Organic Turmeric!
Posted Friday August 30, 2019
Turmeric, known locally as Olena in Hawaiian is one of nature’s greatest superfoods. Not only is the rhizome tasty, it also offers a plethora of medicinal properties. Turmeric produces a natural compound called Curcumin that has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Current studies show that cancer, heart disease, and diabetes might be treatable and prevented through the use of Curcumin.
Rumored to have been grown in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, turmeric records date back thousands of years. Originating in Southeast Asia, the plant spread around the globe via the spice trades. Known as a canoe plant, the Hawaiian ancestors brought turmeric to the islands on their voyage across the sea. Ancient Hawaiians believed the rhizome to have Mana (supernatural power).
Unlike much of the produce we consume today, turmeric is truly an old world plant. With little to no intrusion from the modern world, this is as natural as food gets.
This is an exciting time of year on the farm! So many brilliant colors. The picture in this weeks post depicts the current growing stage of our turmeric. We’re a couple months off from starting the bulk of our harvest and we dig a few rhizomes weekly to monitor progress and crop health. Checkout that natural creamsicle orange color!