Turmeric

Famous for its yellowy-orange powder which gives curries their bright color all over the world, Turmeric is a plant native to Southeast Asia and is grown across nearly the whole of the Asian continent. Its thick underground root, or rhizome, is dried and ground to produce a powder which has been used in many ways for thousands of years. Turmeric is a sacred spice for Hindus, who use it in religious ceremonies. It has a bitter, peppery, slightly hot flavor and is widely used as a fabric and food dye. Studies carried out on the plant over the last few decades have revealed it contains powerful antioxidants.