Turmeric root is a tropical, herbaceous plant that looks like ginger's jaundiced cousin. It has been used since 600 B.C; dried and powdered, turmeric adds an earthy, slight bitterness to curry powder and other Indian and Southeast Asian dishes. (Turmeric is what lends curry powder and American-style mustard that bright yellow color.)

Like most spices, turmeric's pungency and color fades with age; it should be kept in a dark place and used up quickly.

In India, turmeric is used as an antiseptic, and it is an ingredient in certain sunscreens. Turmeric is also the object of numerous medical studies examining its role in combating ailments including breast cancer and psoriasis.

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