Turmeric Fingers: Unique Shape Spice Originates from India
Turmeric finger is a rhizome plant native to India. Nowadays, it’s widely used as a spice and coloring agent in various cuisines worldwide. It has a unique shape of a finger, that’s why it has its name. This spice offers many uses and health benefits. Maybe you are wondering about this kind of spice, so don’t wait to explore turmeric fingers with Havigo in the following post!
1. What Are Turmeric Fingers?
Turmeric fingers are a popular spice in cuisines worldwide. It originates from the southern Indian states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Nowadays, farmers outside of India grow these plants. For example, farmers in Tay Nguyen of Vietnam recently grow turmeric finger!
Characteristics and uses of turmeric finger:
- Appearance: Turmeric finger is elongated and often has a deep orange or yellow. It resembles a human finger, often curved, therefore, people call it turmeric finger.
- Flavor: Turmeric has a slightly bitter, earthy taste with a hint of pepperiness.
- Aroma: It has an earthy and pungent aroma.
- Culinary uses: Turmeric is a staple ingredient in many Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian dishes. Similar to yellow turmeric, people use it to add color, and flavor to many dishes. Such as curry powders, yellow rice, marinades, pickles and beverages (like turmeric tea).
2. Growing of Turmeric Finger
The turmeric journey begins with the selection of the right roots. Farmers carefully choose healthy and disease-free roots. Then they divide these roots into smaller pieces for planting. They typically plant turmeric in well-prepared, organically rich soil. The rhizome pieces are at a shallow depth with enough spacing to allow for proper growth. Turmeric fingers require consistent watering and protection from direct sunlight. Therefore, farmers carefully monitor the growth and health of the plants.
After 7 -10 months, turmeric plants are typically ready for harvesting. Then, farmers uproot the plants and carefully dig out the rhizomes. After harvesting, they clean the rhizomes. They dry, and then polish turmeric fingers making these roots become golden turmeric fingers.
3. Curcumin percentage: How to classify Turmeric Fingers
Based on the curcumin percentage of turmeric, people classify them into different types. Here are some common types in the market
- High curcumin: The percentage of curcumin is typically above 3%. They have intense color and offer potent flavor. So, people often use high curcumin turmeric in medicinal and dietary supplements.
- Medium curcumin: People grade them as medium curcumin when it is between 2% to 3%. This type of turmeric is a versatile choice for culinary use. They offer a rich color and flavor to dishes without overwhelming another ingredient.
- Low curcumin: This type has curcumin content below 2%. While they may be less vibrant in color, they are still a good choice for culinary use and are cheaper.
4. Potential health benefits of Turmeric Finger
Similar to yellow fresh turmeric, turmeric finger also brings about various health benefits. Its active compound, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Here are some health benefits of turmeric finger:
- Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric may help reduce inflammation. Also, it can potentially alleviate conditions such as arthritis.
- Antioxidant protection: The antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage.
- Digestive health: Turmeric fingers can support digestive health. They reduce symptoms like bloating and indigestion.
- Skin health: They also offer potential to skincare, and promote healthy, glowing skin.
Conclusion
Turmeric is more than just a spice; it’s a journey from planting to harvesting, resulting in a versatile and healthful ingredient. The choice of turmeric fingers, whether high, medium, or low curcumin, depends on your culinary or medicinal needs.
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 Turmeric Fingers, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.