Turmeric Spice

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice derived from the root of the *Curcuma longa* plant, native to Southeast Asia. The fresh root is typically boiled, dried, and ground into a fine powder for use as a spice.

Turmeric is primarily used to impart a vibrant yellow-orange color to foods, making it a popular natural colorant. It also adds a warm, slightly bitter, peppery flavor to dishes. It is commonly found in curry powders, mustards, relishes, and as a coloring agent in processed foods like cheeses, butter, and some baked goods.

Turmeric is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a spice and food coloring. It contains curcumin, which has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While research is ongoing, current evidence does not suggest significant health risks from consuming turmeric at typical dietary levels. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated turmeric and its extracts.