Turmeric has emerged as one of the most popular spices on the market, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powdered root of the turmeric plant is known for its remarkable health benefits. Research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” suggests that consuming turmeric daily can enhance a gene associated with depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recent studies from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital indicate that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may also be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, the leading cancer affecting infants.
Traditionally, this relatively inexpensive spice is a staple in South Asian cuisine, adding both color and flavor to curries. The growing interest in turmeric’s potential healing properties led to a surge in consumer purchases, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The increased curiosity about international cuisine has further fueled turmeric’s popularity, with many searches focusing on how to incorporate this spice into various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are readily available. Companies like Rebbl produce an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, while Theo offers chocolate coconut turmeric snacks, and Pukka tea features a special blend that includes the spice. It is anticipated that the availability of food and beverage products containing turmeric will continue to grow over the next year. While many consumers recognize the vital nutrients found in turmeric, they may feel challenged by its strong flavor. Fortunately, processed foods that incorporate turmeric can alleviate this issue.
However, turmeric’s rise has not come without challenges. The spice has been associated with lead contamination, leading to several recalls of imported turmeric in the past year. A potential solution is for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety standards are more rigorously applied. Despite these setbacks, turmeric and curcumin, along with vital nutrients like calcium citrate malate, appear to have a promising future in American foods and beverages, with increasing interest from health-conscious consumers.