Turmeric is having a moment. You can find this wonderful ingredient within the spice aisle at your local grocery store, but also in several beauty and health products.
It is no secret that turmeric has many health benefits. It is so nutritious that many people not only use it to create a warming spice in their cooking, but also as an aid to healthier living.
While you might be skeptical of the current prices of these turmeric-based products, did you know you can make your own versions right at home?
While turmeric powders and pastes are often quite pricey, you can whip up your own creations to use in recipes in next to no time.
So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at how to make turmeric paste to use in delicious recipes. We have also included some nutritional information so you can find out exactly why people are loving turmeric right now.
How Nutritious Is Turmeric?
There are many beneficial compounds when it comes to turmeric. However, the most researched component is curcumin. It is so potent that it has serious benefits for the human body and overall health.
For example, it can reduce the inflammation and the pain within the body. This in turn can help to stimulate the body’s immune system.
Curcumin can also help to fight certain cancers, as well as help to defend your body against the damage that is done to our DNA. For example, through the sun’s exposure.
It can also help to improve the digestive system due to the fact it protects the gastrointestinal lining. This in turn also helps the good bacteria within the gut to flourish.
It also has the ability to protect both the joints and the bones which is helpful as we grow older. Lastly, it may help the liver to combat diseases.
So, it is no wonder that people choose to consume turmeric, whether that is through food or by drinking it.
How To Make Turmeric Paste At Home?
It only takes around 5 minutes to make your own turmeric paste. To do so, follow the easy steps below!
What You Will Need
A cup of dried turmeric or two cups of freshly grated turmeric
One tablespoon of lemon juice
A quarter cup of coconut oil which has been melted
Pinch of salt
(When using powdered turmeric add in up to 4 tablespoons of water)
How To Make Turmeric Paste
Using either a jar or a small bowl, add in the turmeric, lemon juice, coconut oil and salt. Mix it well.
If you have chosen to use turmeric powder, add in water but do so using a tablespoon at a time. Stop adding water when you reach the paste consistency you are looking to achieve.
Give the paste a taste. Add in any extra ingredients to create the taste you desire.
Once you are happy, store the paste (if it is not about to be used) in the fridge. It will last for around a week.
If you want to make batches to use when needed, one good way is by putting the mixture into a silicone based ice tray. You will then need to freeze the batches and take one out to defrost when needed.
This is a great idea because it will last for several months rather than just a week.
Is It Best To Use Dried Or Fresh Turmeric?
When you use turmeric for cooking, it does not matter whether you use dried or fresh turmeric. You will notice that dried turmeric is much easier to find at your local grocery store.
If you can find delicious fresh turmeric, then you may need to grate it in order to use it in recipes. Also, you may find that you have to double up on the amount needed. This is because dried turmeric is often highly concentrated.
One example is that if a recipe calls for two teaspoons of turmeric, use 4 teaspoons instead.
How To Use Turmeric Paste?
There are many ways to use turmeric paste. However, if you are not used to the strong flavor of turmeric, always begin small and add a bigger portion over time.
You may be surprised to see you can add it to sweet-based foods. Here are just a few of the options to get you started:
Savory Ways To Use Turmeric Paste
Use as a dip
Spread it in a sandwich
Stir-fry along with veggies
Add it to an omelet
Use it in homemade broth and stock
Add it to homemade sauces
Put it on a salad
With cashew cream
Use with gluten-free dishes
Add it to savory oatmeal
With vegan food
Addition to curries, stews and soups
Sweet Ways To Use Turmeric Paste?
As a herbal tea
Within kombucha
Chai pudding
Sweet oatmeal
Hot chocolate
In gluten-free cookies, frosting and cake
Golden milk which is a nut milk infused with turmeric
Can Turmeric Paste Stain?
Yes, turmeric paste can stain. In fact, anything with turmeric in it can stain. You will want to be extra careful when handling turmeric because the golden yellow color can most certainly stain fabrics.
If you do find that the turmeric has caused a stain, there are several ways to try and remove it.
For example:
Using baking soda along with either vinegar or lemon juice.
If you have a stained appliance, then leaving it in the sunshine overtime will cause the sun to ‘bleach’ it back to its normal color.
Using a stain remover in your next wash.
Final Thoughts
Turmeric not only tastes delicious, but it has many nutritional benefits too. However, most of all, it can create a tasty flavor in many dishes and snacks.
For this reason, you may want to whip up your own turmeric paste. If you have 5 minutes and a few ingredients to hand, you can create your own tasty turmeric paste.
So, what are you waiting for? We hope you find making turmeric paste enjoyable!
All aspects of health are incredibly important in keeping us at the top of our game when it matters most. But many people choose to ignore the health that they cannot see - including the gut, cognitive, respiratory, and more.
Hi, my name is Adam Maxwell and I have been a medical professional for over 20 years. My wife is also in the same field, having been a trained clinical psychologist for 15 years.
Between us, we have seen a fair amount of health-related issues!
