About Turmeric Uses, Pairings and Recipes

Learn about the benefits of turmeric, turmeric uses and how to incorporate this beautiful yellow-orange spice into a variety of dishes.

WHAT IS TURMERIC?

Turmeric is a radiant golden spice that’s a common ingredient in spice blends from the Caribbean, Indonesia, India, North Africa and the Middle East. Originating from India and Southeast Asia, pure turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is used to add flavor and color to a variety of dishes. Ground turmeric, the common form sold in grocery stores and spice markets, is derived from the dried turmeric root which is then ground into a fine powder.

WHAT DOES TURMERIC TASTE LIKE?

Turmeric boasts an earthy essence with a touch of sweetness, accompanied by notes of ginger and pepper. Some people liken the taste of turmeric to that of mustard.

HOW DOES MCCORMICK SOURCE ITS TURMERIC?

McCormick Turmeric hails from India, where it’s considered a sacred part of Hindi culture. We monitor its progress from field to package to ensure consistent color and quality in every bottle. The turmeric plant hides its brilliant color underground, showing only glossy green leaves and multi-petaled white flowers. But dig up the root, carefully clean and dry it, and you have an extraordinary spice beloved as much for its color as its flavor.

WHAT IS TURMERIC GOOD FOR?

Our pure turmeric in ground form is a lively partner for infusing curries, soups, stews, rubs, marinades and vegetable and rice dishes with beautiful color and citrusy aroma.

WHAT DOES TURMERIC DO & WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TURMERIC?

Turmeric is a popular ingredient around the world, for reasons such as:

Versatility: Turmeric blends seamlessly with various foods, making it an ideal addition to stews, soups, curries and rice dishes.
Natural dye capabilities: Turmeric provides a beautiful yellow tint to dishes without incorporating artificial ingredients.
Texture variations: Turmeric adds a satisfying crunch to meals when minced or grated.
Flavor enhancing ability: Turmeric infuses dishes with its earthy essence.

WHAT SPICE GO WITH TURMERIC?

Add some more flavor to your meals with additional herbs and spices that pair well with turmeric, including:

Cumin: Our pure cumin is an easy way to add deep, earthy citrusy flavors to spark your favorite meals. Cumin is one of the top 10 selling spices in the U.S. The spice dates back to Egypt 4,000 years ago, and McCormick Cumin is hand-harvested, sun-dried and carefully screened so you know you're getting nothing but the purest flavor. Add this spice for a warm flavor and earthy color to everyday soups, stews, meats and vegetables.
Cinnamon: Our pure cinnamon lends a warm, sweet aroma to everything from morning toast to cookies, and it also has a savory side, with earthy, mahogany-colored flavors. McCormick Cinnamon begins as bark peeled from the base of cinnamon trees grown in Indonesia. We are the only company to have facilities there. This means we are able to clean, dry and sort right there and not wait to be imported to US.
Ginger: Ginger is one of those intriguing spices that can walk the fine line between savory and sweet. The very finest ginger comes from small holder farmers on one to two acre plots of land off the Malabar Coast of India. Ginger has enjoyed some unusual uses, including warding off the plague during Henry VIII’s time. In the 19th century, ginger was commonly sprinkled on top of beer or ale and then stirred into the drink with a hot poker. Today, ginger is an essential ingredient in all kinds of sweet and savory dishes.
Paprika: Think of paprika as the gentler, sweeter cousin of hot chili peppers. It enlivens your favorite dishes with fruity notes and a toasty red color without ever taking over the show. McCormick sources whole paprika pepper pods from farmers in warm, dry climates. The paprika grown and bottled by McCormick is nothing but the purest. Paprika is a New World spice, meaning it didn’t take hold in Europe until the 1600s, where it was introduced to Europeans by Bulgarians and Turks. Perhaps best known as the garnish on deviled eggs, our pure paprika has a world of other uses. Use it as an addition to soups, rubs, marinades, sauces and more.
Coriander: Intensely light, lemony flavor that makes Indian and Middle Eastern curries and couscous sing. Coriander brings out the savory juiciness of roasted meats, and adds a uniquely spicy twist to baked goods.

HOW LONG DO SPICES LAST?

While dried herbs and spices typically last for 1–2 years, there are some exceptions worth noting when it comes to the shelf life of spices. Maintain the freshness of your spices and herbs with these helpful storage tips.

GRAB YOUR TURMERIC PRODUCTS!

AND TRY THESE RECIPES THAT USE TURMERIC:

Want to create a meal plan for your turmeric recipes? Need help planning your weekly meals and want to try new recipes? Save your favorite food, dessert, drink recipes and organize your ingredients with the McCormick Meal Planner.