ENGLISH NAME : Turmeric
BOTANIC NAME : Curcuma longa
FAMILY: Zingiberaceae
HABIT:
Perennial rhizomatous herb cultivated for getting rhizomes. Powdered rhizomes are used to colour and enhance food products.
DESCRIPTION:
PLANT :
An herb that grows up to 1.5 m in height ,having upright pseudostem and horizontal underground stems known as rhizomes. Rhizomes are pungent tasting, warming and aromatic.
LEAF :
Long petiolate , pale green in colour,Oblong- lanceolate in shape.
FLOWER :
inflorescence grows to about 15 cm tall. Sheaths covering the flower stem and bracts are light green in colour. Funnel-shaped white flowers with yellow shade, peeping out of large bracts .
PROPAGATION:
Whole or Split mother rhizomes are used for propagation.
FOOD VALUE:
Turmeric is a very important spice in India. It is added in foods for both its flavour and colour.
MEDICINAL USES:
Raw rhizome as well as rhizome powder is used in home remedies.
Folkloric: Rhizome powder used as blood purifier.
It is also used as a stomach tonic.
Turmeric is used for the treatment of liver ailments,Diabetics, skin diseases and healing wound .
It is also used externally, to heal sores, and as a cosmetic.
Studies:
Turmeric shows antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.
Now a days Turmeric is used to treat following conditions:
Digestive disorders, Bacterial infection, Cardiovascular conditions, Arthritis (as an anti-inflammatory agent), Cancer and as a cosmetic.
LOCAL NAMES:
Haridra, Marmarii (Sanskrit),
Haldi (Hindi),
Arishina, Arisina (Kannada),
Halad (Marathi),
Manjal (Tamil),
Haridra (Telugu),
Haldi(Urudu),
Halodhi (Asamese),
Halud (Bengali),
Haldar (Gujarathi),
Haladi (Oriya).
Foot note: The cylindrical & branched rhizome is the portion of the plant which is used as spice. It is usually cleaned, boiled, dried, and powdered to yield a yellow powder (Turmeric powder).
Method of Cultivation:
Prepare the land to a fine tilth during March /April and prepare beds of size 3 x 1.2 m with a spacing of 40 cm between beds. Plant during April/ May with the receipt of pre-monsoon showers. Take small pits in the beds in rows with a spacing of 25 x 25 cm. Plant finger rhizomes flat with buds facing upwards and cover with soil or dry powdered cattle manure. Time of harvest depends upon variety and usually extends from January to March.
