Turmeric, a popular spice with many health benefits, is not only limited to the preparation of spicy dishes such as curries and sauces. In fact, its versatility and remarkable colour go well with sweet treats too. In this article, we will explore how turmeric can be incorporated into desserts, reveal a simple recipe for turmeric biscuits and reflect on the health benefits it brings to the world of desserts.
Introduction to turmeric
Turmeric, also known as the golden spice, comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. The main active constituent of turmeric is curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant. In addition, it has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years for its many health benefits.
Health benefits of turmeric- Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin helps to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be useful in relieving symptoms of diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.
- Antioxidant properties: Curcumin acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage, thus slowing down the ageing process.
- Digestive support: Turmeric promotes healthy digestion and can help with problems such as bloating, flatulence and indigestion.
- Brain health support: Studies show that curcumin may help protect the brain against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer''s.
- Helping to manage diabetes: Some evidence suggests that curcumin may help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type II diabetes.
Turmeric in desserts
The world of desserts is usually known for its sweet flavours and colourful looks. Adding turmeric to desserts not only brings an extra layer of flavour, but also a colour that refreshes and enriches any dish. Here are some ways you can incorporate turmeric into desserts:
- Turmeric pie:
You can take advantage of turmeric''s golden colour by adding it to pie filling, whether fruit or chocolate. Turmeric will make your pie attractive to look at and delicious to taste. - Turmeric biscuits:
Add turmeric and white chocolate chunks to the biscuit dough to add colour and a slightly spicy flavour. This combination will create a unique harmony of sweet and spicy flavours that is sure to delight your taste buds. - Turmeric panna cotta:
The traditional Italian dessert panna cotta can be enriched with the addition of turmeric. This addition will not only enhance the colour of the dessert, but will also bring new dimensions to the taste. - Turmeric muffins:
Turmeric is a great addition to muffins, adding a rich colour and exotic flavour. They can be combined with carrot, apple or mango sauce for extra flavour. Turmeric chocolate cake:
Make a chocolate cake according to your favourite recipe. Then add about 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the chocolate cake mix before baking. The turmeric will add a subtle spicy flavour and golden colour to the chocolate cake. Decorate with whipped cream or chocolate icing for the ultimate sweet experience.
RECIPE for tumeric biscuits with BAM White chocolate drops
INGREDIENTS:
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
STEP 2
In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, turmeric, baking powder and salt. Mix well.
STEP 3
In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: butter and sugar - whisk until the mixture is creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until the ingredients are combined.
STEP 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients - mix until a smooth dough forms.
STEP 5
Stir in the BAM white chocolate chunks to distribute evenly over the dough.
STEP 6
Form small balls of dough (about the size of a walnut) and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Make sure that the balls are evenly spaced apart, as they will spread during baking.
STEP 7
Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
STEP 8
Once the biscuits are baked, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
Enjoy delicious turmeric biscuits prepared in an easy way that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Turmeric has brought a new dimension of taste and colour to the world of desserts. Its medicinal benefits are a perfect match for the variety of sweet treats that can be prepared at home. The addition of turmeric can enrich the flavour of biscuits, pitas, panna cotta and many other desserts.
Don''t forget to experiment with turmeric and add some vibrancy to your sweet creations with this beneficial ingredient. Turmeric in desserts can be a truly unexpected and delicious surprise for your taste buds and your health.