Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that comes from the root of the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisine and has become very popular in recent years for its potential health benefits. Many people are interested in finding ways to incorporate more turmeric into their diet, including adding it to fresh juices made with a juicer. But can you actually put turmeric powder into a juicer? Let’s take a look at the facts.
Benefits of Turmeric
First, it’s important to understand why someone would want to add turmeric powder to their juice in the first place. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which gives the spice its vibrant color. Curcumin has been studied extensively for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research indicates that curcumin may:
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Improve antioxidant capacity
- Ease arthritis symptoms
- Enhance digestion
- Support liver health
- Promote cardiovascular health
- Have anti-cancer properties
Adding turmeric powder to juices provides a concentrated dose of these important nutrients. Juicing turmeric along with fruits and vegetables can boost the nutrient density and potential health impact of your juice.
Challenges of Juicing Turmeric
While there are certainly benefits to consuming turmeric juice, there are some potential challenges as well.
Texture
One issue is texture. Turmeric has a gritty, earthy texture. When added to juice, even in small amounts, it can create a grainy or sandy mouthfeel that some find unpalatable.
Taste
Turmeric also has a very strong, bitter, earthy flavor. It’s often described as slightly peppery. Even a teaspoon can overwhelm the flavors of fruits and veggies in your juice, leaving a very bitter, medicinal taste.
Color
The vibrant golden color of turmeric can temporarily stain juicers as well as hands and clothes. Be prepared for your juicer and countertops to turn yellow if juicing turmeric powder.
Important Considerations
There are two very important considerations when it comes to juicing turmeric:
1. Use fresh turmeric root
The dried and ground turmeric powder poses more challenges for juicing than fresh turmeric root. The fresh root has higher moisture content, is less gritty, and has a milder flavor. If you want to juice turmeric, start with fresh turmeric root instead of powder whenever possible.
2. Juice in small quantities
Turmeric powder is very concentrated and the typical serving size is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. Be mindful of adding too much turmeric powder to your juice, as it can quickly make the juice very overpowering. Start with just 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon and adjust from there.
Can You Juice Turmeric Powder?
Now to answer the key question: yes, you can add turmeric powder to your juicer, but you need to follow a few best practices.
Best Practices for Juicing Turmeric Powder
If you want to include turmeric powder in your juices, here are some tips:
- Use a high-power juicer able to handle grinding spices
- Mix the turmeric powder with a small amount of water first to form a paste
- Add the turmeric paste to your juice rather than dry powder
- Juice strong-flavored ingredients like ginger and lemon to mask bitterness
- Start with just 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder first
- Strain the juice if you don’t want texture from the powder
- Consider juicing fresh turmeric root instead for better results
Best Juicers for Turmeric Powder
You’ll get the best results juicing turmeric powder using a powerful juicer with a strong motor and blades. Here are some recommended models:
| Juicer | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Omega J8006 | Slow masticating juicer with strong gear reduction equivalent of 2HP motor |
| Tribest Slowstar | Vertical masticating juicer with 200W motor and duo-blade auger |
| Breville 800JEXL | Centrifugal juicer with 1000-watt motor and titanium reinforced cutting disc |
Sample Turmeric Juice Recipes
Here are a few juicing recipes that incorporate turmeric powder:
Golden Milk Juice
- 1 orange, peeled
- 2 carrots
- 1-inch piece fresh turmeric root or 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger root
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
Anti-Inflammatory Tonic
- 1 cucumber
- 5 celery stalks
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 2-inch piece fresh turmeric or 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1-inch piece ginger
- 3 leaves kale
- 1/2 apple
Turmeric Cleanser
- 1 apple
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 1-inch piece fresh turmeric or 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
- 1-inch piece ginger
- 5 leaves Swiss chard
- 1/2 cucumber
The Bottom Line
While juicing turmeric powder is possible with the right juicer, for the best results it is recommended to juice fresh turmeric root instead. This will provide the benefits of turmeric without the strong flavor, gritty texture, and staining caused by the dried powder. If you do use turmeric powder, mix it with water first and add very small amounts to strongly flavored juices.
Drinking fresh juices with fresh turmeric can be an easy way to gain more of the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health promoting properties of this bright yellow spice. Just be mindful of adding too much turmeric powder at first and adjust the amount to suit your tastes.
