We were some years ago given some turmeric which we planted into pots and put in the garden room. This year the growth has been fantastic (no flowers earlier on). So as we do some hampers that contain produce from our garden we thought we should include some turmeric. However not sure as to the best way to harvest and keep the turmeric in order to give to our family and friends. Any suggestions as always much appreciated.
I think I would treat it like fresh ginger root and put a couple of inches in each parcel. Fresh ginger keeps for a fair while even without being refrigerated.
Be warned - others may not realise the potent dye that turmeric contains. It can have a pretty permanent effect eg on pale work surfaces! So I would suggest a label on the chunk of turmeric warning them. I peeled and frozen mine in chunks wearing rubber gloves...
Thank you all. Yes I am very aware of the colour staining and even with wearing thin gloves the colour came out onto my hands. Never thought about freezing them.
tumeric makes for a good dye with cotton based stuff but it leeches slowly so dont wash it with other stuff. I dyed string with it to make gold decorations for christmas. just a small amount of powder (i guess crush the live root instead), in with some boiling water and the string for 13 hours and bobs your uncle.
