Bitterroot Restoration

Order: Zingiberales
Family: Zingiberaceae
Common name: Halud, Haldi (Beng.); Turmeric (Eng.).
Life cycle: Perennial
Native Range: Curcuma longa is native to tropical South Asia.

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes, and re-seeded from some of those rhizomes in the following season. Although most usage of turmeric is in the form of root powder, in some regions (especially in Maharashtra), leaves of turmeric are used to wrap and cook food. This usually takes place in areas where turmeric is grown locally, since the leaves used are freshly picked. This imparts a distinct flavor. Turmeric is mostly used in savory dishes, as well as some sweet dishes such as the cake Sfouf. Although usually used in its dried, powdered form, turmeric is also used fresh, much like ginger.

Curcuma longa has many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.