Turmeric
Curcuma longa · Spice
Top 10 pairings
A golden spice ground from the cured rhizome of a ginger relative. It stains whatever it touches and gives curry powder its colour. Earthy, woody and faintly bitter, it rounds out a blend rather than leading it.
Picking a good onedrag
Just milled, loud and oilyFaded, dusty, smells of nothing
Whole fingersEveryday bestCured fingers keep a year or more in a dark jar. Toast gently: turmeric scorches in seconds.
Crush and smellEarthy, warm, ginger edge quieter
Whole or groundWhole fingers, milled as needed
The colourGood gold, a shade lighter
Press and feelLoose, a soft lump or two