Curcuma is a perennial, herbaceous plant that can reach a height of 1 meter (3 ft 3 in). It emits numerous, edible rhizomes whose interiors are yellow or orange. These rhizomes are reduced to a powder, which is the spice called curcuma.

Understanding the Context

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is derived from the underground stems, or rhizomes, of the Curcuma longa plant. The plant is part of the ginger family and is grown in warm climates around the world. What Is Turmeric? Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.

Key Insights

The part we use in cooking is the rhizome — an underground stem that looks similar to ginger root but with a distinctly bright orange-yellow interior. Brainerd Dispatch: Ask the Master Gardener: Curcuma plants can offer a spectacular display Dear Master Gardener: I purchased a plant called a Curcuma this week. I’ve never seen one before and it didn’t come with instructions on how to care for it. Please advise. Answer: Curcuma is a ...

Final Thoughts

Turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa. It contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently... Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the C urcuma longa plant, which is part of the ginger family. Its major active ingredient is curcumin. “Curcumin is what gives turmeric that bright, yellow color,” says registered dietitian Amber Sommer, RD, LD.

Curcuma is prized because of its long, tubular rhizomes, which have a bright orange color. The rhizomes can be eaten raw, but they are primarily boiled, dried, and ground to make turmeric powder. Turmeric powder is a popular spice around the world and is a staple ingredient of Asian curries.