Turmeric or haldi  is a spice that has been used in the Eastern world for centuries and comes from the turmeric plant.  It’s known internationally as the main spice in curry and has a warm, bitter taste – root is also used to make medicine. It has many benefits including being an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, detoxes the body, is anti cancerous and so much more.

As Pakistanis, we are introduced to turmeric at a very young age. EVERYONE here knows what haldi is

Whether it be in our amazing traditional food, in our milk, or in the ubton you put on brides and grooms on their mayoon.

Americans have finally joined the bandwagon and are starting to incorporate turmeric into their everyday lives.

Other than using it in their makeshift “curries” they have come up with some very practical and creative ways to use it.

News about turmeric being a “superfood” spread like wildfire, especially since everyone and their mom are attempting to lead healthy and clean lifestyles.

With this new health craze people are super interested in what health benefits it can bring them

Turmeric being loved as a health food is definitely not a bad thing – and incorporating it into your diet can make you feel like you’re making super healthy life choices. Hashtag health freak.

There are mixed reviews about turmeric on social media. A number of people are obsessed with it and are chugging jugs of golden milk as we speak. Others don’t have a care in the world and think it’s just another fad

And there’s always the occasional desi who thinks this is all old news.

However as a Pakistani who has been chased by my mom trying to get me to drink haldi doodh – the different recipes and creations that the West have come up with using turmeric are pretty impressive

Turmeric lattes or golden milk

Similar to haldi doodh, these lattes are pretty tasty and a great alternative to your morning coffee. Even Starbucks has a turmeric latte on their menu now. *eyeroll*

The good news is they’re super easy to make. To make a delicious turmeric latte creation follow this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric (the fresher the better)
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cardamon pods
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger
• pinch of pepper

Method:

• Heat the milk on a low temperature. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for three minutes stirring occasionally. Take it off the heat and strain it into two mugs. Froth the top of the milk with a milk frother and enjoy.

Turmeric detox tea

If you want to use turmeric in a not so typical way try out this turmeric and apple cider vinegar detox tea. It’s a very healthy and beneficial  detox tea made with turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and honey.

Turmeric Soup

Adding turmeric to your favorite soup is a great way to add many antioxidants and nutrients to your meal. Mix turmeric into any type of broth that you make or try out this delicious warming carrot ginger and turmeric soup.

Refreshing turmeric smoothies

While turmeric can be very warming, trying it out in a smoothie form is a nice twist. Turmeric can be used in any smoothie of your choice, whether it be fruit or protein based. Try out this refreshing mango, pineapple, and ginger smoothie.

Turmeric face masks

While desis have been using turmeric face masks for as long as any of us can remember, the Western world is now using our much loved haldi in their skincare routines as well. Turmeric has many skin benefits for acne, brightening the skin, and to make your skin glow. Try out these amazing face masks to solve your skin issues.

How do you feel about this new obsession with turmeric? Let us know your thoughts.

Cover image via: flavortrends.com