Question

From which part of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), the turmeric powder is obtained?

Answer 1

Curcuma longa or turmeric is a member of the family Zingiberaceae. Turmeric is extracted from the part of the plant that is present beneath the plant. It grows parallel or horizontal to the soil surface and bears nods, internodes, buds and scaly leaves. Apart from turmeric, it is also seen in ginger, banana and ferns.

Complete answer:
Turmeric is a rhizome that is native to India and has a number of uses. Turmeric powder is obtained from the stem of the turmeric plant. Turmeric is a perennial herb having a tuft of leaves. Externally, the rhizomes are raw sienna, while the interior surface is orange in color. They possess the characteristic smell and are somewhat bitter to taste. Its rhizome consists of a central bulbous portion bearing a number of fingerlike lateral offshoots.
Curcumin may be a component of turmeric that has been most studied for its anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric is one of the most important spices, food preservatives, and coloring agents in Asian countries. It is also used in the traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda.
Turmeric may be a good host for several pathogenic microorganisms and bug pests. Rhizome rot and leaf spot are the important diseases of turmeric. The use of Bordeaux mixture or the other nonmetallic fungicide has been suggested as a remedy. Turmeric is used to some extent as a stomach ache, tonic, and blood purifier. The juice of the fresh rhizome is employed as an antiparasitic for several skin diseases. Turmeric's oil that is distilled from the dried rhizome, shows antiseptic properties.

Note:
Turmeric cultivated within the hills is claimed to be of a far better quality than that raised within the plains. Cultivation of turmeric requires a hot and moist climate, a liberal water system, and a well-drained soil. Rhizomes are basically of two types: Rootstocks and Straggling rhizomes.