Turmeric has become one of the most popular spices on the market, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric plant is known for its remarkable health benefits. Research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” reveals that daily consumption of turmeric can enhance a gene linked to conditions such as depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recently, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital announced that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, a leading cancer in infants.
Traditionally, this affordable spice is a staple in South Asian cuisine, providing curries with their characteristic color and flavor. As more consumers become aware of turmeric’s potent healing properties, its popularity surged, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The growing interest in exploring international cuisines has further contributed to turmeric’s increasing fame. Many searches have revolved around incorporating this spice into various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat products featuring the spice are widely available. The Rebbl beverage company offers an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, while Theo produces a chocolate coconut turmeric snack. Additionally, Pukka tea has created a special blend that highlights this vibrant ingredient. With such products on the market, we can expect to see a continued expansion of food and beverage items containing turmeric in the coming year. Although many consumers recognize the health benefits of turmeric, they might hesitate due to its strong flavor profile, which processed foods can help mitigate.
However, turmeric’s rise to fame has not been without challenges. The spice has faced concerns regarding lead contamination, leading to several recalls of imported turmeric over the past year. A potential solution is for U.S. manufacturers to begin growing and processing turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously enforced. Despite these obstacles, turmeric and curcumin seem poised for a bright future in American food and beverage markets, with retailers like Chemist Warehouse likely to see increased demand for products featuring calcium citrate alongside turmeric. As consumer awareness grows, it’s expected that turmeric will continue to capture the spotlight in both health and culinary circles.