Spice Up Your Life with Turmeric

For a while now I have been fascinated by the medicinal value spices have played throughout history.  A couple of weeks ago I wrote about nutmeg.

When I came across an article on curcumin and its anti-inflammatory properties I perked up and started some research on it.  Curcumin is derived from the rhizome of the herb Curcuma longa.  The plant grows similar to ginger and contains a chemical compound called polyphenol.  The powder of the root is from a common spice known in the west as turmeric, in Hindi as haldi and in Japanese as ukon.  It is mainly used as an aromatic and to color foods like yellow mustard or added to spice mixtures such as curry and/or garam masala.

Turmeric is known for its yellow-orange color and pungent flavor.  Besides its valuable contribution to our taste buds, it has been used as a natural remedy in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for 1000s of years.  Curcumin has been known to combat all kinds of human diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.  It can be especially useful in the application against joint pain and stiffness.  That certainly drew my attention.

Nutritional Profile of Turmeric

1 TBSP.         (1.9 gms)

Calcium           4.00 mg

Iron                  0.91 mg

Magnesium     4.00 mg

Phosphorus     6.00 mg

Potassium     56.00 mg

Sodium            0.001mg      

Zinc                 0.10 mg

Thiamine         0.003 mg

Riboflavin        0.005 mg

Niacin              0.113 mg

A more complete nutritional profile is available on the Whole Foods Website:

Health Benefits of Tumeric:

·         Improved digestion

·         Stronger liver

·         Cleaner blood

·         Helps control inflammation

·         Arthritis

·         Cataracts

·         Type 2 Diabetes

·         Gallstones

·         Cystic fibrosis

·         Psoriasis

·         Joint Stiffness

·         Irritable Bowel Syndrome

·         Alzheimer Disease

For a more complete healing profile listing, please visit:

http://curcuminhealth.info/category/what-is-curcumin/curcumin-and-turmeric/

http://isp.netscape.com/homerealestate/package.jsp?name=homerealestate/curcumin/curcumin

http://www.livestrong.com/article/369999-curcumin-benefits-and-arthritis/

Besides using turmeric in cooking to spice up your food, you can also make a delicious drink, called “Golden Milk.”

You can watch this video:

http://www.mrsikhnet.com/2012/01/06/the-healing-power-of-turmeric-how-to-make-golden-milk/ 

or just make it by warming 1 cup of milk, adding 1 tsp. of turmeric paste (the video also explains how to make the paste by cooking ¼ cup turmeric for 7 min. in ½ cup of water; then store in a glass jar in the fridge) and sweeten the milk with some honey or maple syrup.  Add 1 tsp. of coconut oil or sesame oil (turmeric absorbs better when it is in contact with fats).  This drink is very calming and over a period of time, you experience the benefits of more flexibility in the joints.

One thing to watch when using turmeric is that it can stain anything it comes in contact with.

There is a reason why India has less health challenges than we have in the Western world.  The use of health enhancing spices is part of their way of life.

Here are a few more delicious ways to add turmeric to foods:

• Add turmeric to egg salad to give it an even bolder yellow color.
• Mix brown rice with raisins and cashews and season with turmeric, cumin and coriander.
• Although turmeric is generally a staple ingredient in curry powder, some people like to add a little extra of this spice when preparing curries. And turmeric doesn't have to only be used in curries. This spice is delicious on healthy sautéed apples, and healthy steamed cauliflower and/or green beans and onions. Or, for a creamy, flavor-rich, low-calorie dip, try mixing some turmeric and dried onion with a little omega-3-rich mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Serve with raw cauliflower, celery, sweet pepper, jicama and broccoli florets.
• Turmeric is a great spice to complement recipes that feature lentils.
• Give salad dressings an orange-yellow hue by adding some turmeric powder to them.
• For an especially delicious way to add more turmeric to your healthy way of eating, cut cauliflower florets in half and healthy sauté with a generous spoonful of turmeric for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Healthy eating!

Nutmeg – the Tropical Spice that bought Manhattan

My last blog was about the Many Uses of Nutmeg.

In the meantime I finished reading the book “Nathaniel’s Nutmeg,” in which British author Giles Milton writes about Nathaniel Courthope who was a trusted captain of the East India Company, who fought a fierce battle in the 17^th century against the Dutch by defending Run, the tiny island in the volcanic group of the Banda Islands in today’s Indonesia.  At that time, Run was one of the few places in the world where the priced nutmeg trees were growing. 

Nathaniel made a name for himself, as after his death in 1620, the British took revenge to the loss of Nathaniel and the Island of Run which he so dedicated himself for and demanded the island of Manhattan from the Dutch.  Milton joked about it in his book that Nathaniel’s death caused England to ”lose nutmeg but gained bigger apples” instead and therefore altered the course of history.   In modern times nutmeg is grown in other tropical countries with Grenada (Caribbean) leading the production.  In fact, they made the nutmeg the symbol of their country and put it on their flag.  Natives also make jams and candies from the fruit pot.

Who was Nathaniel Courthope?

Almost 400 years have passed since Nathaniel Courthope became a trader and lieutenant of the East India Trading Company. He was hired by the British merchants in 1616 to stabilize the trade of tropical spices, especially nutmeg.  When he arrived at the small Island of Run as commander of the two ships, the Swan and the Defense, he was welcomed by the Natives.  The Dutch had won command over the rest of the Banda Islands.  It was Courthope’s charter to gain control over Run.  He negotiated with the Natives and defended the island as their protector for a period of four years, only to be betrayed by a Dutch traitor who passed himself as a deserter.  Therefore, he was attacked and killed by the Dutch on October 18, 1620.

Nathaniel Courthope’s courageous stand on the tiny Spice Island Run left a legacy of heroic exploits and helped reshape history and led to the founding of New York.

Why was Nutmeg so Important?

The Spice Trades have been going on for centuries. With the discovery of new sea routes (like Columbus coming to America), more countries send out explorers and traders until wars were fought over the prized spices.

The 17^th century was a time where one nutmeg had the value of gold.  Nutmeg became of great value because of its medicinal application during the plague and other epidemics.  Nutmeg was looked at as a miracle drug in the treatment of all kinds of diseases.

How did New Amsterdam become New York?

Several wars were fought between the English and the Dutch.  After the 2^nd Anglo-Dutch War of 1665-1667, at the Treaty of Breda, the two countries agreed on trading the Island of Run for the Island of Manhattan with the small colony New Amsterdam along the Hudson River.  The English had occupied the island of Manhattan during the war (as retaliation to the massacre at Amboyna in 1623 and spice war over the Banda Islands).  Manhattan came under the sovereignty of the Duke of York who later became King James II.  With that deal, history was changed forever.  The Duke renamed New Amsterdam New York. 

 It is interesting how history plays itself out sometimes.  It seems that the sacrifice of some people (in this case the courage, dedication, and perseverance of Nathaniel Courthope) was enough a price to overshadow the betrayals, cruelties, and greed of the conquering Dutch.  It turned out that soon thereafter the Natives transplanted nutmeg trees to other places in Malaysia, the Caribbean and Grenada.  With that the island of Run has very little significance today.

If you want to learn more about this intriguing time of history and you like to find out about explorers, pirates and sea faring, read the story of Nathaniel’s Nutmeg by Giles Milton.

The Many Uses of Nutmeg

Nutmeg with its warm, spicy and sharp aroma has been used for centuries the world over. Its botanical name is myristica fragrans.

Nutmeg is considered a twin spice, since the fruit produces nutmeg and mace (which is the outer layer of red fiber around the seed which is milder in flavor).  Nutmeg finds its application in flavorings, healing and aromatherapy. 

It has quite a history because in earlier centuries it had a high trade value.  Today, we are familiar with its use during the holiday season with pumpkin pie, spice cookies and eggnog.  I use it all throughout the year in my mashed potatoes and cheese dishes.

It also makes a wonderful air freshener as a scented candle.  The greatest benefit can be found in the medicinal use.  Nutmeg has analgesic, anti-septic, digestive, stimulant, tonic and anti-oxidant properties.

In “Nathaniel’s Nutmeg,” British author Giles Milton writes about Nathaniel Courthope who was a trusted captain of the East India Company, who fought a fierce battle in the 17^th century against the Dutch by defending Run, the tiny island in the volcanic group of the Banda Islands in today’s Indonesia.  At that time Run was the only place in the world where the priced nutmeg trees were growing.  (I will write the next blog about the events which took place on Run and the Dutch-Anglo war which resulted in the trade of Run for the island of Manhattan (which was controlled by the Dutch and was called New Amsterdam).

Nutmeg’s Use in the Kitchen

There are many culinary uses for nutmeg, mainly in sweet and spicy dishes like pumpkin pie, puddings, custards, spice cakes and cookies.  It works well in soups like split pea, chicken or black beans or as an addition to cheese sauces.  In Middle Eastern cooking it is added to meat dishes like lamb as well. Italians are adding it to their sausages.  During the holiday season it is added to eggnog and mulled wines and punches.  One whole nutmeg grates into 2-3 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.

Nutmeg in the Medicine Cabinet

There many more medicinal uses of nutmeg.  The oil can become a rub for muscle and joint pains in arthritis.  In ancient Greece and Rome small amounts of nutmeg oil which contains myristicin were used as brain stimulants to induce dreams and to relieve stress.

Small doses of ground nutmeg can be added to liquids to reduce flatulence, indigestion and nausea.  In holistic medicine it is considered an excellent liver tonic which can remove toxins.  Nutmeg oil can be used to dissolve kidney stones and relieve infections.

Nutmeg can help with respiratory problems and can be used in the common cold against coughing.

NOTE: Large doses (2-3 nutmegs per day) can cause hallucinations, vomiting and other serious side effects, even death.

Nutmeg in Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy nutmeg oil finds various applications: it stimulates circulation, eases muscular aches and joint pains in arthritis and helps with nausea and indigestion.  It can also be added in small amounts to a glass of milk to induce sleep.

The home uses for nutmeg mainly focus on its fragrance.  With its musky smell it is often combined with other aromas to make candles and other aromatherapy products.

Nutmeg’s Magic

In the old days people used to carry nutmeg seeds as protection from danger and evil.  It was acceptable to put a nut in your armpit before attending a social event, believing that you could attract more admirers.

At some point it was popular to carry a seed and a little grinder with you to social events in a beautiful box made of wood, silver or ivory.

Commercial uses of Nutmeg

Nutmeg and mace are used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.  They are often added as flavorings in medicine or as fragrances in colognes for men.  They are also added to soaps, perfumes, detergents and lotions.  Some cough medicines contain nutmeg.  Many popular drinks and foods contain nutmeg.  Did you know that Coca-Cola contains nutmeg?

WARNINGS:  Nutmeg in large quantities can be toxic and even fetal.  Never use more than 30 grams (6 tablespoons) in a day.  Even 3 tablespoons are considered excessive.