What is Turmeric Root?

Turmeric Root is the whole dried rhizome of Curcuma longa, the same brilliant golden spice sold as turmeric powder, kept in one piece rather than ground. Like most spices, turmeric holds its aromatic compounds longer as a whole root than as a pre-ground powder, which makes the whole form the choice for people who like to grind fresh.

About the plant

Turmeric is a tropical perennial in the ginger family, cultivated across South and Southeast Asia for thousands of years as both a culinary spice and a documented Ayurvedic herb. The whole dried rhizome can be grated straight into a dish the way fresh ginger is, ground in a spice mill as needed, or simmered whole into a broth and lifted out before serving. Its color and much of its studied chemistry come from curcumin and the aromatic turmerones.

Related herbs

• Turmeric Powder — the same rhizome, pre-ground and ready to use.
• Turmeric Tincture — an alcohol extract of the same rhizome.

Turmeric Root: form & sizes

We carry Turmeric Root as organic whole dried rhizome, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Turmeric Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Turmeric Root at a glance

Botanical name

Curcuma longa

Family

Zingiberaceae (ginger family)

Native region

South Asia

Plant part

rhizome

Sourcing

Organic

Format note

Whole root keeps its aromatics longer than pre-ground powder

Studied compounds

Curcumin and related curcuminoids, turmerones

Form

whole dried rhizome

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb