What Does Turmeric Taste Like?

Here is a one-stop guide on everything you need to know about the taste and flavors of turmeric. 

After a couple of taste tests and research on the notes left by chefs from around the world, I have compiled these notes. 

Let’s get right into it. 

What is Turmeric? 

Turmeric is a powerful spice that is most commonly found in Indian or South Asian Cuisine. It comes from the ginger family and is mostly used in its powdered form. It has a bright yellow hue that stains easily, and just a small spoonful can go a long way to flavor anything ranging from soups and curries to flavored milk or tea.

Turmeric is known for its several health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. 

What Does Turmeric Taste Like? 

Turmeric has an overpowering earthy and bitter taste. It has a strong aroma and has a peppery spicy hit as an aftertaste. On its own, it isn’t appealing, but a little bit can add a smoky spicy flavor to the recipe and is often paired with sweeter spices to balance out the spice and bitterness.

Turmeric is mostly also used to add vibrant yellow color to the dishes apart from adding flavor. Most curry powders and mixes have turmeric in them.

Turmeric may also be added to drinks like smoothies and coffee to give it an added heat and earthy flavor.

What Does Turmeric Tea Taste Like? 

Turmeric-infused tea has a peppery, spicy, and earthy taste with hints of bitterness. It can also have traces of ginger-like flavor. The turmeric can give the tea a yellowish hue and smoky aroma. Despite the earthy bitter taste, turmeric tea can be quite soothing and refreshing.

Turmeric tea is known for its health benefits. Here is how you can prepare it –

What Food Tastes Best with Turmeric? 

Turmeric is used in most curries and gravies found in Indian or South Asian cuisine. It is a great spice to add to savory recipes including spices and fritters. It can also be added to flavor and color rice. Another great way to use the flavors of turmeric is to add it to smoothies and tea.

Can You Eat Turmeric Raw? 

Yes, you can eat turmeric raw, by grating its root into thin shreds and adding it to the recipe, much like you would with ginger. It has a peppery and bitter taste, which may not be appealing to most.

It is most commonly consumed in its powdered form and after cooking it into a recipe as fresh turmeric is hard to find and preserve for a long time to be used.

One way to preserve turmeric is to make a paste of it and freeze it.

Does Turmeric Taste Like Curry? 

Although curry powder and turmeric can look alike, they are very distinct in taste. The fact is, turmeric is one of the several ingredients that are a part of the curry powder mix. Curry powder or curry mix is often a combination of turmeric with cumin, coriander, and fenugreek powder.

Does Turmeric Taste Like Ginger? 

Turmeric and ginger come from the same family of plants, but they have very distinct flavors. While turmeric is earthy and on the bitter side, ginger is much stronger in flavor and has spicy and sweet. Thus, ginger offers a different range of flavors than turmeric.

Does Turmeric Taste Like Cinnamon? 

Though turmeric and cinnamon have an earthy woody taste, they have distinct flavors. While turmeric is bitter and spicy, cinnamon has a sweet flavor. In fact, they are often mixed together in recipes to balance and complement each other’s flavors. 

Can You Add Turmeric to Coffee? 

Yes, you can add turmeric to your coffee which not only gives it a slightly spicy flavor but also offers several health benefits. Several recipes use the unique blend of coffee and turmeric to make a great beverage.

Bottom Line 

I hope this article helped you figure out the taste of turmeric and some of its flavors and uses. 

If you have any doubts or would like to share some kitchen tips of your own, it would be great to hear from you. 

Feel free to share this article with your family and friends who are looking for a new and healthy flavor.