TURMERIC: EVEN "BLACK THUMBS" CAN GROW IT!

I have been growing turmeric for two years now.  So far... this is what I have observed:

1.  It is a low maintenance plant.  I swear, there are times I forget to water them for an 
     entire week.  But they still thrive.

2.   It is very easy to know it if its mature for harvest.  The leaves will dry out, and you feel 

      the plant is dying. That's the signal to harvest it already.  Or if you are OC and the type

      that puts on the calendar everything -- that's roughly eight months  :)

3.   How to grow shoots for planting? Just leave the turmeric in a safe place. Wait for the 

      little green shoots to appear.  When you see it, it is time to plant the turmeric and wait 

      for eight months. Easy peasy!  

WHY YOU SHOULD GROW TURMERIC

It has anti-inflammatory powers!  Its active ingredient is curcumin which is believed to aid in treatment of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabeties, diferent kinds of allergies arthritis, lung infections, bronchitis and colds.

Because I have constant supply of freshly harvested turmeric, I usually drink it as tea. I boil a few roots. When warm I add honey and lemon.  The taste is milder than fresh ginger tea or salabat.  I take it especially during the onset of the cold season to boost my immune system.

WILL TRY THIS IN THE NEXT HARVEST

The hubby usually use it in his cooking.  Our favorite so far... turmeric fried rice  :)

Here are some more valuable information about turmeric

IT HAS A BEAUTIFUL BLOOM

The leaves of the turmeric is very fragrant. Same with the flowers -- very beautiful!  If you plant turmeric in your garden, the elongated leaves looks good as part of edible landscaping. And mind you -- it is not susceptible to insects or pests, so easy to grow.

The leaves, you can use as a wrap for steamed fish. The flowers, if you can tolerate it, can be eaten like lettuce. And the roots -- I have mentioned some of its health benefits above. Every part of the turmeric has its uses!  

WHAT's NEXT?

I think I will research some more to learn how to convert the fresh harvest into powder so I can make my own powdered turmeric tea.  Would also like to know how to keep the powdered form for a long time