Can You Drink Turmeric?

Turmeric is amazing. Was that too simply stated? OK, how's this instead: Researchers have discovered a way to coat metals with curcumin, the main antibacterial chemical in turmeric, in order to help render things like cans, knives, and countertops safe. We told you it's amazing.

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The Daily Meal special Contributor Bridget Creel describes this spice while writing about about how to use turmeric in meals. "Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family," she says. "It has an aroma of orange and ginger, with a bitter, strong flavor, and its yellow ocher hue lends curries their distinctive color. Due to its intense flavor, a little goes a long way. You can use it to flavor traditional curries or as a seasoning for chicken."

With that being said, it's time to address the main question: Can you drink turmeric? You clicked this link because you wanted to hear about how to drink turmeric, and we'll get there. But, first, it was necessary to provide you with a description of the spice as used in foods — drinking turmeric won't be exactly like drinking a green smoothie. This spice has a distinct flavor, and you should be aware of whether or not its taste jives with your taste buds before you go and spend your hard-earned cash on pounds and pounds of turmeric powder in an attempt to ward off disease.

If you've decided that you want to drink turmeric, there are a few options regarding how to consume it. If you're a fan of tea, try this turmeric tea recipe that includes a bit of a bite from cayenne powder. Have a cough? In India, some prepare warm milk, turmeric, and ghee as a cough-curing beverage. You can boost your nutritional benefits by experimenting with turmeric and ginger in our Fruity Turmeric Tonic Juice, or you blend turmeric into a smoothie. As you can see, there are many ways to drink turmeric — when it comes to deciding which drink is best, well, the ball's in your court.

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