Super Food: Turmeric
I love when information about food, raw food and the relationship between food and health is highlighted in mainstream media. I was watching “Good Morning America” on Friday. Dr. David Servan-Schreiber was talking about his new book, “Anti Cancer, A New Way of Life”. One of the first things that he mentioned was how important it was to make your diet comprised mostly of plants. We already know that here, but what caught my attention was his reference to Turmeric. I have hear that turmeric is a healthy addition to your diet but after listening to Dr. Servan-Schreiber, I was inspired to do some more research and develop a recipe that is based on this “super food”.
Turmeric has been called one of nature’s most powerful healers. It has great anti-inflammatory properties which can address symptoms of arthritis. It is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is said to be a digestive aid that will settle the stomach. Turmeric contains a rich source of antioxidants that help fight against free radicals. It also is said to have anti-platelet properties that help protect against strokes and heart attacks. Studies have also shown that it has a beneficial effect on the liver.
Since I am in a major snacking mode, I decided to make a raw food turmeric dip. It is quick, easy and contains great healthy properties from the turmeric along with the other ingredients.
Turmeric Veggie Dip and Appetizer
- 1 cup soaked cashews
- 1 cup young coconut flesh (1 – 2 young coconuts)
- 1/4 cup coconut water (from young coconut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 tablespoons agave
- 1 sliced cucumber
- Optional: other dipping veggies (celery, carrots, etc)
- Place all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth. This will take a bit and you will need to stop and scrape down the sides occasionally.
- Slice Cucumber and pipe the dip onto rounds. Alternatively, cut up veggies and use as a dip. (I sprinkled a little paprika on top for the photo.)
adam wrote on November 28, 2013
hi there tumeric enthusiasts.My gal just wipped up some of this wondrous dip. Delicicious… Rawsome! So just wondering the psoriasis application is that topical?
Shawndra Higgins wrote on September 15, 2013
I’ve heard that turmeric coupled with pepper & coconut oil has helped to clear up psoriasis sufferers. I’ve had gel capsules that contained tumeric in them, but I’ve never TASTED it. Could you please describe the taste of this lovely looking dip. Maybe make some comparisons to other dips if you can? Thanks! 🙂
Susan wrote on September 15, 2013
Since turmeric comes from the ginger family, it does have a little ginger flavor but is more bitter. It is also a tiny bit peppery.
Marilynn wrote on September 30, 2012
Vegan for several years and am new to raw. Where may I get raw coconut and best way to extract the meat? Many thanks! Recipes are wonderful.
Susan wrote on September 30, 2012
I am not sure where you live, so you will have to do some research in your area. Whole Foods carries them as do many Asian grocery stores. For extracting, see: http://www.rawmazing.com/raw-food-all-about-young-coconuts/
carol Prichard wrote on August 19, 2012
Where I am there are heaps of fresh turmeric, I have only ever used the powered kind. H ow can I incorporate the fresh turmeric, grate finely perhaps?
Susan wrote on August 19, 2012
I haven’t used fresh…you will have to experiment. Cheers!
Lorraine wrote on March 1, 2015
Thanks Susan…you just answered my previous question about the recipe. Raw or powdered?
How much raw would I need to just to substitute for this recipe on the turmeric and ginger?
Jonathan wrote on May 28, 2012
Looks wonderful! Will definitely try this!! NB: for orthodox raw foodists, powdered turmeric is prepared by boiling the roots for several hours and then dried in hot ovens–so one doesn’t have to be speaking technically to say that it’s far from raw! (not orthodox here but wanted to mention it for those who care!)
Lorraine wrote on March 1, 2015
Thanks for mentioning that Jonathan, I use raw as I wasn’t sure about powder but I was going to try to dry/rate my own.
KellyPan wrote on March 29, 2012
When you say Agave.. is there any substitute?.. I have raw agave syrup but have never seen agave available in any store around here.. the NW can be on the lean side..especially in the winter months
Susan wrote on March 29, 2012
When I say agave I mean Raw Agave Nectar or syrup. 🙂
Lorraine wrote on March 1, 2015
Why do you trust Agave…I would never eat it.
Susan wrote on March 1, 2015
I don’t use agave as much anymore. this is an older recipe and we haven’t changed the whole site. Cheers!
Susan wrote on February 22, 2011
Depending on how you use it…I would think at least two.
markus leming wrote on February 22, 2011
How many persons is this for? One?