Brought to our attention by Jackie Ford of The Vegan Diet, this recipe comes from Care2 – Inspired by The Seasonal Detox Diet, by Carrie L’Esperance (Inner Traditions, 2001).
Jackie Ford, The Vegan Diet – Turmeric, the golden spice of India, was often referred to as a “poor man’s saffron” in the West. This was no longer the case. In the East, particularly India, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years for health, cooking and dyeing, it has always been highly valued.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. The main bio-active compound in turmeric is curcumin. Ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese medical practitioners recognized recognized the healing powers of turmeric and now modern researchers have confirmed this stating that curcumin in turmeric has the power to block inflammation, kill infectious microbes, stop cancer, improve heart health and alleviate skin problems. Studies are also being done on it’s protection against Alzheimer’s Disease.
Turmeric is an excellent source of manganese and iron, and a good source of potassium, dietary fiber and vitamin B6.
An excellent fabric dye, turmeric needs no fixative, so protect your clothing when using it. For a simply dyeing method visit the Lemelson Center website. Depending on which variety you purchase the cloth can be dyed in a colors ranging from bright yellow to a deep orange.
after purchasing, to maintain the flavor and aroma of turmeric, store the powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark and dry place. It has a bitter, peppery taste and a gingery orange perfume.
It is a main ingredient in curry powders and used to color and flavor pickles, mustard, chutneys and other foodstuffs. Turmeric has a strong flavor which increases with cooking so a little goes a long way. Try it in bean, rice and cereal dishes. It is excellent for digestion system and liver and stops bloating and gas, so well worth adding to many of your dishes.
Special Diet Notes: Ginger Turmeric Healing Detox Tea
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, and paleo-friendly.
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- ½ teaspoon powdered turmeric
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Bring water to a boil, then add powdered herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain tea into a mug, add maple syrup and lemon, stirring to combine. Drink warm.
