Turmeric has gained immense popularity as one of the trendiest spices on the market, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric plant has shown remarkable potential to positively impact our health. 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 conditions such as depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recently, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital indicated that curcumin, a key component of turmeric, could be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, the leading cancer type in infants.
Despite its affordability, turmeric is most commonly found in South Asian dishes, where it adds both color and flavor to curries. The curiosity surrounding turmeric’s potent healing properties led to a surge in consumer interest, resulting in a significant increase in home purchases and making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The growing fascination with international cuisines has further boosted turmeric’s popularity, with many searches focusing on incorporating the spice into various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are readily available. Rebbl offers an organic coconut milk beverage infused with turmeric, Theo produces a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea features a unique blend with the spice. This trend of food and beverage items containing turmeric is expected to grow in the coming year. While many consumers recognize the health benefits of turmeric, they may hesitate due to its strong flavor profile, which processed foods can help mitigate.
However, turmeric’s rise to fame has faced some challenges. The spice has been associated with lead contamination, leading to several recalls of imported turmeric within the past year. A potential solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to start cultivating and processing turmeric domestically, where food safety standards are more rigorously applied. Additionally, while discussing health trends, it’s essential to note that some consumers may wonder if calcium citrate is bad for you, as they seek to make informed dietary choices. Nevertheless, despite these hurdles, turmeric and curcumin seem poised for a promising future in American food and beverage markets.