If you have fresh turmeric rhizomes and want to make your own turmeric powder, read on. The pictures on this post are from a batch of Red Hawaiian turmeric. However, you can use any edible type to make turmeric powder. Edible varieties include include Red Hawaiian, orange, yellow, or green turmeric varieties (curcuma longa), black or blue turmeric (curcuma caesia, or mango ginger/white turmeric (curcuma amada). Check out this post to learn more about different varieties of turmeric.
Why make turmeric powder
Turmeric is a delicious spice that can be used to flavor many different foods. Additionally, turmeric has been shown to have many medicinal properties, to include the following:
PAIN
- Can decrease pain and inflammation in arthritis, without the side effects of NSAIDS
- Can help decrease pain and speed recovery after surgery
CANCER
- May help reprogram cancer cells for self-destruction
- Can help the body repair after arsenic exposure and decrease the DNA-mutating ability of carcinogens
- May slow progression of multiple myeloma and colon cancer
MEMORY
- May protect cognitive health in aging populations
- Case studies suggest it may slow symptoms of dementia
OTHER
- May protect arteries from a sedentary lifestyle
Materials needed
Fresh Turmeric
Knife
Dehydrator or Oven
Coffee Grinder or Blender
How to make turmeric powder
- Wash your turmeric rhizomes well. Store-bought rhizomes may only need a quick rinse, whereas freshly dug rhizomes from your garden may need to be soaked in water and scrubbed clean. Let dry.
- Slice rhizomes into thin pieces. (I only cut them in half lengthwise for my first batch, but these required drying for several days). I recommend slicing as thin as you can to reduce drying time. There is no need to peel the rhizomes.
- Place your rhizome pieces on your dehydrator trays or baking sheets (if using an oven).
- Set your dehydrator (or oven) to the desired temperature. If you want your turmeric powder to be considered “raw,” set the temperature at around 100 degrees. If you prefer your turmeric dry faster, set your dehydrator/oven at 140 degrees.
- After 6-8 hours, check your turmeric. If it is dry, it should crumble or snap if you bend it. If not, it is not yet ready. Do not attempt to store or grind your turmeric at this stage if it is not fully dry; it will mold and you will lose it all.
- Once turmeric is completely dry, add to a coffee grinder or blender of your choice. Grind until powdered.
- Store in an airtight container to keep fresh and delicious.
Uses for turmeric powder
Medicinal– To learn to make your own supplements, click here.
Culinary– For a plant-based tofu scramble which uses turmeric powder, check out this post.
Fabrics– Turmeric can also be used as a dye.
Want to buy our turmeric? You can find us at the Orange City, IA farmer’s market this summer (2023). We plan to have fresh vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and herbs available this season. We’ll also be selling extra produce at our road market stand in Alton. Feel free to reach out if you’re looking for anything in particular! We can be reached at [email protected].
What uses have you found for turmeric powder? Feel free to share below!
For tips on growing your own turmeric, check out this post.
