The Spice Coast port of Alleppey has been known for its turmeric for centuries. With its deep orange color Alleppey turmeric is surprisingly flavorful.
This Indian turmeric contains high levels of curcumin, the resinous coloring agent of turmeric. Used almost exclusively in combination with other spices, turmeric gives Caribbean and Indian curries their warm, yellow color and flavor.
The orange rhizome is dried until it becomes so dense that it could break the blades of most grinders and mills. Whole Alleppy Turmeric must therefore be ground with a solid stone mortar and pestle. As ground turmeric is one of the most tampered with of all spices, buying it whole guarantees the quality and purity of an unadulterated product.
Along with being an excellent flavoring and coloring spice, turmeric is known in Aryvudic medicine as an antiseptic, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. Recent Western medical studies have indicated that consuming a combination of turmeric and black pepper on a regular basis stems the incidence of certain cancers.