Homemade turmeric powder

Written by: 7aumsuvai

Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years and is a major part of Ayurvedic medicine. It was first used as a dye and then later for its possible medicinal properties. Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

During the south Indian festival Pongal, a whole turmeric plant with fresh rhizomes is offered as a thanksgiving offering to Surya, the Sun god. Also, the fresh plant sometimes is tied around the sacred Pongal pot in which an offering of pongal is prepared.

Turmeric powder is used extensively in Indian cuisine. It is a significant ingredient mostly used in savory dishes. Turmeric is also used to give a yellow color to foods. My mom always makes it at home instead of store bought powder. Because they add artificial colors and also mix it with some other powders. When I went to India for vacation, my mom prepared this homemade turmeric powder and I love the natural color, fragrance in it.

Homemade turmeric powder

Ingredients:

      • 1 kilogram – Dried turmeric root / Manjal kombu
      • 100 ml – Castor oil / Vilakkennai(optional)

Turmeric powder process

Homemade turmeric powder Collage

Preparation method:

  1. Dry the dried turmeric root in the sun for 2 to 3 days. Grind them in flour mill to a fine powder.
  2. Spread the ground turmeric powder on a paper and allow them to cool for a while.
  3. Meanwhile heat a pan, add castor oil and bring it to boil, switch off the stove and allow them to cool.
  4. When powder is cooled down, add castor oil and mix well. Then store it in an airtight container and use it for your cooking. Homemade turmeric powder is ready.

Homemade turmeric powder

Notes:

  • Usage of castor oil is optional but normally my mom use it to prevent from bugs. If you don’t like castor oil then store it in a freezer zip lock and freeze it.
  • Do not store turmeric powder immediately while it is hot.
  • Store turmeric powder in a big container and transfer to a smaller container for day to day use..
  • Grind turmeric root in a flour mill not in a mixer grinder. 

13 comments:

  1. i always prepare turmeric powder like yours.

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  2. Homemade turmeric powder, i will stop buying from now,thanks for this wonderful post Shanthi.

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  3. nice clicks shanthi.. like ur presentation..

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  4. useful post,great clicks..My mom used to make it!!

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  5. Homemade is the best one. Useful post.

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  6. Cool pictures..homemade is best always..

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  7. Wow this is so good. I love the clicks and ofcourse its one of the main ingredient for our kitchen. Nothing like homemade podi. The flavor of turmeric must be too good from the real homemade ones.

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  8. I have been comfortable with store bought turmeric powder, not realizing that making it at home is all the better. I suppose the notion of home made turmeric and must also do the same. Stunning visuals and its so attractive.

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  9. We make home made turmeric too. Never added caster oil though. I suppose in UK it's usually cold so we don't need to add it.

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  10. Castor oil tip is really nice. Very useful post

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  11. should we peel off the skin before drying or grinding the turmeic rhizomes?? also is it necessary to store in home made turmeric powder in fridge?

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    Replies
    1. Hi priya, i used dried turmeric in this recipe. if you store turmeric powder in refrigerator, it will stay fresh for long time but it is completely optional.

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