Turmeric
The root of a tropical plant related to the gingerroot has a bitter, pungent taste and a bright yellow-orange color. Turmeric adds flavor and color to East Indian cooking and puts the yellow in American mustard.
Season
available year-round
How to select
Sold ground in supermarket spice sections.
How to store
In a cool dark place for up to 6 months.
Matches well with
beans, chicken, curry, lamb, lentils, paella, rice, shellfish
Substitutions
Saffron or dry mustard