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Turmeric Leaves

Also Known As : Haldi leaves, Manjal leaves
Technical Name : Curcuma longa
Can Eat 0

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

When cooked, they impart a floral, pungent, and gingery flavor with slightly bitter undertones.

Usage Tips

  1. Turmeric leaves can be used as a wrapper for steamed dishes. They can also be used in curries, soups, chutneys, or can be pickled.
  2. They can be ground or crushed to make a paste and then fried to be used in dishes such as beef or chicken rending which is a dry curry meat dish.
  3. They pair well with lemongrass, kefir lime leaves, tamarind, chilies, garlic, onion, ginger, and coconut milk.
  4. Fresh Turmeric leaves will keep up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. Dried ones will keep for several months when stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Description

Turmeric Leaves are small to medium in size and are oblong or lanceolate in shape. The smooth, light green colored leaves sprout from an erect, thick green stem that is connected to a golden root. They have a neutral aroma when fresh and once they are cut, pounded, or chewed, they release a distinctive tart flavor with notes of grass and mint. They are commonly used in curries in the regions of Goa and Kerala in India, and are frequently added to ghee-based sweets or pickled for later use. They are available in the spring through fall, while dried Turmeric leaves are found throughout the year. They are native to Asia, specifically to India. Pickled turmeric leaves are commonly used as a flavoring in East Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Health benefits

  • Turmeric leaves have curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant.(1)
  • They also have antiseptic properties that help to reduce symptoms of cold and even intestinal worms.(1)
  • They are believed to improve digestion and help to prevent bloating and abdominal discomfort.(1)
  • They can also be made into a paste to be used externally to relieve swellings and sprains.(1)
  • The Turmeric leaves paste can also be used on the face as a beauty treatment to soothe the skin and remove blemishes.(1)

Selection Guide

Turmeric Leaves are found in both fresh and dried form. The fresh ones should have light green colour and the turmeric leaves should not be wilted. Check the 'best before' date before buying the dried turmeric leaves.

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Turmeric_Leaves_11168.php

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”