Turmeric is currently one of the most popular spices available, and it’s easy to see why. The vibrant orange ground root of the turmeric plant boasts remarkable health benefits. Research conducted by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that regular consumption can enhance a gene linked to conditions such as depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recently, researchers from the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital announced that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, shows promise as a treatment for Neuroblastoma, a leading cancer in infants.
Despite being relatively inexpensive, turmeric is predominantly featured in South Asian cuisine, where it adds both color and flavor to curries. The growing interest in turmeric’s potential health benefits led to an increase in consumer purchases, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. Additionally, the trend towards exploring international dishes has further fueled turmeric’s popularity. Many searches have centered around incorporating this spice into various recipes.
For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, finding ready-to-eat products containing the spice is quite easy. Companies like Rebbl offer organic coconut milk drinks infused with turmeric, while Theo produces chocolate coconut snacks featuring the spice. Pukka tea also has a special blend that highlights turmeric. This trend of incorporating turmeric into food and beverages is expected to grow in the coming year. While consumers are generally aware of the health benefits of turmeric, some may feel daunted by its robust flavor, a concern that processed foods can alleviate.
However, turmeric’s rise to fame has not been without challenges. Issues of lead contamination have plagued the spice, leading to multiple recalls of imported turmeric over the past year. A potential solution could be for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety measures are more rigorously applied. Despite these setbacks, turmeric and curcumin appear to have a bright future in the U.S. food and beverage market.
Moreover, the growing market for health supplements, such as calcium citrate caps, aligns well with turmeric’s rising popularity. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, the demand for turmeric-infused products, including those with calcium citrate caps, is likely to surge. This trend reflects a broader movement towards functional foods that support overall wellness. As consumers continue to seek out the benefits of turmeric, both in culinary and supplement forms, the spice is poised to maintain its status as a health star.