You might have tasted it before since it’s a spice commonly used in many recipes. But what does turmeric taste like without anything, like when you use it for making tea or coffee? You might be guessing it’s not a very pleasant taste. How to mask the taste of turmeric? Read on to know more about the flavor profile of coffee and tricks to mask its taste.
Turmeric is a common spice obtained from Curcuma longa root. This perennial plant belongs to the family of ginger, which is abundant in South Asia. This spice is primarily used as a natural food dye when making curry powder. India is known as the number one producer of this spice. Like the color of curry, turmeric comes with a golden yellow color.
Turmeric is a common ingredient in many dishes, particularly Asian dishes. But other than spicing up many dishes, turmeric is known for its medicinal uses. Turmeric tea has cleansing and purifying properties. It’s best taken at night to help you relax and have a good night’s sleep.
What does turmeric taste like?
Turmeric is peppery and bitter especially when it’s dried and used as a spice. The stem undergoes boiling and drying before it’s powdered. But the bitter flavor is actually a good thing because when combined when other spices, it can provide a more balanced taste to your food.
When used as natural food coloring, turmeric can make a dish more palatable. For instance, you can cook curry without turmeric but your dish will not be as colorful and as aromatic minus the curry. The aroma of turmeric is musky.
Does turmeric taste like curry powder? Curry powder is sometimes mistaken for turmeric because they look exactly the same. But it’s because there’s a small amount of turmeric added in curry powder, along with other spices. It’s worth noting that these two spices have different uses. You can rub curry powder in meat or sprinkle it in food to make it more savory while you can add a bit of turmeric powder on your soup to give it a subtly earthy taste.
If you still want to use turmeric but afraid of its bitter taste, consider using the fresh ones instead. It has a hint of citrus in it, which makes it perfect for salads and omelets. It often comes in raw form and since it’s raw, it’s healthier than the dried ones.
Where can you put turmeric?
Turmeric isn’t just an essential part of curry dishes to give it a more inviting smell and appearance. You can also add it to soups and stews if you want to get more nutrients from your soup.
In many places across the globe, turmeric is often added to coffee to spice it up. Those who follow the paleo diet probably tried it before. If you’re tired of your usual cup of joe, consider adding a bit of turmeric in it. What does turmeric taste like in coffee? It adds an earthy flavor to your drink but if you don’t mind the bitter after-taste then turmeric can be a great addition to your coffee.
To make your turmeric latte, simply combine half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to one-fourth teaspoon ground cinnamon and ginger. Sweeten your coffee by adding stevia sweetener and a small amount of vanilla extract.
Did you know that you can also make a cup of smoothie using turmeric? In a blender, mix coffee, soaked cashews, ice cubes, and turmeric powder. To achieve a creamy texture, add some almond milk into the smoothie. You can also use coconut milk in place of almond milk if that’s what’s available or if it’s what you prefer.
What are the benefits of using turmeric?
One of the best things you can get from turmeric is curcumin. Did you know that this chemical compound is responsible for giving turmeric its golden yellow color? Curcumin supports cardiovascular function and detoxifies the body among others. More than that, studies suggest that it can also help in preventing cancer.
Since curcumin is anti-inflammatory, it can help in healing wounds. The oil found in fresh turmeric is known to have antibacterial properties. Aside from its ability to protect the skin from wounds, it is good for both the skin and hair. It keeps the skin looking young by preventing damage and tightening it. So if you want to bring out your natural glow, keep turmeric part of your diet. You can take it in the form of tea to get the most of its benefits.
Turmeric, whether it’s added as an ingredient to food or drink, is good for people who want to shed the extra pounds. It can promote weight loss and can even reduce cholesterol. But make sure to limit your consumption of turmeric because you may suffer from flatulence and diarrhea if you consume it excessive amounts.
Conclusion
Turmeric does not have a very pleasant flavor. It’s subtly earthy but it also comes with a bitter edge. Despite that, it has a very calming aroma that makes it perfect for curries, soups, and any comfort food you can think of. You will notice the strong earthy flavor when you use a lot of it in your dish.
Remember, turmeric is nothing like any spices, not even curry powder. Does turmeric taste like curry? Not that much. The latter is more flavorful since it is already a combination of different types of spices.
With its many health benefits, it makes any dish more wholesome. Turmeric is a rich source of a natural anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. This compound has a lot of benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart disease, improving the function of the brain, and delaying aging. You can consume turmeric regularly to get the most out of it.
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