Within the ginger plant genus, there are around 80 plant species that are known as turmeric or also yellowroot and saffron. Some species are grown in gardens and on window sills not only for their tubers, but also for their magnificent flowers.
How can you grow turmeric yourself?
To grow turmeric yourself, you should use tubers grown indoors before moving outdoors. Make sure you have an evenly warm location, high humidity and a well-drained substrate. The rhizomes can be harvested in autumn and used for cooking or propagation.
That's why growing turmeric is worth it
Most people in this country have already seen a turmeric plant in a garden store and admired its flowers sitting on a false stem made of leaves. In contrast to many other flowering plants with similarly showy flowers, turmeric is not poisonous. Unfortunately, a lack of knowledge about how to care for these plants means that they are often hastily thrown into the compost heap after the leaves die. It is surprisingly easy to grow the saffron root yourself as a decorative summer flower or for using the rhizomes in the kitchen.
With the right care, the saffron root multiplies almost by itself
The turmeric tubers should, if possible, be grown indoors before moving outdoors so that the frost-sensitive plants can really get started in May. The location should be as evenly warm as possible and have comparatively high humidity. Locations with all-day sun next to house walls should be avoided, as the hot, dry conditions can “burn” the plants. The substrate should be able to store moisture well, otherwise it will have to be watered very regularly. A single rhizome of the saffron root can grow to a weight of up to 1.5 to 3 kg by autumn. This must be dug up in good time before the first night frosts and left in the house over the winter.
Different uses for home-grown turmeric tubers
You can use your home-grown and harvested turmeric tubers for different purposes:
- for propagating and growing new plants in the following year
- as a spice and colorant
- as a fresh seasoning ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking recipes
The use of the finely ground powder from dried turmeric tubers to color food yellow has a long tradition and is still very important today.
Tip
Saffron or turmeric has long been said to have various positive effects on human he alth. There is only disagreement in science regarding the inhibitory or beneficial effects on cancer cells through the consumption of turmeric. As with all other foods, the consumption of turmeric should always be in balance with other foods.
