Turmeric Powder (Haldi)

Adulteration of turmeric powder is unfortunately a common problem, and can include the addition of fillers such as starch or other powders, or the use of artificial dyes to enhance the color. Here are a few tests that can help identify the presence of adulterants in turmeric powder:

1. Water test: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm water and allow it to settle for 15–20 minutes. Pure turmeric powder will settle at the bottom of the glass. Impure turmeric powder or fillers or other adulterants will float on the surface or create a cloudy appearance.
2. Paper test: Put a small amount of turmeric powder on a piece of white paper and sprinkle a few drops of water on it. If the powder leaves a yellow stain on the paper, it is likely pure turmeric. If the color appears green, blue, or red, this may indicate the presence of artificial dyes.
3. Iodine test: Mix a small amount of turmeric powder with a few drops of iodine solution. If the mixture turns blue or black, this may indicate the presence of starch fillers, which react with iodine in this way.
4. pH test: Mix a small amount of turmeric powder with water to make a paste, and then dip a pH test strip into the mixture. Pure turmeric powder typically has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. If the pH is outside this range, it may indicate the presence of an adulterant.

Botanical name: Curcuma longa 
English: Turmeric 
Hindi: Haldi 
Bengali: Holud 
Gujarati: Haldi 
Kannada: Arishina 
Kashmiri: Lidar 
Konkani: Halad, Ollod, Ollodi 
Marathi: Halad 
Malayalam: Manjal 
Oriya: Haldi 
Punjabi: Haldhor, Haldhar, Haldi 
Sindhi: Halda 
Tamil: Manjal 
Telugu: Pasupu 

• Curry Sauce: The rich, bitter flavor of turmeric is a crucial component in many different Indian cuisine dishes. 
• Soups: You can enhance the flavor of your mirepoix by adding some grated or powdered turmeric. 
• Stews: To add a flavorful kick to a stew, sizzle aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger with some turmeric. 
• Milk: To prepare a soothing drink, just warm milk with honey and a pinch of turmeric to give it a golden glow.  
• Grains: To add an Indian flair to grains like quinoa or rice, add some raisins, cashews, and a bit of turmeric when cooking. 
• Roasted veggies: Drizzle with olive oil and then toss with turmeric before putting those bite-sized pieces of broccoli, carrots, or potatoes in the oven. 
• Scrambled Eggs: Swap the salt for turmeric instead of flavoring your eggs with pepper and salt. 
• Smoothies: Honey, coconut water, and various fruits, including pineapple, blueberries, and mango, work well together when adding a dash of turmeric.

• Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and promotes wound healing. As per a study conducted on adults with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin, a component of turmeric, was even more beneficial than an anti-inflammatory medicine (1). 
• Several brain disorders and age-related declines in brain function may be delayed or even reversed by curcumin. As stated in an article by Forbes Health, curcumin could also aid in the prevention or alleviation of the signs and symptoms of other neurodegenerative illnesses, including dementia, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease (2). 
• It can help prevent cancer. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute stated that curcumin had demonstrated its ability to combat cancer in the lab and, more subsequently, in the clinic. (3). 
• It may also aid in the treatment of arthritis, a common ailment characterized by joint inflammation. According to Robert H. Shmerling, MD, a Senior Faculty Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, curcumin could be effective for knee osteoarthritis (4). 
• It boosts the body's antioxidant capacity, which aids in treating several skin conditions. Studies on animals and cells indicate that curcumin may restrict the activity of free radicals and promote the activity of other antioxidants (5). 
• Curcumin can help reverse several stages of the heart disease process. Numerous research indicates that curcumin can improve heart health and decrease the risk of a heart attack (6). 
• Curcumin has shown some potential in the treatment of depression. According to a tiny research, curcumin is equally effective as an antidepressant because it can help boost BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels, which are lowered by depression (7).