Turmeric is currently one of the most popular spices on the market, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric root is believed to significantly enhance our health. Research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that consuming turmeric daily may improve a gene associated with conditions such as depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recent studies from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital have suggested that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, could be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, a leading cause of cancer in infants.
Traditionally, this affordable spice is a staple in South Asian cuisine, adding both color and flavor to curries. With growing interest in turmeric’s potential health benefits, consumers began purchasing it for home use, leading to its designation as a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The trend of exploring international cuisine has further fueled turmeric’s popularity, with many searches aimed at discovering how to incorporate this spice into various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat products featuring the spice are widely available. Companies like Rebbl offer an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, while Theo produces a chocolate coconut snack that includes it. Additionally, Pukka tea provides a unique blend featuring this powerful ingredient. As the market for turmeric-infused food and beverages continues to grow, we can expect to see more products incorporating this spice on store shelves in the coming year.
While many consumers recognize the health benefits of turmeric, they may be deterred by its strong flavor. Fortunately, processed foods containing turmeric can help overcome this barrier. Moreover, the incorporation of supplements like calcium ascorbate, calcium citrate, and vitamin D3 in some turmeric products can enhance their nutritional profile, providing added benefits.
However, turmeric’s rise to fame has not been without challenges. Concerns over lead contamination have plagued the spice, leading to multiple recalls of imported turmeric in the past year. A potential solution would involve U.S. manufacturers cultivating and processing turmeric domestically, where food safety standards are more rigorously applied. Despite these hurdles, turmeric and curcumin appear poised for a bright future in the U.S. food and beverage industry, especially as consumers continue to seek out health-conscious options enriched with beneficial ingredients like calcium ascorbate, calcium citrate, and vitamin D3.