9824. Turmeric

Nomenclature

Curcuma longa; tumeric; saffron Indian.

Description and references

From rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn. (C. domestica Valeton), Zingiberaceae. Habit. India, China, East Indies. Constit. Yellow coloring matter (curcumin), p,p-dihydroxydicinnamoylmethane, p-hydroxycinnamoylferuloylmethane, p,α-dimethylbenzyl alcohol, 1-methyl-4-acetyl-1-cyclohexene, turmerone, α-phellandrene, sabinene, zingiberene, cineol, borneol, caprylic acid. Isoln of curcumin from turmeric: Janaki, Bose, J. Indian Chem. Soc. 44, 985 (1967).

Properties

Turmeric has an aromatic pepper-like but somewhat bitter taste and gives curry dishes their characteristic yellowish color.

Use

Condiment (as curry powder), color for ointments.