foodiefinefoods library

Turmeric, a golden spice traditionally only seen in Indian curries, is becoming one of the most popular superfoods amongst older Australians. It contains the active ingredient, curcumin, which studies show has incredible health benefits including being strongly anti inflammatory.

NSW Seniors Card has teamed up with Zen Green Tea, an Australian tea retailer, to bring you some inspiration for how to use turmeric in your recipes – along with a 10% discount too. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury, so here are three simple ways to introduce turmeric into your diet.

1. Drink it

Turmeric can be used in a healthy and delicious drink, with many cafes around Australia now adding it to their menus. Golden lattes, turmeric teas and turmeric spiced smoothies are amongst the many emerging flavours. To make your own turmeric tea or latte, Zen Green Tea has a high quality Turmeric Matcha Mix which has been blended with green tea, cinnamon, nutmeg and a hint of black pepper. Simply mix it with a milk of your choice!

2. Add it to sweet treats

Turmeric makes a great addition to sweet treats, it’s earthy aroma blends perfectly with citrus fruits and ginger. Why not jazz up your pancake batter with  Turmeric Green Tea Pancakes, or surprise your loved ones with these healthy and simple Turmeric & Matcha Bliss Balls  – perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

3. Warm up your savoury cooking

With its golden colour, turmeric can enhance the colour of food – especially if you’re cooking with grains which can often look a little bland. Intensify the colour of your scrambled eggs by adding half a teaspoon of turmeric to the whisked eggs before cooking. Or spice up your quinoa, by adding a teaspoon of turmeric along with lemon and a pinch of salt.

To maximise the health benefits, make sure you use turmeric grown from the Alleppey region in India as turmeric grown here has the highest level of antioxidant curcumin. It is also important to consume turmeric with a hint of black pepper, as this contains the enzyme piperine which increases the body’s ability to absorb curcumin by up to 2000%.