Indian cuisine is famous for its flavor, which is achieved through spices and oils, and it is Indian food that attracts people from all over the world. In India, salt, pepper, and turmeric are essential ingredients when preparing dal and vegetable dishes, lending the food a unique taste. Turmeric is used not only in cooking but also for its medicinal properties in various applications.
However, reports of turmeric adulteration in the market cause concern among consumers. Dangerous chemicals such as lead chromate and methyl yellow, as well as yellow earth, chalk, and starch, can be added to turmeric. All of this can seriously harm health, so instead of buying adulterated turmeric, it is recommended to prepare the powder yourself from whole turmeric.
Step-by-step guide to making turmeric powder at home
To make turmeric powder at home, you need to follow specific steps. First, take the turmeric rhizomes and clean them thoroughly. Then, soak these rhizomes in warm water for some time, after which they should be scrubbed with a brush or by hand to remove all dirt and soil.
Next, instead of trying to grind the rhizomes in a blender, which can be difficult, you should slice them. It is important not to turn the turmeric into crumbs, but to cut it into thin slices, similar to potato chips. This will ensure faster and easier drying.
After slicing, the turmeric slices must be dried under direct sunlight. They should be spread out on cotton fabric and dried in the sun for three to five days until they become hard. Alternatively, if you have an air fryer, you can make the turmeric crispy in it for three hours.
When the turmeric is completely dry and feels crispy to the touch, it is ready to be ground. Now, it should be gradually ground in a blender. Since the powder may not come out immediately, it is better to grind the turmeric in batches. First, grind all the turmeric and set it aside, and then grind it again in the blender.
After grinding, the turmeric can be sifted or stored as is. To keep the turmeric fresh for a long time, it should be placed in an airtight jar.