Turmeric is the dried rhizome of an herbaceous perennial. It is a native of India.
Turmeric is a tropical crop cultivated from sea level to an altitude of 1200 m. It grows in light black, black clayey loams and red soils in irrigated and rain-fed conditions. The crop cannot stand water logging or alkalinity.
The primary rhizomes are round in shape, and are called 'bulbs'. The thin, long secondary rhizomes are called 'fingers'. It is cleaned, boiled, dried and polished after harvesting. Turmeric is similar to ginger.
It is sometimes called Indian saffron due to its yellow color. Turmeric is used to flavor and to color foodstuffs. It is a principal ingredient in curry powder. Turmeric oleoresin is used in brine pickles.
It is used in the preparation of medicinal oils, ointments and poultice. It is stomachic, carminative, tonic, blood purifier and an antiseptic. It is used in cosmetics. The aqueous extract has biopesticidal properties. Turmeric is also used as a dye in textile industry.
It is locally known as Haldi, Pitras, Arishia, Halad, Manjal and Pasupu.
