White Turmeric
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
White turmeric varies in size, depending on the rhizome’s maturity and growing conditions, as the soil quality will affect the rhizome’s appearance. Each rhizome grows horizontally, spreading in an irregular, creeping, branching formation. The rhizomes are typically cylindrical, ellipsoid, or elongated, with curved to straight shapes. The exterior is knobby, lightly textured, and covered in rings, nodes, and ridges, and ranges in color from tan to light brown to yellow-brown. Underneath the surface, the flesh is ivory or light yellow and has a solid, firm, slippery, and fibrous consistency. White turmeric is edible raw or cooked and has a milder flavor than common turmeric varieties, but it still bears a pungent nature. The rhizomes release a camphor-like aroma and have a lightly floral, fruity, and spicy taste with slightly bitter nuances.
Seasons/Availability
White turmeric is available year-round.
Current Facts
White turmeric, botanically classified as Curcuma zedoaria, is an herbaceous, perennial species belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. The species is native to Asia and has been a wild and cultivated plant throughout history for its medicinal and culinary uses. The main portion of the species found in markets is the rhizomes. These rhizomes develop underground and spread in a branching, horizontal pattern, producing upright, leafy pseudostems that reach 1.2 meters in height. In South and Southeast Asia, the species’ site of origin, the rhizomes are known under regional names, including Kachur, Gandamatsi, and Gandhmul in Hindi, Kichili and Kilangu in Tamil, Krachura, Kaccura, and Dravida in Sanskrit, Sutha and Ekangi in Bengali, Temu Kuning and Temu Puteh in Malay, Temu Putih in Indonesia, Haeo Dam and Kha Min Oi in Thai, and Bong Truat and Ngái Tim in Vietnamese. Outside Asia, the species is labeled as White turmeric and Zedoary. White turmeric rhizomes are less well-known than the common yellow-orange varieties and are primarily sourced for medicinal use, though they are also used in culinary dishes. The species is foraged from wild and home garden plants on a small scale and is utilized fresh or dried in a wide array of medicinal remedies and cooked culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
White turmeric is utilized throughout natural medicines in Asia for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The rhizomes and leaves have been used in various Jamu, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies and are valued for soothing symptoms of colds, fevers, and digestive ailments. The most common use of White turmeric is to flush toxins from the body and support digestion, especially when taken after large meals. White turmeric rhizomes are sliced and steeped in hot water to make a digestive tea, or ground into a powder, combined with honey, and consumed for colds. Pieces of the rhizome are sometimes chewed to lessen coughs or combined into juices to boost circulation. Other preparations involve mixing dried rhizomes with a carrier oil and applying the mixture topically to soothe rashes and relieve joint pain.
Applications
White turmeric has a milder flavor than common turmeric varieties, but is still used sparingly because it has a bitter undertone. The rhizomes are washed and peeled before use and are finely chopped, grated, or sliced for savory dishes. White turmeric can be added fresh to sauces, chutneys, and other aromatic condiments, or mixed into marinades for fish and chicken recipes. The rhizomes are also pickled, candied, or added to salads to enhance flavor. Worldwide, White turmeric is used fresh and in powder form in smoothies and beverages. In Asia, the rhizomes are also added to pastes and simmered into curries, cooked into soups and dals, or stir-fried into vegetable sides. Dried rhizomes are sometimes incorporated into spice blends or ground into a powder and used as a thickener. White turmeric pairs well with spices such as cardamom, star anise, white pepper, and cinnamon, as well as herbs like coriander, lemongrass, pandan, and basil. Whole, unpeeled rhizomes will keep for a few weeks when stored in a container in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
White turmeric is occasionally used in religious practices in India for its aromatic properties. Turmeric and other fragrant herbs are burned and offered in sacred fire, as part of hawan samagri. The practice of hawan samagri in Hindu rituals purifies the air, promoting physical, spiritual, and mental cleansing and well-being. During hawan samagri, herbs, aromatics, and roots are combined with resins to burn, and the ingredients used vary based on preferences and specific religious purposes. The smoke from the fire is also believed to help prayers rise to the heavens and soothe the body and mind with the pleasing aromatics. Hawan samagri is a ritual performed year-round and is commonly practiced for cultural and religious purposes, including family gatherings, festivals, housewarming parties, and wedding celebrations.
Geography/History
White turmeric is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia. The species has been growing wild since ancient times and was eventually spread outside its native regions, grown for medicinal, ornamental, and culinary purposes. White turmeric thrives in warm, humid climates up to 900 meters in elevation and has been planted in home landscapes and botanical gardens, and propagated through select nurseries, allowing it to naturalize in small populations worldwide. Today, White turmeric rhizomes are the main part of the plant available in fresh markets in their growing regions and are sometimes exported to nearby countries, where the species is used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Dried White turmeric is also sold dried in natural medicine shops and online retailers worldwide.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include White Turmeric. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Simple Sensational Food |
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Amba Haldi -White Turmeric Pickle |
| Subbu Cooks |
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Mango Ginger Pickle |
White Turmeric for sale around the world shared on the Specialty Produce App
