Turmeric has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to its myriad of health benefits. This golden spice has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. With the rise of juicing and smoothie culture, people are now wondering whether they can juice the skin of turmeric – after all, it seems like a waste to throw it away.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a root vegetable that belongs to the ginger family. It is native to South Asia and is widely used in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Turmeric is known for its deep orange-yellow color, which comes from a compound called curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric and is responsible for many of its health benefits.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. Here are some of the health benefits of turmeric:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
One of the main benefits of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidant Properties
Turmeric also has antioxidant properties, which means it can help protect the body against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of various diseases.
Brain Health
Curcumin has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which means it can help protect the brain against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Can You Juice the Skin of Turmeric?
The short answer is yes, you can juice the skin of turmeric. In fact, the skin of turmeric contains many trace minerals that support your health, so it’s actually beneficial to juice the whole root.
Preparing Turmeric for Juicing
To prepare turmeric for juicing, clean the root well with fresh, clean water. If using a cold press juicer like the Slowstar, it’s not necessary to remove the skin. Once cleaned, refrigerate until ready to juice.
Recipe: Turmeric Juice
Here’s a simple recipe for turmeric juice:
Ingredients:
– 1 inch piece of fresh turmeric
– 1 lemon, peeled
– 1 apple
– 1 carrot
Instructions:
1. Wash all the ingredients well.
2. Cut the turmeric, lemon, apple and carrot into small pieces.
3. Put everything through a juicer.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Conclusion
Turmeric is a root vegetable that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may even help protect the brain against degenerative diseases. The skin of turmeric contains many trace minerals that support your health, so it’s beneficial to juice the whole root. Try making a simple turmeric juice at home and enjoy the many health benefits this golden spice has to offer.
FAQ
Is it safe to juice turmeric?
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is widely used in cuisines around the world. It has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and has recently gained popularity in the Western world due to its numerous health benefits. One of the most popular ways to consume turmeric is by juicing it. However, many people wonder if it is safe to juice turmeric.
The answer is yes, it is safe to juice turmeric. In fact, juicing is one of the most effective ways to consume turmeric and reap its many benefits. Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make turmeric an effective remedy for a wide range of health conditions.
Juicing with turmeric is simple and easy. One of the most popular ways to juice turmeric is by combining it with other fruits and vegetables. You can add a small piece of turmeric to your green juice or smoothie, or you can create a turmeric shot by juicing a small amount of fresh turmeric root with lemon, ginger, and honey.
While turmeric is safe to juice, it is important to keep in mind that it can stain your hands and clothing. It is also important to use fresh turmeric instead of dried turmeric powder, as the fresh root contains higher levels of curcumin and other beneficial compounds.
In addition, turmeric can affect the absorption of iron in the body, so it is important to speak with your doctor if you have anemia or any other condition that affects your iron levels.
Juicing with turmeric is a safe and effective way to boost your health and reap the many benefits of this potent spice. Just be sure to use fresh turmeric and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns about its effects on your health.
Can I blend turmeric with the peel?
Certainly! Turmeric is a versatile spice that is commonly used in cooking, juicing, and as a dietary supplement. The peel of the turmeric root has also become popular in recent years due to its nutritional value and added flavor. When it comes to blending turmeric with the peel, the answer is yes, you can blend them together.
Before blending turmeric with the peel, you need to ensure that you clean and rinse them thoroughly. Start by peeling the outer layer of the turmeric using a vegetable peeler until all of the brown, fibrous skin has come off. Next, rinse the turmeric with water to remove any dirt or impurities. Make sure that you gently scrub the turmeric with your fingers to get all the dirt off.
After rinsing, you can then dice the turmeric and place it in your blender with the peel. Remember that the peel has a slightly bitter taste compared to the flesh of the turmeric, but it is also loaded with antioxidants and nutrients. If you are making smoothies or juices with turmeric, using the peel may add an extra zing to your drink.
When blending, make sure you use a high-speed blender to ensure that the turmeric and its peel blend evenly. Adding fruits or vegetables to your smoothie will also help to improve the taste and texture of your drink. Be mindful that the peel of turmeric is thicker and more fibrous than ginger, making it a bit tough to blend. So you may need a good amount of liquid to help it blend well.
You can blend turmeric with the peel. Just make sure you rinse the turmeric thoroughly before dicing it and using a high-speed blender to blend the turmeric and its peel. Adding fruits or vegetables to your blend will help create a better taste, and keep in mind that the peel of the turmeric will add an extra layer of flavor to your smoothie or juice.
How much turmeric can I put in my juice?
Turmeric is a spice that has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. This spice is a rich source of curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Turmeric can be added to a variety of dishes, including juices, smoothies, and teas. If you are wondering how much turmeric you can put in your juice, there are a few things you might want to consider.
Firstly, it is important to note that turmeric has a potent and distinctive flavour. Adding too much turmeric to your juice can make it taste too bitter or spicy, which can be quite unpleasant. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is to start with a small amount of turmeric and gradually increase the quantity until you find a taste that suits your preference.
To add turmeric to your juice, you can use fresh turmeric root or ground turmeric. For fresh turmeric root, you can use about 3– 4 inches of turmeric unpeeled, which is roughly 75 grams. If you are using ground turmeric, one tablespoon can be used to add flavour. Additionally, fresh ginger can also be added to juice to enhance the flavour. About 2 inches of fresh ginger root, or one tablespoon of ground ginger can be added to a juice.
Lastly, it is important to consider the potential side effects of consuming too much turmeric. Some people may experience heartburn, indigestion, or stomach upset if they consume large amounts of turmeric. Therefore, it’s recommended to start with small amounts and observe how your body reacts to it. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking any medications, it’s best to consult your doctor before adding turmeric to your diet.
Turmeric can add flavour and potential health benefits to your daily juices, but it is crucial to use it in moderation and start with small amounts. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the goodness of turmeric without compromising on taste.
