I’m Obsessed with Turmeric, and You Should Be Too.

Turmeric is everywhere lately and rightfully so; it’s freakin’ delicious and magical. Prior to this past year or so, it’s been that weird ingredient that you need at the grocery store because you want to try this new Indian or Asian recipe. That’s how I knew of it. I started to become obsessed with making curries and Thai noodle dishes before, and after, my Southeast Asia trip and turmeric was a common ingredient. I didn’t know too much about it other than it’s vibrant yellow color and it’s ability to stain my white dishes if not washed right away. (Lesson learned)

When I began my studies at IIN, turmeric came up in multiple different lectures ranging from Ayurveda, Macrobiotics, Food Energetics, Inflammation, Religious and Cleansing lectures. My interest was peaked and I found myself looking up more recipes and holistic remedies to use this incredible root.

Turmeric is a root, looks similar to ginger, and is native to the Southeast Asia region. For centuries it has been used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. It is said that turmeric aids indigestion, boots immune system helping fight the common cold, an anti depressant, anti inflammatory, assists liver function and may even help treat cancer and prevent heart disease. It’s used in savory and sweet Asian, Middle Eastern, Indian and Moroccan dishes.

Magical, right?

I’ve even used it mixed with coconut oil as a holistic method to whiten my teeth.

1 tablespoon of coconut oil, small dash of turmeric.

It’s a little messy, and you’ll ruin a toothbrush, but you see results right away.

Same thing with your face: add coconut oil, turmeric, mix and apply to your face as a mask for 10-15 minutes. The moisturizing properties of the coconut oil, plus the multitude of antioxidants and antibacterial properties in turmeric help treat acne, remove scars and brighten your skin giving it a glow.

Today I needed a little afternoon pick-me-up. I really wanted some coffee or another matcha but decided to switch it up and make an Iced Turmeric Latte. Shouldn’t be too hard, right? RIGHT! So easy, so pretty, so yummy.

Iced Turmeric Latte or Cappuccino

Good for an afternoon pick-me-up or a caffeine/coffee substitute in the morning. 

Makes: One 8oz Latte or Cappuccino

Benefits: Cleansing, Anti-Inflammatory, Immune Boosting, Mood Boosting, eases Indigestion and aids Digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground Turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Date Sugar (substitute Maple Syrup or Honey)
• Unsweetened Dairy-Free Milk (I used Almond)
• Ice Cubes

Directions:

Mix ground turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, sweetener and dairy-free milk and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to steep. Strain the contents through a mesh strainer or cheese cloth into a new 8oz glass, add ice cubes and enjoy!

If making a cappuccino: add all ingredients into a blender to get a frothy foam or use a froth stick to create the same effect.

This may have a bit of spice. If this bothers you, add more sweetener, cinnamon or non-dairy milk. I kind of like the combination of sweet, yet slightly spicy, so it tastes just fine to me.

What’s date sugar? And why? Ever since I did the elimination diet, I’ve been very wary of sugar. I’ve been trying to consume it little, to not at all. I found a great substitute that is completely sugar free: Date Sugar! I bought mine on Amazon. I cannot recommend this brand enough. It is literally ground up dates until it has a sugar-like consistency. I’ve been adding it to my matcha, coffee and oatmeal and have loved it. It’s easier to mix into drinks and bake with, which is why I got it. It adds just enough sweetness and remains sugar-free, obviously. Check it out!

Have you ever cooked with Turmeric? What do you think? If you try this recipe let me know what you think!

Be Well!