Turmeric, the golden spice

Turmeric, the golden spice

Turmeric is beautiful, tasty, and can mean a lot for your health!

Read all about it in this blog!

Kirsten, the owner of the tea shop Het Kleinste Huis, smiling and holding a large glass jar filled with tea leaves.

By Kirsten

Turmeric Tea, liquid gold

One of the most popular herbal tea varieties at Het Kleinste Huis is the Turmeric Mix. It is a potent herbal blend featuring apple, ginger, cinnamon, almonds, anise, nutmeg, and cloves, but with turmeric, also known as curcuma, playing the starring role.

But what exactly is turmeric?

In this blog, we will reveal everything about turmeric, which is gaining more and more popularity.

Key Takeaways from this article​

  1. What is Turmeric? - Turmeric, also known as turmeric or turmeric, comes from the Curcuma longa plant and is closely related to ginger.
  2. Color and Flavor - The spice is known for its vibrant golden yellow color and has a warm, bitter, and earthy flavor.
  3. Health Benefits - Turmeric is prized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may contribute to heart health and reduce arthritis pain.
  4. Use in Tea - Turmeric is great for making tea, often mixed with other ingredients such as ginger and honey to enhance the taste.
  5. Turmeric Mix from Het Kleinste Huis - A popular spice blend from the store that combines turmeric with ingredients such as apple, ginger, and cinnamon for a unique tea experience.
  6. Uses and Warnings - In addition to culinary use, turmeric should be used with caution in certain medical conditions and medication use.
Cheerful woman with curly hair enjoying a cup of turmeric tea with a lemon slice.

“Each spice has a special day to it. For turmeric it is Sunday, when light drips fat and butter-colored into the bins to be soaked up glowing, when you pray to the nine planets for love and luck.” ― Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, The Mistress of Spices

What is turmeric?

Turmeric, also known as turmeric, curcuma, koenir, koenjit, or yellow root, is a spice that comes from the Curcuma longa plant, a member of the ginger family.

The most distinctive feature of turmeric is its vibrant golden-yellow color.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for most of its colorful and health-promoting properties..

Fresh turmeric root sliced on a green leaf with turmeric powder in a wooden spoon and bowl.

The origin of Turmeric

Turmeric originates from South Asia and has been used in India for thousands of years, both in cooking and in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The spice spread from Asia to other parts of the world and is now a popular ingredient worldwide.

How to use turmeric?

Turmeric is a versatile spice that can be used in various ways. It is often used in powder form and added to curries, soups, and sauces to provide color and flavor. It can also be used as a natural dye in textiles and food products.

Fragrant turmeric rice garnished with fresh cilantro and black sesame seeds.

What does turmeric taste like?

Turmeric has a warm, bitter, and earthy taste. It is quite potent, so a little goes a long way in recipes. This unique flavor makes it an essential ingredient in many South Asian dishes.

Can you make a tea with turmeric?

Absolutely! Turmeric can be very effectively used to make tea. Turmeric tea has a warm, slightly spicy flavor and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other spices such as ginger, black pepper, and honey to enhance the flavor and health benefits.

How to make turmeric tea?

You can make tea using fresh turmeric or turmeric powder. If you bring 250ml of water to a boil and then add 1 teaspoon of grated turmeric root or 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, your tea is almost ready. Allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes and add other ingredients if desired.

Person adding turmeric powder to a glass of golden milk on a wooden table.

Is turmeric good for you?

Turmeric is known for its numerous health benefits. It is often praised as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

What health benefits does turmeric offer?

The main health benefits of turmeric include promoting digestion, supporting heart health, and helping reduce inflammation and pain, especially related to arthritis.

(Source: Harvard Health Publishing - Turmeric Benefits: A look at the evidence)

Recent research also points to the potentially positive effects of turmeric on mental health and the preservation of cognitive functions.

(Source: PsychCentral - Can turmeric improve signs of depression?)

Does turmeric help with weight loss?

Turmeric contains curcumin, an active compound that has a positive effect on metabolism and digestion. Thus, turmeric can certainly aid in weight loss, although it is not a miracle cure for weight reduction.

It is important to emphasize that turmeric is most effective as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. 

Young woman in athletic wear performing a workout at home, watching an online fitness class on a laptop.

When should turmeric not be used?

Turmeric, like all herbs and spices, can affect certain conditions and medications. Although turmeric offers many health benefits, it is important to be cautious with certain health conditions.

People who use blood thinners or need to undergo surgery should avoid turmeric due to its blood-thinning effects.

Also, individuals with gallbladder issues should avoid turmeric.

It is always recommended to consult a treating physician before using turmeric in cases of chronic conditions or medication use. 

A bowl filled with Turmeric Tea Mix from tea shop Het Kleinste Huis

Turmeric Mix from tea shop Het Kleinste Huis

As the name suggests, in Het Kleinste Huis's Turmeric Mix, turmeric plays the starring role.

Turmeric Mix is a herbal blend containing turmeric, apple, ginger, cinnamon, almonds, anise, nutmeg, and cloves. It strikes a beautiful balance between spicy and mildly sweet, with a slightly bitter undertone characteristic of turmeric.

This unique blend opens with the spicy warmth of ginger, followed by the soothing sweetness of cinnamon, and finishes with a subtle hint of nutmeg and cloves.

Artistically served golden milk in a ceramic bowl, adorned with cinnamon sticks and star anise.

Make a 'Golden Milk'!

With Het Kleinste Huis's Turmeric Mix, you can make an excellent 'Golden Milk' or 'Turmeric Latte'.

Golden Milk is a traditional Indian drink that has been consumed for centuries. The main ingredient is turmeric, mixed with milk and other ingredients. It's delightful to drink and a feast for the eyes.

In our 'Golden Milk' blog, you can find out exactly how to use Het Kleinste Huis's Turmeric Mix to make this tasty and healthy drink.

- Kirsten -

Improve Your Well-being with Turmeric Mix from The Smallest House

At Het Kleinste Huis, your health comes first. Our Turmeric Mix, composed of the finest turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, not only offers a unique taste experience, but also contributes to your well-being through the powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric. Perfect for the conscious consumer who appreciates both health and taste. Order now directly on our website and experience the benefits of this powerful spice for yourself. Invest in your health with one click!

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For a large part of her life Kirsten has had a passion for entrepreneurship and tea. Since 2014, she has been combining this with her husband, Niels, in the tea specialty store Het Kleinste Huis (The Smallest House in Amsterdam). Kirsten likes to write about things that keep her busy (this doesn't have to be just tea!).

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