Turmeric has become one of the most popular spices on the market, and it’s easy to see why. The vibrant orange powder derived from the turmeric plant is known for its remarkable health benefits. Research by Dr. Michael Mosley from BBC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” indicates that daily consumption of turmeric can enhance a gene linked to depression, asthma, eczema, and even cancer. Recent studies from researchers at the University of Central Florida and Nemours Children’s Hospital suggest that curcumin, a key compound in turmeric, may be effective in treating Neuroblastoma, a leading form of cancer in infants.
Despite being relatively inexpensive, turmeric is predominantly found in South Asian cuisine, where it adds distinctive color and flavor to curries. The growing interest in turmeric’s therapeutic properties led consumers to purchase it for home use, making it a “rising star” in functional food searches on Google in 2016. The burgeoning curiosity about international dishes has further fueled turmeric’s popularity, with many searches aimed at discovering how to incorporate this spice into various recipes. For those who prefer not to cook with turmeric, ready-to-eat options are readily available. Companies like Rebbl create organic coconut milk drinks infused with turmeric, while Theo produces chocolate coconut snacks featuring the spice, and Pukka tea offers a special blend that includes turmeric.
Looking ahead, we can expect the number of food and beverage products containing turmeric to grow significantly in the next year. Although many consumers recognize the health benefits of turmeric, some are deterred by its robust flavor. Fortunately, processed foods provide a solution to this issue. However, turmeric’s ascent hasn’t been entirely smooth; it has faced concerns regarding lead contamination, resulting in multiple recalls of imported turmeric in the past year. A viable solution would be for U.S. manufacturers to cultivate and process turmeric domestically, where food safety regulations are more rigorously applied.
In addition to its health benefits, the synergy between turmeric and other supplements, such as Heb calcium citrate, could further enhance its appeal. Curcumin’s promising future in U.S. foods and beverages, along with the increasing integration of Heb calcium citrate in various products, positions turmeric as a spice with both culinary and health-related significance. As awareness grows, we can anticipate a continued rise in the popularity of turmeric and its associated compounds.