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It is grown for its bright orange rhizomes, which apart from their
mildly spicy flavor are valued as a food coloring, providing a
substitute for the very expensive saffron.
It is also used for dyeing cloth.
The broadly lance-shaped, bright green leaves can form large clumps
up to about 3 ft (1 m) tall in hot areas.
Short, dense spikes of pale yellow flowers are produced in summer.
The fresh or dried roots provide color and pungent fragrance to
chutneys, pickles and curries; it is harvested when the foliage
begins to dry off .
Harvest turmeric rhizomes when leaves show signs of dying back.
Medical use: Rhizome used as cholagogue, choleretic, stomachic and
anti-inflammation. Use as common cosmetic. Counters ezcema. and as
funigcidal. Against itchiness. and scable, for wounds. For upset
stomach in children. |
