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Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary /ˈzɛdəʊərɪ/, white turmeric, or temu putih) is a perennial herb and member of the genus Curcuma, family Zingiberaceae. The plant is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia but is now naturalized in other places including the US state of Florida.[2] Zedoary was one of the ancient food plants of the Austronesian peoples. They were spread during prehistoric times to the Pacific Islands and Madagascar during the Austronesian expansion (c. 5,000 BP).[3] Its use as a spice in the West today is extremely rare, having been replaced by ginger, and to a lesser extent, yellow turmeric.
Food
The edible rhizome of zedoary has a white interior and a fragrance reminiscent of mango. However, its flavour is more similar to ginger, except with a very bitter aftertaste. In Indonesia, it is ground to a powder and added to make white curry pastes, whereas in India, it tends to be used fresh or in pickling. In Thai cuisine it is used raw and cut in thin strips in certain Thai salads. It can also be served cut into thin slices together with other herbs and vegetables with certain types of nam phrik (Thai chilli pastes). It is also used in India to flavour dals and chutneys.
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- White turmeric (Curcuma zedoaria, zedoary, temu putih) is a rhizome with a white interior and a fragrance reminiscent of mango. It is used as a spice, for example in white curry pastes in Indonesia, and in traditional herbal practice.
- The rhizome contains curcuminoids and essential oils, which show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests.
- In traditional folk practice and traditional cosmetics in Southeast Asia, white turmeric is used for skin and hair care (for example in masks and scrubs), for digestive complaints and for menstrual discomfort. These are traditional uses only. There is no sufficient scientific proof for effects on wrinkles, acne, skin pigmentation, hair loss or any other condition. People with sensitive skin should test a small area first.
- Laboratory studies have examined extracts of white turmeric in relation to cancer cells, inflammation and allergic reactions. These are early findings from cell and animal studies, and no health effect in people can be concluded from them. White turmeric is not a means to prevent or treat any disease.
- Women who are pregnant should avoid larger amounts of white turmeric. If you take medication or have a health condition, please ask your doctor first.
Sources:
Wikipedia