Turmeric is the main spice in yellow curry, giving it its warm flavor and golden coloring. Ongoing research suggests that turmeric may have extensive health benefits as well. Turmeric is a plant grown for its root, much like ginger. And here’s the cool thing about turmeric: growing it is easy.

Turmeric is the main spice in yellow curry, giving it the warm flavor and golden coloring. Ongoing research suggests that turmeric may have extensive health benefits as well. Turmeric is a plant grown for its root, much like ginger. And here's the cool thing about turmeric: growing it is easy.

Of course, I live in a tropical region which means I can grow turmeric outside, but even those of you who live in cooler climes can grow it in pots.

Most turmeric recipes call for the dried powder standard on your grocer’s spice rack, but if you’ve got fresh turmeric on hand, you can use it instead.

Where to find turmeric roots

Admittedly, finding the roots might be harder than actually growing turmeric. Fresh turmeric — here it’s called ‘olena — is pretty readily available at our farmers markets. If you live in a cooler region, you might have better luck checking Asian supermarkets. It’s also available to order online. And of course, once you’ve harvested your own first crop, you can continue to replant a portion of the rhizomes you harvest.

lots more, plus pics and recipes: http://www.attainable-sustainable.net/turmeric/