Learn how to grow Turmeric at home, discover its characteristics, the necessary care and its main uses in cooking and health traduzido por: OPENROUTER
Submitted at Jul 28, 2026, 11:00 AM
Açafrão-da-terra. (Magnific/Divulgação)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), popularly known as Indian saffron, is a plant that goes far beyond its role as a spice. Easy to grow and visually stunning, it can be part of vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, and even balcony pots, offering ornamental leaves, delicate flowers, and rhizomes rich in aroma and flavor. Below, discover how to plant, care for, and enjoy this versatile species.
Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, the same as ginger and cardamom. Its origin lies in South and Southeast Asia, especially India, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Açafrão-da-terra. (Divulgação/Divulgação)
The species grows from underground rhizomes, structures responsible for storing nutrients and giving rise to new plants. Above the ground, it develops large, green, elongated leaves that can exceed one meter in height, along with ornamental inflorescences in shades of white, green, or pink. The main highlight, however, is the rhizome with its intense yellow-orange color, rich in curcumin, the compound responsible for the plant's characteristic hue.
Flor de açafrão-da-terra. (H. Zell/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)
Growing turmeric is relatively simple and can be done either in pots or directly in the garden, provided the plant is given favorable conditions for its development.
Use firm, healthy rhizomes, preferably with small buds already visible. They can be found at farmers' markets, grocery stores, or natural products shops.
The plant prefers fertile, light soils, rich in organic matter and with good drainage. A mixture of topsoil, organic compost, and sand usually delivers excellent results.
Bury the rhizome about five centimeters below the surface, keeping the buds facing upward. When using pots, choose wide and deep models to allow underground growth.
Keep the soil slightly moist at all times during the growth phase, avoiding waterlogging, which can cause the rhizomes to rot.
Turmeric enjoys temperatures between 20 °C and 35 °C and well-lit projects. Harvesting usually occurs between eight and ten months after planting, when the leaves begin to dry naturally.
Although quite adaptable, turmeric performs best in outdoor areas, where it receives good lighting and air circulation. Ideally, cultivate it in places with morning sun or partial shade, protecting it from the intense afternoon sun in warmer regions.
Açafrão-da-terra. (Horta Jardim e Cia/Divulgação)
As it is a tropical plant, it does not tolerate frost or very low temperatures for long periods. Regardless of the chosen location, maintaining fertile soil and regular watering is essential for the healthy development of the rhizomes.
Turmeric is a traditional ingredient of Asian cuisine and today is part of recipes around the world. Its fresh rhizome can be grated into preparations such as soups, stir-fries, sauces, rice, vegetables, juices, and teas, while the powdered version is widely used in seasonings, marinades, and blends such as curry. In addition to the slightly earthy flavor and the golden color it lends to food, the plant is also the subject of various scientific studies due to the presence of curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.
Risoto de Açafrão. (Giallo Zafferano/Divulgação)
Despite the promising results, many benefits still depend on additional research for clinical confirmation. Culinary consumption is considered safe for most people, but the use of supplements or large amounts should be guided by a healthcare professional, especially for individuals taking anticoagulant medications or with specific health conditions.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Chrys Hadrian.
traduzido por: OPENROUTER
