Turmeric has become one of the most popular spices on the market, and for good reason. The vivid orange ground root of the turmeric plant is believed to offer significant health benefits. Research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” suggests that regular consumption can enhance a gene linked to depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Additionally, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital recently stated that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, could be a potential treatment for Neuroblastoma, the leading cancer in infants.
Despite its relatively low cost, turmeric is predominantly used in South Asian cuisine, where it adds both color and flavor to curries. In 2016, consumers intrigued by turmeric’s powerful healing properties began purchasing it for home use, leading to a surge in functional food searches on Google. The growing interest in trying international dishes has further propelled turmeric into the spotlight, with many searches focusing on how to include this spice in various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, there are plenty of convenient ready-to-eat options available. Rebbl beverage company offers an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, while Theo produces a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea has a special blend featuring the spice. We can expect to see an increase in food and beverage products containing turmeric in the coming year. While many consumers recognize turmeric’s health advantages, they may feel constrained by its strong flavor, a challenge that processed foods can help to address.
However, turmeric’s journey to fame has faced some challenges along the way. The spice has frequently been associated with lead contamination, leading to multiple recalls of imported turmeric over the past year. A viable solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to grow and process turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously applied. Despite these hurdles, turmeric and curcumin are poised for a promising future in American food and beverage markets, especially as consumers continue to seek out options like calcium citrate no vitamin D in their diets alongside turmeric’s myriad health benefits. As interest in this vibrant spice continues to rise, it is likely that we will see more innovative products that combine turmeric with other healthy ingredients, including calcium citrate no vitamin D.