Turmeric is a wonderful spice and a favorite in Indian cuisine. Yet, it’s not part of most culinary cultures. Thus, many of us don’t eat very much of it, regardless of how many studies prove that turmeric is good for your health.

Scientific research has shown repeatedly the beneficial properties of turmeric. Importantly, the spice helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is believed to be the root cause of many illnesses. Additionally, inflammation and pain go hand in hand. That’s why modern doctors are now prescribing turmeric as a treatment for inflammation to help with ailments such as arthritis.

If you aren’t eating turmeric as part of your daily diet, you are definitely missing out on some great nutrition. Here are some tips and ideas on how to eat more turmeric and reap its many health benefits.

Turmeric Sneak Tactics

If you can sneak turmeric into your breakfast, lunch or dinner, your health may benefit greatly. Unfortunately, turmeric is much different than many spices. It has a very distinct flavor that some people may find quite potent.

Nevertheless, you can still eat lots of turmerics if you sneak it into some very common meals. Here are three ideas:

1. Smoothies

The easiest place to sneak turmeric is to throw a chopped-up chunk into a smoothie. You don’t even need to peel the rhizome.

It really doesn’t matter what type of smoothie you are making. If you need ideas, try mango, coconut, and spinach…with turmeric, of course!  For an energizing anti-inflammation drink, blend turmeric with coconut milk and vanilla protein powder.

2. Baked Vegetables

It doesn’t take much to chop up some vegetables and pop them in the oven for 40 minutes at 350 degrees F. To make veggies even healthier, add turmeric powder when you’re mixing in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking. Vegetables that work well include eggplant or cauliflower, as well as all root vegetables like beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

3. Anything Eggs

Scrambled eggs, omelets, and breakfast bakes are great meals to add a little turmeric powder. This is particularly good for someone who dislikes the flavor of turmeric because often it will go unnoticed, especially if you are conservative with how much you add.

On the other hand, turmeric can add some nice flavor to eggs if you enjoy the taste. Just double or triple the amount you use for an extra healthy boost.

Super Easy Turmeric Recipes

1. Easy Egg Bake

Ingredients:

6 eggs, beaten
1 small onion, chopped
2-3 cups of leftover cooked vegetables of any kind, chopped up
1 Tbsp fresh turmeric, grated, or 2 tsp turmeric powder
2 oz unsweetened coconut milk
Salt & pepper to taste

Cook down onion in oil in a metal or cast iron skillet until translucent. Add spices, heat for 1 minute, and then add vegetables to heat through. Beat eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over vegetables. Cook for 15-20 minutes on low, covered, until eggs cook through. You can also bake for 25 minutes on 325 degrees F.

2. Super Easy Curry

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork or chicken
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
½ head cabbage, shredded
1 Tbsp fresh turmeric, grated
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
6 oz unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup of water

Brown meat on hot oil in a skillet. Add onion, garlic and spices and heat for 5 more mins. Add milk and water and heat through. Turn off heat and mix in cabbage. Serve over basmati rice with Greek yogurt.

3. Florets for Inflammation

Ingredients:

3 cups small cauliflower and/or broccoli florets
2 Tbsp olive oil
1-2 tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp salt

Toss all ingredients in a bowl. Bake at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes. Serve over rice or with favorite grilled meat.

4. Curry Rice

Ingredients:

1 cup of rice
½ tsp turmeric powder or ½ Tbsp finely grated turmeric
¼ tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Cook rice according to instructions, adding all spices into the saucepan at the onset of cooking. Serve topped with a variety of roasted vegetables.

Buying and Growing Tips

There’s not much to say about buying turmeric except that you should definitely buy fresh turmeric rhizomes (the roots), in addition to dried powder. The rhizomes will keep for several weeks, even months, especially if you store them in a brown paper bag in a cool, dry place.

When buying powdered turmeric, opt for organic because it is not that much more expensive, and it will last you a long time.

Turmeric is super easy to grow. First, leave a piece on the counter until it starts sprouting, and then place it in a pot about a ½ inch below the surface. It takes about 4-6 months for the plant to mature,
with frequent watering and plenty of sun. Especially if you live in a warm climate, you should try growing your own turmeric.