Fresh Turmeric: A Valuable Agricultural Gem from Vietnam
Fresh turmeric, the golden spice, isn’t just for curries! Its root contains curcumin, a superstar for skincare. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers might help soothe acne, ease redness, and brighten dark spots. However, taking deep research on this spice, we can find many other uses and effects. Let’s find out what is special about this “golden root”.
1. Overview of Vietnamese Turmeric
Vietnamese turmeric (known as Curcuma longa) is a famous agricultural product and people grow it in diverse regions across Vietnam. Its most striking feature is its vibrant yellow color, which adds a burst of color to both culinary and traditional medicine practices. The earthy flavor of Vietnamese turmeric makes it a sought-after spice in local kitchens.
Curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, is responsible for its characteristic hue. In Vietnamese turmeric, the curcumin content typically hovers around 0.3%.
In summary, Vietnamese turmeric stands out not only for its visual appeal but also for its potential contributions to health and flavor. Whether you’re savoring a turmeric-infused dish or exploring its historical significance, this golden spice remains a treasure in Vietnam’s agricultural landscape!
2. Turmeric – A golden legacy in Vietnam
Main growing regions of Vietnamese Turmeric
Vietnamese turmeric thrives in diverse regions. The key cultivation areas are the Central Highlands, the northern mountainous provinces, and the Southeastern regions. Notably, provinces in the North such as Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Bac Kan produce turmeric with a higher curcumin content (approximately 0.36-0.40%). That is because the farmers carefully tend to their turmeric crops, ensuring optimal soil conditions, sunlight, and water to yield the best quality rhizomes.
A Golden Legacy
People used turmeric for thousands of years. In traditional medicine, turmeric holds an important place. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been harnessed for various health benefits. Beyond medicine, turmeric has cultural and spiritual significance. It symbolizes purity, protection, and prosperity in many Asian cultures.
3. Growing and harvesting Fresh Turmeric
Optimal growing conditions for Turmeric
First, turmeric thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers warm temperatures of 20°C to 30°C and high humidity. Next, turmeric requires plenty of sunlight. Choose a spot with full sun exposure. Thirdly, the soil should be well-drained, loose, and rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or clay loam soils work well. Finally, plant turmeric roots about 2 to 4 inches deep.
Vietnam with its favorable climate and growing conditions in the Central Highland, mountainous Northern and Southeastern can support this plant to thrive well.
Harvesting process for Fresh Turmeric
About the perfect time, turmeric is typically ready for harvest after 10 to 12 months of growth. When it is ready, it shows the following signs:
- Firstly, the leaves turn yellow and start drying.
- Secondly, the plant’s growth slows down.
For sure, you can gently dig around to check the rhizomes.
This is how the farmers harvest this gem spice
Initially, they carefully dig up the entire plant using a fork or spade. Then, they shake off excess soil and cut off the leaves and stems. After that, they brush off loose soil from the roots. And finally, fresh turmeric fingers are now ready for use!
In summary, growing turmeric requires attention to soil, climate, and sunlight, while harvesting involves careful timing and proper drying techniques. Whether fresh or dried, turmeric adds its golden touch to our culinary adventures!
4. Two other types: Turmeric Finger and Dried Turmeric
Besides fresh turmeric that housewives love, there are 2 varieties of turmeric in Vietnam:
Turmeric Finger:
Turmeric fingers are typically dried, unpeeled, and can be from 3 to 8 cm long. Also, they have rough, brown skin and deep orange flesh inside. Turmeric fingers can be used whole, ground, or powdered, and they have a slightly peppery, earthy flavor.
Dried Turmeric:
Dried turmeric is another form of turmeric. Fresh turmeric undergoes a drying process, transforming it from a fresh root to a golden dried turmeric with an intensified flavor. Dried turmeric contains 2 forms: whole dried and sliced dried turmeric. The advantage of dried turmeric lies in its long shelf life and concentrated flavor. It forms the main ingredient of many spice blends ( in some variations of Vietnamese five-spice mix). Besides, dried turmeric adds a warm, earthy depth to marinades for meats and seafood
About sliced dried turmeric, people make this spice by slicing the fresh turmeric fingers and then drying them. The drying process focuses on the flavor and extends the shelf life. Sliced dried turmeric is often ground into a fine powder, which is widely used as a spice and natural food coloring. It appears darker than fresh turmeric and has a more intense flavor profile.
5. Turmeric – where the appealing yellow color inside dishes comes from
Turmeric is a versatile spice that can be used in many different ways. So starting with a little can go a long way and adjust to your taste.
- Curries: Turmeric is a key ingredient in Indian and South Asian curries, lending its golden hue and warm flavor.
- Savory dishes: Turmeric adds a subtle peppery touch to soups, stews, rice dishes or roasted vegetables.
- Marinades: Turmeric can be used in marinades for meats, fish, and tofu to add depth of flavor.
- Pickling: Ground turmeric is sometimes used in pickling brines for vegetables and eggs, contributing to both the tangy taste and yellow color
We also want to introduce one famous dish in Vietnam that uses turmeric to make it unique! It’s the iconic dish Cha Ca La Vong.
Cha Ca La Vong is a Hanoi specialty where chunks of flavorful fish are marinated with turmeric, sautéed with scallions and dill, and served with vermicelli noodles, roasted peanuts, and dipping sauce.
6. Curcumin compound and health benefits of Fresh Turmeric
Curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, is responsible for its characteristic hue. In Vietnamese turmeric, the curcumin content typically is around 0.3%. Besides its color, scientists prove that curcumin can bring about potential health benefits.
Bioactive Compounds and Curcumin:
- Anti-Inflammatory effects: Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it valuable in combating chronic inflammation—a factor in various health conditions.
- Antioxidant power: Turmeric acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals that contribute to aging and diseases.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent:
- Chronic inflammation plays a role in many health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.
- Curcumin, though requiring high doses for medicinal effects, has the potential to fight inflammation. Incorporating it into our diets may help prevent and manage these conditions.
Boosting Antioxidant Capacity:
- Oxidative damage, caused by free radicals, contributes to aging and diseases.
- Curcumin’s unique chemical structure makes it a potent antioxidant, capable of neutralizing free radicals and protecting our cells.
Turmeric’s rich history in traditional medicine aligns with its scientifically proven benefits. Whether you enjoy it in curries or take it as a supplement, turmeric offers a golden touch to your health journey!
A Valuable Agricultural Gem from Vietnam
In summary, fresh turmeric is a valuable agricultural gem from Vietnam. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a sought-after ingredient for various health and wellness applications. Additionally, the rich cultural heritage and agricultural significance of fresh turmeric make it a truly precious commodity, embodying the country’s agricultural richness and diversity. As Vietnam continues to produce and export this magnificent spice, it stands as a testament to the country’s contribution to the global agricultural industry.
Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interested in importing Fresh Turmeric, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.