White Turmeric | Curcuma Zedoaria | Zedoary | Organic

Description

Curcuma zedoaria, also known as zedoary, white turmeric, or temu putih, is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Curcuma in the family Zingiberaceae. Here are some key details about this fascinating plant:

• Description:
  • Zedoary grows up to 1.2 meters in height.
  • It has both vertical aerial stems (pseudostems) and horizontal underground stems (rhizomes), allowing it to spread and often form large clumps.
  • The leaves are green with brownish-purple veins.
  • The basal flower spike emerges just before the foliage, growing about 20-25 cm tall.
  • The rhizome has a pale sulfur yellow to bright yellow color on the inside, turning brownish as it ages.
  • The rhizomes possess an agreeable camphoraceous smell and a warm, bitter, spicy taste.
• Culinary and Medicinal Uses:
  • The dry powdered root, when mixed with the powdered wood of Caesalpinia sappan, produces a red powder called “abir” by Indians and “phag” by Bengalis.
  • In India, fresh zedoary roots are used directly in dishes and pickles.
  • The powder serves as a thickener in many culinary preparations.
  • In Thailand, young zedoary rhizomes are eaten as a very aromatic vegetable and may be used in curry pastes.
• Instruction:
  
  • Decoctions made from zedoary are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds, and berries.
  • To prepare a decoction:
    • Add 1 tablespoon of dried zedoary to 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
    • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes.
    • Strain the liquid and enjoy!
• You may:
  • Sweeten your herbal tea with honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder, or licorice root powder.

Zedoary has a rich history of culinary and medicinal use, making it a valuable addition to various cultural practices.

Precautions: If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or taking any medications, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal products. All content on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It has not been reviewed or approved by Health Canada. This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.