It goes without saying that I AM Organic® prefers to source its organic turmeric as close to home as possible. Because good-quality turmeric is not available year-round in Europe, I come from Peru. From the region of Junín, to be precise, in the central mountains of Peru. And with good reason: the soil quality and climate are optimal for ginger in this region. Although I can be harvested here year-round, I grow in abundance from July to January.
I AM ORGANIC FRUIT AND VEGETABLES ARE NOT ONLY DELICIOUS, BUT ALSO SUSTAINABLE. WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE AND PLANET. BY BUYING I AM ORGANIC PRODUCTS, YOU CAN EAT THE WORLD BETTER. TOGETHER, WE CAN ENSURE THAT WE CAN PASS ON THE EARTH TO FUTURE GENERATIONS IN A BETTER WAY.
Turmeric comes from the rhizome of the turmeric plant. Turmeric is sowed on land with an average slope. It should also be free of possible contaminants, for example, from ‘neighbours’ who use agricultural chemicals. To prevent soil erosion, so-called ‘furrows’, which are grooves or trenches, are made in the soil. These furrows are spaced 40 cm or so apart. Before planting turmeric, holes are poked in the furrows, around 15 to 20 cm deep, in which the seeds are planted. This is usually done in the months of August and September. When sowing, a distance of around 20 cm is kept between the plants. This method gives the roots plenty of space to develop. One month after planting, weeding is done manually or with a machete. If the weeds come back afterwards, they are weeded again a month later. Eight to 10 months after sowing, the turmeric is harvested and stored. A turmeric rhizome weighs on average between 500 grams and 1.5 kilos.
Turmeric is not only very tasty, but also a healthy seasoning!
Nutrition Values
Nutritional values | per 100 gram |
Energy | 83 kcal / 383 kJ |
Fats Of which saturated | 9,9 g 3,1 g |
Carbohydrates | 44 g |
Of which sugar | 3,2 g |
Fibre | 21 g |
Protein | 7,8 g |
Salt | 0,3 mg |
*Reference intake of an average adult (8400kj / 2000 kcal)
Source of NEVO, online/RIVM
INSPIRATION & TIPS
So, here I am. What will you do with me? Will you use me as a spice in a delicious curry? Or will you create a golden milk/turmeric latte? Do you know how best to preserve me to enjoy me for as long as possible? Allow me to inspire you. By choosing me, you will be doing something good for yourself and the world.
Storage tips
Fresh turmeric is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Turmeric will keep for 2 weeks stored like this.
If you want to enjoy me for longer, you can freeze me.
If you want to freeze me, you can finely chop or grate me. In this way, you can take what you need out of the freezer in small portions. If you freeze turmeric roots whole, you can grate what you need from the frozen turmeric and then put the rest back in the freezer. Up to you!
Turmeric can also be dried and ground into powder for longer use. To do so, slice me and leave me to dry in a dry room on kitchen paper for around 4 days. You can pulverise the dried turmeric into powder with a coffee bean or spice grinder. If you store turmeric powder in a sealed jar, away from sunlight and humidity, you will be able to enjoy it for another year or so.
Usage tips
– You can peel turmeric with a potato peeler. You could also use the round side of a spoon or a paring knife.
– Whichever you choose, make sure that you do not cut off too much due to the angular, irregular shape. It would be a shame to waste such good food.
– Watch out! Fresh turmeric really stains and it is extremely difficult to get it off your fingers or out of your clothes!
– The taste of the fresh turmeric root is much stronger than the dried variety.