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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Turmeric flowers refer to the blooms of the Turmeric plant. The funnel-shaped flowers are white, yellow or pink. They bloom between pale green, leafy bracts, or modified leaves, of the plant. The entire floral structure is conical in shape, and is around 12 centimeters in length. Both the flowers and vegetative bracts are edible, and have a pungent fragrance. They have a delicate texture and taste, not unlike butter lettuce. They have faint notes of the piquant spiciness that one associates with the Turmeric root.
Seasons/Availability
Turmeric flowers are available in the summer months.
Current Facts
Turmeric flowers come from the common Turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), as well as other varieties like White Turmeric (Curcuma zeodoaria) and Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza). Turmeric flowers are considered to be a rare item, as the Turmeric plant does not blossom frequently.
Nutritional Value
Turmeric flowers contain curcumin, the compound found in the Turmeric root and which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Turmeric flowers also are a rich source of essential oils, especially p-cymen8-ol, which has been found to reduce microbial contamination and rancidity in foods.
Applications
In Malaysia and Indonesia, Turmeric flowers are used in traditional raw vegetable salads known as “ulam”. In an ulam salad, Turmeric flowers are sliced finely and paired with green beans, bean sprouts, onions, dried shrimp, red chiles, peanuts, and grated coconut. Turmeric flowers may also be cooked with rice to impart an aromatic fragrance. Turmeric flowers are highly perishable, and should be used on the same day that they were bought. To store Turmeric flowers, place them in a bag in the refrigerator, where they will last for around a day.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Turmeric flowers are also known as Bunga Kunyit in Malay, and as Olena in Hawaii. They are so beautiful that songs have been dedicated to them. Pua Olena, a Hawaiian tune used for hula dances and ukulele performances, tells of a Turmeric flower that is “kissed by misty summer rain”.
Geography/History
Turmeric is likely to have originated in India, and by 800 CE had spread to many parts of Asia and Africa. Turmeric was used as a dye and as a medicinal herb by the Egyptians as early as 1500 BCE. It was described in Ayurvedic texts around 250 BCE. Turmeric thrives in warm, humid climates. Today, large-scale cultivation of Turmeric takes place in India and Southeast Asia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Turmeric Flowers. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Zizira Explorers |
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White Turmeric Flower Salad |
