Turmeric

Abstract

Turmeric of commerce is the dried underground rhizome (Figure 16.1) of the perennial herb Curcuma longa L. (syn: C. domestica Val.) of the family Zingiberaceae. It is cultivated as an annual with the leafy shoot dying back during the dry period. Its generic name originated from the Arabic word kurkum meaning “yellow” and most likely refers to the deep yellow rhizome color of the true turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Turmeric is traditionally used for medicinal and culinary purposes and also as a cosmetic and a natural dye. Turmeric is also credited with religious and magical rites in India and certain Southeast Asian countries. Some species of Curcuma are also recognized for their ornamental values by the ¡oriculture industry.