Introduction


Introduction
    • Curcuma domestica Val., belonging to the family Zingiberaceae, is the plant from which the turmeric of commerce (dried rhizomes) is obtained.
    • Although C. domestica is the correct botanical name for turmeric, C. longa is sometimes used in literature to describe the finger rhizome and C. rotunda for the bulbous central rhizomes.
    • Cured turmeric comprises of moisture-5.8%, protein -8.6%, fat-8.9%, carbohydrates-63.0%, fibre-6.9%, mineral matter-6.8%, calcium-0.2%, phosphorus-0.26%, iron-0.05%, sodium-0.01%, potassium-2.5%, vitamin-A-175 IU/100 g, vitamin-B1-0.09 mg/100 g, vitamin-B2-0.19 mg/100g, vitamin-C-49.8 mg/100 g, and niacin-4.8 mg/100 g.
    • It has a calorific value or food energy of 390 calories/100 g. The colouring principle in turmeric is curcumin.
    • Turmeric is an important spice among rice-eating people. Curry powder usually contains about 24% of turmeric powder, with other usual ingredients like coriander, cumin, cardamoms, fenugreek, chillies, ginger, pepper and dill seeds, etc.
    • In addition to its use as a spice, it has other uses too. Turmeric is a natural source of yellow dye used for dying cotton, silk or wool without a mordant.
    • Turmeric powder and water are used as cosmetics. Turmeric is considered a carminative, tonic, blood-purifier, vermicide and an antiseptic.
    • It is used in folk medicine for intestinal disorders, worms, anaemia, measles, asthma, sore throat, cough and cold, diabetes, sprains, skin disorders, etc., both externally and internally. It is used as a colouring matter in the pharmacy, confectionery and the food industry. Yellow turmeric paper can be used as a test for alkalinity, which turns it brown. It is also used as protection against Charam' and considered as a symbol of good fortune.
    • Turmeric oil and oleoresin are also used to impart flavour in food and perfume industries.
    • The essential oil of turmeric is antiseptic. It is used in treating gall stones and gall complaints. The anti-microbial properties of essential oil from turmeric are reported against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Last modified: Sunday, 11 March 2012, 5:28 AM