Turmeric has become one of the most popular spices on the shelves today, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric plant is believed to offer numerous health benefits. Research conducted by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” suggests that daily consumption can enhance a gene associated with depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recently, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital revealed that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, could potentially treat Neuroblastoma, a leading cancer in infants. Although this relatively affordable spice is predominantly used in South Asian cuisine, where it adds both color and flavor to curries, its medicinal properties have piqued the interest of consumers. In 2016, turmeric became a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google, as people sought ways to incorporate its powerful healing abilities into their diets, especially amidst a growing interest in international cuisines.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are readily available. The Rebbl beverage company produces an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, while Theo offers a chocolate coconut turmeric snack, and Pukka tea features a special blend that includes this spice. As consumers become more aware of turmeric’s health benefits, they may find the strong flavor challenging; however, processed foods can help bridge that gap. In this 21st century, as companies innovate with ingredients like turmeric, we can expect a rise in food and beverage products that highlight this spice, potentially including calcium plus enhancements for added nutritional value.
Despite its growing popularity, turmeric has faced some challenges. The spice has been linked to lead contamination, prompting multiple recalls of imported turmeric in the past year. A viable solution could be for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where stricter food safety regulations can be enforced. Nevertheless, both turmeric and curcumin seem poised for a bright future in the American food and beverage market, especially as they are increasingly recognized for their health benefits, including potential roles in supporting calcium plus intake for better overall health.