Food & Health

Fresh turmeric is that warm, yellow root that your dadima always relied on when the air got cold, and the nose felt runny. During winters, it's not just a spice – it is comfort, immunity and a bit of earthy flavour in your plate. Where does turmeric actually come from? Turmeric, botanically known as Curcuma longa, has its roots in South Asia and has been cultivated in India for thousands of years. Evidence of the use of turmeric dates back to the Vedic period, when it was part of food, rituals, and traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda. India is still the global turmeric powerhouse, producing and exporting most of the world's supply. In India, major turmeric growing states include Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, which are known for their slightly different aroma, colour and curcumin content. Why is fresh turmeric the best medicine for winter? Winter usually brings low immunity, more respiratory infections, stiff joints and dry, dull skin for many people. This is where fresh turmeric fits into a winter-friendly meal as it naturally supports warmth, circulation and boosts immunity. The chief compound in turmeric is curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help the body fight infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Regular consumption of fresh turmeric can support immunity, joint comfort, better blood circulation and healthy skin – all very useful in the colder months. Winter Health Benefits of Fresh Turmeric Here's how fresh turmeric supports your body during the winter season: Immunity Booster: Curcumin shows antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity, helping the body respond effectively to winter infections like flu, cough and cold. Reduces inflammation and stiffness: Its anti-inflammatory action helps reduce joint pain and muscle stiffness, which many people feel more intensely during cold weather. Better blood circulation: Turmeric is associated with better blood flow, which can help the body feel warmer and more energetic during winters. Aids digestion: Fresh Turmeric aids liver function and digestion, making heavy, oily meals easier to handle. Maintains skin health: The antioxidants in turmeric can help reduce dryness, irritation, and dullness, supporting clearer, more glowing skin even in the dry winter air. Fresh turmeric can be used to add a mild, earthy flavour to turmeric milk, winter pickles (haladi ka achar), curries, chutneys and even warm salad dressings. Why buy fresh turmeric from Nuva? This is where the Nuva steps in – connecting you with region-specific products, including fresh turmeric directly from farmers without unnecessary middlemen. This means less travel time, better handling and a product that retains its natural colour, aroma and nutrients even when it reaches your home. Since the Nuva focuses on region-specific products, the fresh turmeric you get isn't "just another ordinary turmeric" – it is selected based on its growing region, traditional use, and quality. For you, this translates to brighter colours in your curries, deeper flavour in your winter turmeric milk, and better confidence that what you're using in home remedies is closer to what nature intended. How to enjoy The Nuva's fresh turmeric this season?  Here are some simple, cozy winter ideas for using The Nuva's fresh turmeric: ·       Grate a small piece and add it to warm milk, along with a pinch of black pepper and a drizzle of ghee, for a soothing bedtime drink. ·        Add thin slices to your lemon-ginger winter brew (Kadha) for an extra immune-supporting boost. ·        Make a small batch of fresh turmeric pickle in mustard oil with basic spices for spicy and stomach-friendly taste every day in the winter season. With every spoonful of the bright yellow colour, you are not only taking care of your immunity and joints, but also supporting Indian farmers through Nuva's farmer-direct model.   -          Dt. Simran Kushwaha Executive Nutritionist | The Nuva   References: 1.      Turmeric, The Golden Spice – Herbal Medicine. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/) 2.      Turmeric, Potential Health Benefits. (https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2020/01000/Turmeric__Potential_Health_Benefits.9.Aspx?utm_campaign=CHD_revision-de-curcumina-liposomal)