season - from awakening in the spring to drying out for the winter - it is important to ensure a high level of humidity, for which the greens of turmeric are regularly sprayed, trying not to fall on the inflorescence.
Spraying turmeric with water
Soil and fertilizer
Turmeric is grown in not very tall but wide enough pots or containers with drainage holes. The layer of drainage material (expanded clay, pebbles, clay shards or broken brick) must be at least 3 cm.
Turmeric will prefer slightly acidic earth. It is important that the substrate is loose, light, air and moisture permeable.To do this, buy ready-made soil mixtures with such indicators or prepare the soil on their own, using the necessary components in equal proportions:
- leafy land;
- sod land;
- humus;
- peat.
Preparing the soil for turmeric
Sand is added to the selected mixture for ease (can be replaced with vermiculite or perlite).
From the beginning of the active growing season to the beginning of flowering, once every two weeks, the flower is fed with a liquid complex fertilizer for flowering plants. With the appearance of inflorescences, top dressing is reduced to once a month, and when the leaves begin to wilt, they stop altogether. Cutting down on nutrition is necessary for full preparation for the dormant period: all life processes freeze, the cycle ends, so it is impossible to stimulate development with fertilizer.
Transplant rules
In the matter of transplanting turmeric, different specialists are inclined towards two main options: transplanting before wintering - in the fall, and transplanting after wintering - in the spring.
Autumn transplant. After the dying off of the aboveground part of the plant, the rhizomes are prepared for wintering:
- Take out the contents of the pot, carefully examine the roots, removing damaged fragments.
- Drainage and soil are poured into a new container (the same composition as for growing).
- Rhizomes are laid and covered with soil.
Turmeric rhizomes for transplant
After transplanting, the pot is placed for wintering. At the beginning of spring, they are taken out into a warm and bright room, the soil is slightly moistened and after the appearance of the first shoots, they begin to water and spray.
Spring transplant. As soon as there is no living greenery left in the pot above the ground, the pot is placed in the wintering place. If there are peduncles, they must be cut off so that no more than 10 cm of length remains for the winter. In late winter - early spring, the rhizomes are transferred to a new pot with fresh soil according to the same scheme and exposed to light and heat for a gradual awakening.
There are adherents of the third option: in the fall, the rhizome is removed from the ground and placed in a container with dry sand, in which the plant hibernates. And in the spring, turmeric is planted from the sand in a new pot and soil.
Flowering period
The peak of turmeric's vegetative cycle is flowering. The plant blooms from June to early July for 2.5–3 months. For such a long and stable flowering, it is necessary to fulfill all the conditions for keeping the previous periods of flower development. When grown at home, flowers do not produce fruits or seeds, so the flowering of turmeric has an exclusively aesthetic purpose.
Flowering turmeric
Rest time
The container with the rhizome of turmeric for the winter is determined in a dark, dry and cool (12-15 ° C) place. In such conditions, the plant waits for the end of winter. In the last days of February - early March, the pot is brought out into the light and in the warmth.
How to replace turmeric?
Saffron is the best substitute for turmeric. It gives food the same golden hue. Curry looks the same. As for the ginger notes in the aroma, saffron can be mixed with ginger.
You can experiment with the proportions of smoked paprika and the pungency of nutmeg. When combined correctly, the color and flavor will be quite similar to spicy turmeric.
If the color of the dish is not critical, then inexpensive ground cumin will come to the rescue. For a brighter flavor, grains are better suited.
It is possible to replace the taste and aroma properties of turmeric, but another spice is unlikely to boast the same benefits.
Reproduction
With proper indoor turmeric care, you can get new plants by dividing the rhizome. This is the only way to reproduce exotic species at home.
The procedure is carried out at the end of wintering before the flower awakens - in late February - early March. If you plan to multiply turmeric, then it is better to postpone the transplant for the spring and combine it with reproduction.
Having taken out the rhizome, it is divided so that on each part there are lateral - adventitious - roots, and growth buds, at least one or two.A tuber is cut with a sharp knife, the sections are disinfected with crushed coal and each part obtained is planted according to the rules for planting turmeric.
Dividing the root for reproduction
How the seasoning is obtained
In the production of this spice, two types of rhizomes are distinguished:
- rounded primary;
- cylindrical secondary shoots (of higher quality, since they contain more dye, less starch and coarse fiber).
As a seasoning, both fresh roots and dried powder are used. It is obtained in this way: the root is boiled in water or steamed, dried and then crushed. At the same time, during the drying process, turmeric loses some of its essential oils and pungency, but it still retains its beneficial properties and color.
Almost the entire world production of this spice comes from India.
Beneficial features
Turmeric has long been known for its anti-inflammatory (pain relieving) and antimicrobial properties.
It contains healthy essential oils such as turmerone, zingeberin, cineole and p-cymene. They are also used in the cosmetics industry.
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound in the root, is the main pigment that gives turmeric its dark orange color.
Animal laboratory studies have shown that curcumin has anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, including multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer.
Research has shown that curcumin is very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Turmeric prevents or at least delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
This spice is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can help control blood LDL or bad cholesterol levels.
Turmeric is a rich source of many important vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B6), choline, niacin and riboflavin, etc.
In 100 g of root, 1.80 mg or 138% of the daily daily value of pyridoxine, which is used in the treatment of homocystinuria, sideroblastic anemia and radiation sickness. Niacin prevents dermatitis.
Fresh root contains vitamin C: per 100 g - 23.9 mg. It is a water-soluble vitamin and a powerful natural antioxidant that helps the body build immunity against infections and flush out harmful oxygen free radicals.
Turmeric is rich in minerals: calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cellular and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
Turmeric is one of the readily available, inexpensive plants that contains many phytonutrients. Its antioxidant properties are among the most potent of the known herbs and spices.
100 g of turmeric contains 53% of the daily value of dietary fiber, plus:
- 138% vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine);
- 32% niacin;
- 43% vitamin C;
- 21% vitamin E;
- 54% potassium;
- 517% iron;
- 340% manganese;
- 40% zinc.
Just a few grams per day of fresh turmeric or powdered root can provide enough nutrients to prevent anemia, neuritis, memory impairment and protect against cancer, infectious diseases, high blood pressure and stroke.
For the treatment of turmeric, it is also available in the form of tablets and capsules. They should be labeled as "standardized turmeric extract" or "curcumin".
How much turmeric can be consumed per day
Nutritionists recommend taking turmeric naturally in moderation to reap the health benefits. Usually, you can take about 1 teaspoon of turmeric per day, this amount is considered safe.
How to take medicinally
Adults can take 400 to 600 mg of turmeric extract three times daily or as directed on the supplement label.
Excess can cause certain reactions.
Brief description of cultivation
- Bloom... It starts in July and ends in October.
- Landing... Parts of the rhizome are planted in open soil from March to April.
- Illumination... Bright sunlight or shaded area.
- Priming... Rich sandy or clayey soil.
- Watering... It is necessary to water abundantly and often, while the water consumption directly depends on the composition of the soil.
- Fertilizer... During budding, at the beginning of flowering and half a month after the turmeric has faded, a complex mineral fertilizer is used for ornamental deciduous plants, while only ½ of the dosage indicated in the instructions should be applied.
- Reproduction... By seed method and parts of the rhizome.
- Harmful insects... Spider mites.
- Diseases... Leaf spot and root rot.
- Properties... This is a fairly popular medicinal and spice plant. It is distinguished by antiviral, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, tonic, warming, anthelmintic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, sedative and blood-accelerating effect.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
The carrot is a very useful and tasty vegetable known to all. It is used in many directions, it is used
Today turmeric is in great demand. It is a popular spice among the eastern countries. The seasoning itself is quite specific and has a huge number of useful qualities. In addition to the culinary direction, the plant is also used as a decorative decoration in gardens and on window sills. The peculiarities of turmeric include the fact that it is grown indoors, on open land, in greenhouses.
Possible problems
Violation of the rules of care will lead to the emergence of non-communicable diseases. In other cases, the plant is resistant to pests and various diseases. If you break the resting regime of turmeric, then you will not notice re-flowering, or it will not happen at all. Lack of lighting will affect the slow development of the leaves and the pallor of the bracts.
Dry indoor air will contribute to the formation of cobweb plaque on the leaves. It indicates a spider mite on the plant. If you do not plan to use the rhizome for cooking spices, then treating turmeric with insecticides in the form of Fitoverm will help.
Watering turmeric with plenty of water and a smart approach to hydration
High humidity is critical to success in turmeric. The plant needs it only at the stage of active development, while both moisturizers and conventional spraying can be used to maintain high performance. The bracts and flowers of turmeric are not afraid of getting wet, therefore, even at the flowering stage, she will not refuse water procedures. The more often you can spray the plant, the better.
Watering for turmeric is also specific. She is afraid of waterlogging and acidification of the soil. But at the same time, this Indian culture needs a stable, sufficiently high moisture content of the substrate. Between procedures, only the upper centimeters of the soil should completely dry out, but it is better to maintain uniform, constant moisture. From the moment turmeric is planted in the substrate and until preparation for digging, the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely: even a short drought will be fatal for turmeric.
The transitions to the regime of complete rest and the return to the phase of active development should be smooth. Watering is reduced and resumed gradually. The longer you stretch the watering cut, the better the turmeric will prepare for wintering.
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Chemical composition
Nutritional value of turmeric (Curcuma longa) per 100 g.
| Name | number | Percentage of the daily value,% |
| Energy value (calorie content) | 354 Kcal | 17 |
| Carbohydrates | 64.9 g | 50 |
| Protein | 7.83 g | 14 |
| Fats | 9.88 g | 33 |
| Dietary fiber (fiber) | 21 g | 52,5 |
| Folates | 39 μg | 10 |
| Niacin | 5.40 mg | 32 |
| Pyridoxine | 1.80 mg | 138 |
| Riboflavin | 0.233 mg | 18 |
| Vitamin C | 25.9 mg | 43 |
| Vitamin E | 3.10 mg | 21 |
| Vitamin K | 13.4 mcg | 11 |
| Sodium | 38 mg | 2,5 |
| Potassium | 2525 mg | 54 |
| Calcium | 183 mg | 18 |
| Copper | 603 μg | 67 |
| Iron | 41.42 mg | 517 |
| Magnesium | 193 mg | 48 |
| Manganese | 7.83 mg | 340 |
| Phosphorus | 268 mg | 38 |
| Zinc | 4.35 mg | 39,5 |
Care features
In order for turmeric to bloom longer, not get sick, and be able to bloom again over several years, it needs to be carefully looked after.
Basic rules of care:
Maintaining temperature. In summer, the room where the plants are located should be no more than 28 degrees. Despite the fact that turmeric is a thermophilic flower, the heat negatively affects its condition. In winter, the rhizome is stored at a temperature of at least 10 degrees.
Watering. After planting, the plant does not need to be watered too often. In the future, the frequency of watering increases to 1 in 2-3 days. The degree of drying of the soil must be taken into account. In the fall, turmeric is watered less frequently. And in winter, watering is stopped.
Fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers are used to nourish the plant. They are introduced into the soil starting from April 1 time in 14 days. Regular use of fertilizers is required until early September.
Pests. Due to the low humidity, the plant is affected by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies. Due to the influence of these pests, turmeric may not bloom.
Full care for turmeric is a procedure that requires careful implementation, since the duration of flowering depends on it.
Turmeric is a perennial plant that is used not only as a spice source, but also as an indoor flower. Growing turmeric is possible by creating optimal growth conditions and maintaining them through proper plant care.
How to use with vegetable oil at home?
It is useless to consume curcumin in its pure form - it is poorly absorbed and does not bring benefits. Be sure to add oil - vegetable or olive, even better - use a mixture of curcumin with piperine (an alkaloid of black pepper, which fantastically increases the body's ability to absorb the substance).
Expert opinion
Semenova Evdokia Sergeevna
Healthy lifestyle expert
ATTENTION! Curcumin is a strong allergen and can be harmful if the recommended daily dose is exceeded. It is 8 grams. Pregnant and lactating women must consult with their doctor before using: firstly, the dye can provoke rashes and diathesis in the child in the future, and secondly, increase the tone of the uterus, which is fraught with miscarriage.
