Turmeric root has been used in Indian cooking since ancient times. Recently, it has become popular for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties and other beneficial health effects. At the grocery store, you may have noticed this beautiful orange-colored root next to ginger, but perhaps you have no idea how to treat it. Fortunately, fresh turmeric keeps easily and lasts a long time. If you intend to use it within a few weeks, you can keep it in the refrigerator. If you freeze it, it will last up to six months. Alternatively, you can dry it for use as a powder.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store Fresh Turmeric in the Refrigerator
Step 1. Brush the turmeric root under running water to remove soil residue
It is important to wash it even if you have grown it in your own garden, as it is probably dirty with soil. However, if you have purchased it, you must take into account that it may have traveled a long time before reaching its destination. Wash it thoroughly with hot water to get rid of germs and chemical residues.
Use a vegetable brush or scrub the turmeric with your fingers to remove any dirt. If you use a brush, be sure to reach even the most hidden corners of the gnarled parts
Step 2. Dab the turmeric with kitchen paper to dry it
Mold is one of its worst enemies. If you intend to store it in the refrigerator, the risk of it molding is very high, so it is important to dry it well. Dab it thoroughly with paper to absorb any excess moisture.
Step 3. Wrap the turmeric in dry kitchen paper and seal it in a food bag
After drying it, wrap it in a sheet of absorbent paper without tightening too much. The paper will absorb any residual moisture, preventing mold from forming. Place the root wrapped in a food bag, squeeze it to let all the air out, and then seal it.
Alternatively, you can place it in a paper bag and wrap it around it to protect it from the air. The bag will perform the same function as kitchen paper by absorbing excess moisture
Step 4. Return the turmeric bag to the refrigerator
Place it in a visible place so you don't forget to have it available. By taking these precautions, turmeric should last up to 2 weeks.
If you notice mold is forming, cut off the moldy part and replace the paper
Method 2 of 3: Freeze Fresh Turmeric
Step 1. Brush the turmeric root under running water to remove soil residue
The root may have traveled a long time after it was pulled out of the ground. Wash it thoroughly with hot water to get rid of possible chemical residues and germs.
Use a vegetable brush to remove any dirt and make sure you reach even the most hidden corners of the gnarled parts
Step 2. Dry the turmeric well
Since you intend to freeze it, you need to make sure it is completely dry. Blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel before placing it in the freezer.
Drying the root well helps prevent cold burns. This phenomenon makes foods unpleasant to the eye and palate, so it is worth making an effort and thoroughly drying the root to avoid having to throw it away after storing it for months in the freezer
Step 3. Cut the turmeric
If you cut it into small pieces, it will be more versatile once frozen. Consider how much you need for the recipes you intend to prepare (or for a cup of herbal tea) and cut the root into small pieces, so that you can individually take them out of the freezer at the time of use. If you are unsure of the size, start by cutting it into 5 cm pieces.
Turmeric leaves a residue on the skin that makes it yellow / orange. Use gloves if you want to avoid it. Don't touch your clothes until you've removed your gloves or washed your hands. Use hot water and a few drops of detergent to get them clean again
Step 4. Place the pieces of turmeric in a bag suitable for freezing food
Use a zip lock bag and roll it around the turmeric before sealing it to let out as much air as possible.
Step 5. Return the bag of fresh turmeric to the freezer
Place it in an easily visible spot so you don't forget you have it available. Once frozen, it will last up to 6 months. Write the expiration date on the bag with a permanent marker so you don't forget it.
- Once thawed, the turmeric will have a slightly softer texture than normal, but the flavor will have remained intact.
- If you don't want to wait for the turmeric to thaw when you're ready to use it, you can grate it with a blade grater, such as the "microplane".
Method 3 of 3: Dry the Fresh Turmeric
Step 1. Wash the turmeric root
Rub it under warm running water to get rid of germs and any residual chemicals. For best results, you can use a vegetable brush.
The root will need to be peeled before drying, so don't worry if any dirt remains
Step 2. Peel the turmeric with the vegetable peeler to remove the zest
The properties are contained in the orange pulp, therefore peeling the root you will get a better product. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the dry, thin rind. Since the root is generally lumpy like ginger, you will need to work from different angles to be able to remove all the zest.
Don't worry if you can't peel the root perfectly and small bits of zest remain along the gnarled parts
Step 3. Cut the turmeric into even, thin slices
If the slices are regular and thin, they will dehydrate faster and evenly. Try to be precise so that they dehydrate simultaneously.
Turmeric leaves a residue on the skin and makes it yellow / orange. Use gloves if you want to avoid it. Don't touch your clothes until you've washed your hands or removed your gloves
Step 4. Arrange the turmeric slices in the trays of the dryer
Arrange them in the trays neatly, making sure they don't touch each other. Leave enough space for hot air to circulate around the slices so that they dehydrate properly.
Step 5. Set the temperature to 40 ° C and dehydrate the turmeric for 4 hours
Turn on the dryer and forget about the turmeric until the timer runs out. When 4 hours have passed, locate the largest slice and see if it is properly dehydrated. If it is ready, the process is finished. If not, remove from the trays only the thin slices that are ready and let the thicker ones dry for another 1-2 hours.
Step 6. Grind the turmeric into powder with the spice grinder
When the turmeric slices are properly dehydrated, grind them into a powder a little at a time. Proceed several times until you have ground them all.
- From time to time, transfer the turmeric powder to the airtight jar in which you intend to store it.
- You can also use a coffee grinder, but as long as it's new, otherwise the turmeric or whatever spice you decide to grind will taste like coffee.
Step 7. Store the turmeric
Dehydrated and powdered it can last up to a year. Store it in an airtight container so that it keeps all its properties intact. You can use a glass jar, a plastic food container, or the empty jar of a perfectly clean and dry baby food.
