The Turmeric crop originated in South and Southeast Asian countries and currently accounts for about 75% of the total turmeric production in India. In addition, turmeric is grown in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, China, Myanmar, Indonesia, Jamaica, Haiti, Peru and Sri Lanka. Turmeric is mainly imported from the Middle East, including Iran, North and South Africa, Europe, the United States, Japan and Malaysia.
In Sri Lanka, turmeric is mainly used as a dye in food preparation and as an ingredient in spice blends and is also used as an important ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine and cosmetics. In addition, turmeric plays an important role in dye production, colouring and as an antiseptic. Turmeric mixed liquids are also widely used in the religious activities of Hindus. In that sense, turmeric can be an essential substance in our daily lives.
| Botanical Name | Curcuma longa |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Curcuma |
Botanical features of the turmeric plant
This plant has a pseudobulb stem with broad leaves that grow to 3 – 4 feet in height from an underground rhizome. False stem leaves 6-10. The leaf is about 1.5-2 feet long and dark green. The apex of the leaves is wider than the base. The underground trunk with scaly leaves is the true trunk and contains reserve food. Turmeric tubers branch out from the main underground stem. These tubers are commercially harvested. The interior of the rhizome ranges from dark brown to yellow and has a yellowish aroma and taste. Occurs from fleshy root rhizome. Inflorescence axillary racemes, flowers pale yellow. The fruit is a spore.
Products and Utilities
Turmeric is available in complete dry form or in powder form. It is also used as an ingredient in the preparation of curry mixes. Turmeric extracts oil and oleoresin and is mainly used as a colouring and flavouring agent in the food industry. It is also used for colouring fabrics and preparing special dyes. Turmeric is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. To a large extent, Indians use turmeric in everyday life as an antiseptic and in religious ceremonies.
