Powdered Turmeric or Fresh Turmeric for Golden Paste?

Turmeric is a powerful root that has been used for thousands of years as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive aid. The star in curries, broths, and soups, turmeric not only enhances the flavour of warming comfort meals but has a wide array of health benefits.

Its golden yellow colour comes from curcumin—the main compound in turmeric that delivers many health benefits such as reducing inflammation, alleviating joint pains, and lowering cholesterol levels. But, you may be wondering which type of turmeric is better? Dry or fresh and especially for making the Golden Paste recipe? In this blog post, we’ll explore the difference between powdered and fresh turmeric so you can make an informed decision.

Turmeric Powder

Dried turmeric is typically made by peeling, boiling, and drying fresh Turmeric. Once this process is complete, the turmeric is usually then sold ground or in its whole form. This process can cause turmeric to lose some of its volatile essential oils and pungency but ground turmeric powder has a higher concentrate of curcumin content, turmeric's main active compound. It is easier for the body to absorb when bloomed in heated water and oil and blends effortlessly into a paste. Turmeric Powder is best for golden paste recipes, long-term storage and cooked dishes, soups, curries, and stews where using fresh turmeric would require a lot to provide the same flavour.

Things to watch out for when purchasing Turmeric Powder

When purchasing powdered turmeric check out your local ethnic and speciality spice shops. Often these shops have fresher stock with faster turnover than your regular supermarket. Pay special attention to the freshness and aroma of the turmeric powder. Old turmeric powder typically loses its pungency over time so if it’s possible take a quick smell to determine the quality of your turmeric. In addition, be aware low-cost brands can occasionally contain fillers or lack verified purity. Where possible always purchase organic turmeric. 

Fresh Turmeric

A close relative of fresh ginger, fresh turmeric has a close similar resemblance. You can purchase the rhizomes whole, or cut them into discs or even matchstick-shaped pieces. Depending on how old the fresh turmeric is, it could have a dry outer layer that should be gently peeled away to reveal the bright orange flesh underneath. Fresh turmeric root contains a bright, vibrant, slightly citrusy flavor. It does yield a lower concentration of curcumin per volume roughly 1 tablespoon of freshly grated root for every 1 teaspoon of ground powder. If you choose to use fresh root instead of powder for golden paste, it's recommended to use 3 times the amount. Fresh turmeric is best for raw applications like fresh juices, smoothies or quick teas where volatile aromatics matter most.

Things to watch out for when purchasing Fresh Turmeric

When selecting fresh turmeric, choose smooth, firm roots and store in the fridge, unpeeled, in a zip-lock bag. When you’re ready to use, cut off both ends and peel gently. Firm rhizomes are often the freshest whereas withered or squishy turmeric usually indicates the turmeric is old.

Both fresh and dried turmeric provide health benefits and both fresh and powdered are excellent in their own right. For making the Golden Paste recipe, high-quality turmeric powder is the standard and most effective choice. It delivers a higher, more concentrated level of bioavailable curcumin, dissolves uniformly when cooked with water and fat and creates a smooth, shelf-stable texture. Always cook the turmeric powder with water to release starches before including a healthy fat and freshly cracked black pepper to unlock maximum turmeric curcumin absorption. The Golden Paste recipe aids bio-availability and absorption as turmeric and it’s active compounds including curcumin are not easily absorbed by the body of both people and pets.

For GT Turmeric Golden Paste, we only use high-quality, certified organic turmeric with +5.1% curcumin, the industry standard for turmeric containing between 5.1 and 9 percent of curcumin.  Most turmeric available in retail only contains around 2 to 3% curcumin content and it's unfortunate turmeric with a higher curcumin content is not readily available.

Updated from Original Article Courtesy of Turmeric Health USA, Australia & NZ as Published in Scoop News 

Ready-made GT Turmeric Golden Paste Original and for Pets, endorsed by Dr Doug, is not just a premium bioavailable formulation for maximum absorption and health benefits. It’s created using Dr Doug’s Golden Paste recipe, but also includes organic turmeric with higher than regular curcumin content and additional quality health ingredients, delivering a proven natural health supplement, without the mess and staining. 

It’s bioavailable formula for better absorption  fights inflammation, supports joint health, boosts immunity, aids digestion and cellular disorders, supports heart and liver health, eye, skincare and coat health, protects against viral infections, promotes mental health, improves cholesterol, supports disease prevention, is an antioxidant and is anti-aging for people and anti-aging for pets especially dogs.