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    Home » Kitchen Essentials » Homemade Turmeric Powder

    Published: Mar 2, 2020 · Modified: Dec 4, 2020 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

    Homemade Turmeric Powder

    Recipe Print
    4 image collage showing trmeric powder and few steps to make it with text overlay
    a masala box with one compartment filled with turmeric powder, spoon on top filled with the same spice powder and text on top
    collage showing what recipes can be made with turmeric powder
    2 image collage of turmeric powder with text in the middle

    Turmeric powder is a popular spice used primarily in Asian cuisines. It also comes with many health benefits. Making it at home is easy and cost-effective.

    top angle shot of a masala box with compartments filled with different spices and one of them is filled with turmeric powder

    Table of Contents

    • What is turmeric?
    • What does it taste like?
    • Watch trending video
    • It's not just a spice
    • Why make it at home?
    • How is it made?
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Important tips
    • Ways to use it in cooking
    • Listen to this recipe on our Podcast Channel!
    • Homemade Turmeric powder
    • Important tips

    What is turmeric?

    It is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Asian food and is known as Haldi in Hindi. Turmeric can be found in the stem of the Curcuma Longa plant.

    The root resembles ginger and is bitter to taste if eaten raw. It's the most popular form of consumption is in its powder form. 

    Curcumin, the main active ingredient in Haldi has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. 

    close up shot of a masala box where one box and spoon is filled with the same

    What does it taste like?

    It is mildly aromatic and has scents of orange or ginger. It has a pungent, bitter flavor. It's slightly warm and peppery flavor, works well with most vegetables and fruits. It’s also gluten- and dairy-free.

    Be it sweet or savory, you can use it in any recipe.

    It's used extensively in cooking and even a small amount aids in digestion.

    Watch trending video

    It's not just a spice

    It can be used in many different ways and not just in the kitchen.

    • It is also used during religious functions in India and is considered very pious in Hindu tradition.
    • It's also used as a natural dye.
    • It does wonders on the skin and is used in many beauty treatments.
    • It has a lot of medicinal properties.
    • It's applied over cuts and burns because it has strong antibacterial properties, which can help heal cuts and protect from infection.
    • Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps heal cold and cough.
    • In Hinduism, we use it even at our weddings. Because turmeric is associated with fertility and prosperity, it is used during the Haldi ceremony at our weddings. The powder is mixed with water to form a thick paste and family members apply it to the bride and groom's face and body. It's a fun-filled pre-wedding ceremony. 
    • In Hindu worship ceremonies, Haldi is used to symbolize both inner purity and inner pride. Turmeric water is offered to the gods in the temples as part of a Hindu ritual called Abhishekam.
    close up shot of a spoonful of turmeric powder

    Why make it at home?

    Back home, it is a common practice to make spice mixes at home. I have seen my grandma, mom, MIL, aunts do this and now I do it too.

    Back then, there were large families staying together, so these spice powders would be made in bulk and stored. Today, however, I make it in small batches based on consumption.

    Besides Haldi, some other frequently made ones are Sambhar Powder, Molagapodi, Garam Masala, and Coriander Cumin Powder

    Most store-bought spice mixes can be:

    • Processed
    • Of poor quality
    • Unnaturally enhanced by adding food color to make it look more authentic
    • Not organic
    • Expensive

    How is it made?

    It is one of the easiest things to prepare this recipe at home.

    • Needs just 1 ingredient - Fresh turmeric root
    • It literally is just a 4 step process - Wash - Boil - Dry - Grind
    • However, the process takes a week
    4 image collage showing the steps to make turmeric powder

    Step-by-step instructions

    1. Wash the roots thoroughly under running water for a minute.
      • Boil water in a pan and then immerse these roots in it.
      • Let it boil for 45 minutes on low-medium flame. Froth will begin to appear at the top.
    2. Drain the water. Roughly chop the roots after they have cooled down completely.
    3. Place a kitchen towel over a disposable plate to soak in the excess water.
      • Spread the chopped roots over it.
      • Do not crowd them, use multiple plates if needed. Spread them out evenly.
      • You need not keep it in direct sunlight all the time. A well-lit, ventilated area by the window should do the job.
      • Leave it there for a week. Keep tossing it every other day to ensure even drying. 
      • Over the week, you will notice that the roots will begin to shrink and get dried up. That is what we want.
    4. Grind into a fine powder.
      • Depending on the power of your food processor or blender, you may want to sift the powder through a sieve and return large pieces to your food mill.
      • Store the freshly prepared spice powder in an airtight container.

    Fresh turmeric has a short shelf life and you have to immediately dry and powder it. It also takes longer to dry but will give you the most authentic spice mix!

    3 spoons filled with turmeric powder randomly placed

    Important tips

    • Where to buy turmeric from?
      • You can find fresh and dried roots in Asian/Indian grocery stores and even leading grocery stores like Publix. You can buy from Amazon as well.
    • Picking the right kind of fresh turmeric roots
      • Choosing good quality turmeric is critical.
      • Get organic, chemical-free fresh roots.
      • Choose big, smooth roots that are mold-free.
    • Why boil the turmeric roots first?
      • Turmeric rhizomes cannot be dried just like that. They need to be boiled first. Boiling softens the roots & makes the drying process quicker.
      • It helps remove the raw odor coming from these roots & helps kill germs present in the soil. 
      • No need to cover the pan while it's boiling.
    • How to make turmeric powder without boiling?
      • Directly use dried turmeric.
      • Grind it to a fine powder using a high power blender.
    • Work with gloves, paper towels and disposable plates to avoid staining your hands and crockery.
      • Tip - In case you do stain your hands while working with it, make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda and apply over your hands. It’s super effective at removing these stains. 
    • How to dry turmeric? Sun-drying method
      • It is a week-long process.
      • It depends on the weather and temperature.
      • Place them by the window sill where there is ample sunlight and ventilation.
      • You can even dry it under direct sunlight or use an electric food dehydrator.
      • Sun dry until the roots become crisp or else the powder will spoil easily.
      • The desired texture is dry and crisp, almost brittle to the touch.
    • How to grind dry turmeric?
      • Use a high powered blender like a coffee grinder or an Indian Blender.
      • Steel or glass jar blenders are preferred because it's easy to clean the stains.
      • Grind when it's still crisp. This will ensure fine grinding.
    • How to store turmeric powder?
      • It stays good easily for 6 months if stored properly in an airtight container.
      • Use a glass jar instead of plastic as it's easy to clean and remove stains.
      • Store it in a cool place.
    • We spoke about this spice mix in our 2nd episode of Cookilicious Kitchen Stories Podcast. You can listen to it here. 
    a masala box with one compartment filled with turmeric powder, spoon on top filled with the same spice powder

    Ways to use it in cooking

    Homemade Haldi has a natural dark yellow-orange color. It is very aromatic and has a strong earthy flavor that you will love.

    Enjoy this non-adulterated homemade spice mix in any recipe. Here are some of my recommendations:

    • Use it in smoothies.
    • Make the famous Golden Milk. This one is dairy-free.
    • Add them to Dal.
    • Flavor curries, gravies, and chili with it.
    • Add color to boring looking dishes like rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, etc.
    • Pancakes and crepes.
    • Add them to soups.
    • Flavor salads.
    • Pump up the pasta.
    • Use as a natural food color.
    • Sprinkle over Avocado toast.
    • Feel free to experiment with it in any sweet or savory recipe.

    Remember, just a teaspoon can go a long way!

    collage showing what recipes can be made with turmeric powder

    So you see, it's easy to make this spice mix from the fresh, raw root. This freshly prepared homemade Haldi is free of any additives and is the real deal!

    If you do try this Turmeric Powder or any other recipe from the blog, please let me know. I welcome your comments, star ratings, tweaks, and suggestions.

    Stay connected on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes and what I’m up to.

    Listen to this recipe on our Podcast Channel!

    Cookilicious Kitchen Stories
    Cookilicious Kitchen Stories

    Ease into Indian vegan/vegetarian cooking and work your way up from simple spice mixes to complex curries.

    Instant Potato Dosa -- A South Indian Delicacy

    My food blog Cookilicious features a collection of detailed, mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan recipes. 

    This is our seventh episode, in which I have shared the recipe for Instant Potato Dosa. This is a delicious breakfast dish from Southern India. 

    Dosa is an Indian crepe that is popularly paired with a condiment called a Chutney. The recipe Ithat I'm going to talk about in today's episode is:

    • Potato Dosa

    This is the Chutney I recommend pairing this Dosa with. I spoke about it in Episode 6:

    • Andhra Style Chutney Recipe

    You will find more chutney recipes on this page:

    • Condiments

    The traditional Dosa recipe is here:

    • Uttapam/Dosa Batter

    These are some more delicious Dosa recipes that you may find interesting:

    • Instant Wheat Flour Dosa
    • Quinoa Dosa
    • Instant Carrot & Oats Dosa/Crepes 
    • Masala Dosa with Sweet Potato Filling

    If you try any of these dishes, then I would love to see photos of your dish - my Instagram handle is @cookilicious.
    If you have any questions or feedback, please write to us at contactthechef@cookilicious.com. 
    If you have been listening to our podcast regularly and like it, then please subscribe so you are aware of new episodes when they come online.

    Instant Potato Dosa -- A South Indian Delicacy
    Instant Potato Dosa -- A South Indian Delicacy
    December 30, 2020
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    top angle shot of a masala box with compartments filled with different spices and one of them is filled with turmeric powder

    Homemade Turmeric powder

    Turmeric powder is an ancient delicious spice used in Asian cuisines. It also comes with many health benefits. Making it at home is easy & cost effective.
    4.6 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: spice powder
    Cuisine: Asian, Indian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Drying time: 7 days
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 1 cup
    Calories: 25kcal
    Author: Priya Lakshminarayan

    Ingredients 

    • 4 lb Turmeric roots

    Instructions

    • Wash the turmeric roots thoroughly under running water for a minute.
    • Boil water in a pan and then immerse these roots in it.
    • Let it boil for 45 minutes on low-medium flame. Froth will begin to appear at the top.
    • Drain the water. Roughly chop the roots after they have cooled down completely.
    • Place a kitchen towel over a disposable plate to soak in the excess water.
    • Spread the chopped roots over it.
    • Do not crowd them, use multiple plates if needed. Spread them out evenly.
    • You need not keep it in direct sunlight all the time. A well-lit, ventilated area by the window should do the job.
    • Leave it there for a week. Keep tossing it every other day to ensure even drying.
    • Over the week, you will notice that the roots will begin to shrink and get dried up. That is what we want.
    • Grind the turmeric into a fine powder.
    • Depending on the power of your food processor or blender, you may want to sift the powder through a sieve and return large pieces to your food mill.
    • Once cooled down, store the freshly prepared turmeric powder in an airtight container.

    Notes

    Important tips

    • Where to buy turmeric from?
      • You can find fresh and dried turmeric root in Asian/Indian grocery stores and even leading grocery stores like Publix. You can buy from Amazon as well.
    • Picking the right kind of fresh turmeric roots
      • Choosing good quality turmeric is critical.
      • Get organic, chemical free fresh turmeric roots.
      • Pay attention when buying turmeric and choose big, smooth roots that are mold-free.
      • Can also use dried turmeric roots to make powder.
    • Why boil the turmeric roots first?
      • Turmeric rhizomes cannot be dried just like that. They need to be boiled first. Boiling softens the roots & makes the drying process quicker,.
      • It helps remove the raw odor coming from turmeric & helps kill germs present in soil. 
      • No need to cover the pan while its boiling.
    • Work with gloves, paper towels and disposable plates to avoid staining your hands and crockery.
      • Tip - In case you do stain your hands while working with it, make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda and apply over your hands. It’s super effective at removing turmeric stains. 
    • How to dry turmeric? Sun-drying method
      • It is a week long process.
      • Depends on weather and temperature.
      • Place them by the the window sill where there is ample sunlight and ventilation.
      • You can even dry it under direct sunlight or use an electric food dehydrator.
      • Sun dry until the turmeric is very crisp or else the powder will spoil easily.
      • The desired texture is dry and crisp, almost brittle to the touch.
    • How to grind dry turmeric?
      • Use a high powered blender like a coffee grinder or an Indian Blender to grind turmeric.
      • Steel or glass jar blenders are preferred because it's easy to clean the stains.
      • Grind when its still crisp. This will ensure fine grinding.
    • How to store turmeric powder?
      • It stays good easily for 6 months if stored properly in an airtight container.
      • Use a glass jar instead of plastic as it's easy to clean and remove stains.
      • Store it in a cool place.
    • How to make turmeric powder without boiling?
      • Use dried turmeric.
      • Grind it to a fine powder using a high power blender.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tbsp | Calories: 25kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 2.9mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share your creation by tagging me on Instagram @Cookilicious using #cookiliciousveg!
    Love watching recipe videos?Subscribe to my Cookilicious YouTube channel now to get your weekly recipe fix - Youtube

    Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. For more information on my Affiliate and Advertising Policy, please click here. 

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    Comments

    1. Shweta Bhatt says

      February 02, 2022 at 4:47 am

      Trying it already. My turmeric is on slow boil. Can't wait to have my home made turmeric!! Thank you so much for this wonderful share!

      One quick question though - can i store dried turmeric for a couple days and then blend it? Or do i have to blend it immediately?!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        February 02, 2022 at 7:23 am

        Thank you so much. Glad you found the recipe useful. Yes, you can. I usually grind it immediately.

        Reply
    2. Jesse says

      November 17, 2021 at 12:12 am

      5 stars
      Very well explained. Turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda (Ancient Indian Medication). I learned about turmeric from iahas.com and since then I am a big fan of this spice. I have tried a couple of tea and milk using turmeric. It tastes good actually. I will add your blog to my list.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        November 17, 2021 at 2:38 am

        Thank you so much.

        Reply
    3. Anand says

      September 20, 2021 at 7:13 am

      So no need to peel the turmeric?

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 20, 2021 at 7:15 am

        Yes, no need to peel it

        Reply
    4. Simran says

      January 02, 2021 at 2:00 am

      5 stars
      I love how you explain the procedure step by step through pictures and text. Such an informative post!!!
      Really liked it!!!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        January 02, 2021 at 4:25 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    5. veenaazmanov says

      September 12, 2020 at 11:24 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a lovely and informative post. Thanks for such wonderful knowledge. Love the health and medicinal benefits it has and the amazing uses too. Homemade is the best.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 14, 2020 at 2:04 pm

        Glad you liked it. Yes, it is a very good and useful spice

        Reply
    6. Adrianne says

      September 12, 2020 at 11:09 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, what a cool recipe. I love the styling and your photography is perfect. I have never even thought to make turmeric powder but you make it look so easy. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 14, 2020 at 2:05 pm

        Thank you so much. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Nart at Cooking with Nart says

      September 12, 2020 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is so cool! I love drying my own herbs and making my own spices!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 14, 2020 at 2:05 pm

        I know right? Making it at home is so much fun

        Reply
    8. Alison says

      September 12, 2020 at 9:05 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! I love turmeric and use it almost everyday! I've never thought to make my own but now I'm going to have to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 14, 2020 at 2:05 pm

        Yes, do try it..its so easy to make

        Reply
    9. Irina says

      September 12, 2020 at 8:46 pm

      5 stars
      I genuinely believe that everything made at home tastes better, and this popular spice is not an exception. Thanks for sharing tips: you just answered to each question possible and impossible. 🙂

      Reply
      • Priya says

        September 14, 2020 at 2:06 pm

        Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply
    10. Ibukun Sola says

      June 05, 2020 at 12:16 am

      Kudos to you for write-up, in fact have made a lot of mistake until I saw this and really helpful, once again tnx u so much

      Reply
      • Priya says

        June 05, 2020 at 12:39 am

        I am so happy to hear that! Thank you

        Reply
    11. Pranit Madke says

      March 17, 2020 at 6:19 am

      Nicely elaborated thanks for the trick, I hope you will not mind the pic of haldi to be used!!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Priya says

        March 17, 2020 at 10:04 am

        Thanks. As far as credit is given to me, you can use the pic. Please let me know once you use it and share it with me as well.

        Reply
    12. Laura Aniamaka says

      March 12, 2020 at 11:03 am

      Thanks for this write-up, it's very helpful.

      Reply
      • Priya says

        March 12, 2020 at 12:21 pm

        I am glad you found it helpful.

        Reply

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