Turmeric is currently one of the most popular spices, and for good reason. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric plant holds remarkable potential for enhancing our health. Research led by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that daily consumption can positively influence a gene linked to depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recently, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital revealed that curcumin, a key compound in turmeric, may be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, the primary cause of cancer in infants.
Typically, this affordable spice is a staple in South Asian cooking, adding both color and flavor to curries. Consumers fascinated by turmeric’s impressive health benefits began purchasing it for home use, contributing to its status as a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The increasing interest in international cuisines has further fueled turmeric’s popularity, with many searches focusing on how to incorporate the spice into various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are widely available. The Rebbl beverage company offers an organic coconut milk drink infused with turmeric, while Theo has created a chocolate coconut turmeric snack. Additionally, Pukka tea features a special blend that includes this spice. We can expect a growing variety of food and beverage products containing turmeric in the coming year, especially as consumers become more aware of its health benefits, even as some may feel daunted by its strong flavor. Processed foods can help alleviate this concern.
However, turmeric’s rise to fame has not been without challenges. The spice has often been associated with lead contamination, leading to several recalls of imported turmeric over the past year. A viable solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to begin cultivating and processing turmeric domestically, where food safety standards are more rigorously enforced. Despite these hurdles, turmeric and curcumin appear to have a bright future in the American food and beverage market, especially as people seek out dietary supplements like the Equate Calcium Citrate D3 Petites, which are available in 200-count tablets. This trend reflects a growing desire for health-focused products, reinforcing the potential for turmeric to become a staple in many households.