fresh turmeric

What is Fresh Turmeric (amba halad) ? Glossary | Uses, Benefits, Recipes Viewed 152311 times
Also Known as
Amba hald, ambahalad

What is fresh turmeric, amba haldi, ambahalad?


Fresh turmeric has unlike other members of the ginger family used in Thai cooking; fresh turmeric is pleasantly mild and does not have a sharp bite. On the other hand, it has a very loud color - deeply orange inside an orange-tinged beige-brown skin. Turmeric is much smaller than ginger, the fleshy root composed of a fat cylindrical rhizome tapered on both ends, from whose sides branch two opposite rows of short, slender finger like appendages from one to three inches in length. Growing both straight or curved, smooth or knobby and gnarly, the "fingers" break easily from the parent root and are more often found in markets as unattached members.

Fresh turmeric has a distinct flavor, very pleasing though delicate. Another variety, known by some as "white" turmeric, is consumed by Southeast Asians and available from some of their markets during late spring and summer. Its flesh is a lighter color than common turmeric; its flavor, however, is not as subtle, and some roots can be quite pungent. Southeast Asian cultures not only cook with this turmeric but eat the young roots raw or blanched, dipped in spicy sauces.

Chopped fresh turmeric
Wash and peel the fresh turmeric gently with a peeler. Place it on a chopping board and thinly slice them using a sharp knife. Stack all the slices one above the other and then cut into vertical strips or juliennes. Combine all the julienne pieces/ strips together and make horizontal cuts at regular intervals to get chopped fresh turmeric. You can finely chop of roughly chop the fresh turmeric.
Sliced fresh turmeric
Wash and peel the fresh turmeric gently with a peeler. Place it on a chopping board and thinly slice them into roundels by cutting across the chopping board using a sharp knife. It would be best to separate out the fingers and then cut each finger individually to get fresh turmeric roundels. Slice them thinly or thickly as the recipe requirement and use it as a garnish or for recipes like salads.



suggestions to choose fresh turmeric, amba haldi, ambahalad
Fresh turmeric roots are sold in the markets. When purchasing fresh amba haldi, make sure it is firm, smooth and free of mold. It is generally available in two forms, either young or mature.

Culinary uses of fresh turmeric, amba haldi, ambahalad in Indian cooking

fresh turmeric and ginger pickle recipe | kachi haldi ka achar | haldi adrak ka achar | Indian style ginger turmeric pickle |

fresh turmeric and ginger pickle is an Indian winter special pickle which carries umpteen health benefits. Learn how to make kachi haldi ka achar. 

The soothing taste of fresh turmeric and the spiky flavour of fresh ginger make for a fabulous pickle! While fresh and tender, you will find the texture and taste of ginger in Indian style ginger turmeric are very enjoyable. Although mild, you can still feel your taste buds tingle when you bite into a piece.

To make fresh turmeric and ginger pickle, combine all the ingredients in a deep bowl and mix well. Transfer it to an air-tight glass jar, close the lid and set it aside in a cool, dry place for 4 to 5 hours for the flavours to blend well. Serve or store refrigerated in the same glass jar. It stays fresh up to 6 months when refrigerated.  


· Fresh Turmeric Leaves its zesty mark. Hands get stained yellow very easily, hence take care while chopping. Use of gloves can be done.
· Gujaratis love the pickle made out of amba haldi. For that, remove the skin from fresh mature amba hald, peel with a paring knife. It can be sliced, minced or cut into juliennes, cur into roundels and can even to finely or roughly chopped as per recipe requirements. Add the juice of fresh lime and let it marinate for three days. Enjoy with choice of your favourite dish.
· Few tablespoons of chopped turmeric with Basmati rice in a little coconut milk and water. The grains did not turn color and the turmeric kept its texture and taste.
· Fresh turmeric is also interesting with fresh corn cooked in coconut milk.
· It tastes good with chopped in a potato or egg salad, or cut in fat slices and substituted for carrots in a soup.
· When added to foods, its carrot orange actually imparts a bright yellow color.
· The pretty color and delicate flavor of fresh turmeric is well-loved in the southern region of Thailand, where it is extensively used in curries, soups, stir-fried dishes, fried foods, snacks and desserts.
· It has a delicate flavor that is simply exquisite - fuller, subtly more complex and much more pleasant than the dried or powdered varieties
· 250 gm of fresh turmeric in equal proportions of the yellow and white roots (the white variety is called amba-haldi and has the flavouring of raw mango). 6 lemons Salt to taste For Tempering 2 tsps oil, 1 tbsp brown mustard seeds, 1 tbsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp black gram dal (washed urad dal); picked over and rinsed 1 tbsp Bengal gram dal (yellow split peas, chana dal); picked over and rinsed 1 red chilli (halved) 1/2 tbsp asafoetida powder, A few curry leaves, Salt to taste Procedure: Clean, wash and brush the fresh turmeric. Peel away the outer skin and let it dry completely. Grate the turmeric or cut into thin slices if you prefer. Add juice of lemons and salt to taste. Put it away in a jar and refrigerate. It can stay for weeks. The pickle can be consumed with all kinds of food, rice and dal, vegetables and chappatis.

How to Store fresh turmeric, amba haldi, ambahalad
Fresh turmeric can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks if it is left unpeeled. The fresh rhizomes store well if kept dry in the refrigerator - wipe dry if they are damp, then wrap with a paper towel before placing in a zip lock plastic bag.



Health Benefits of fresh turmeric, kachi haldi, amba haldi, ambahalad

Fresh turmeric is available in abundance during the winter season. It’s main compound curcumin exhibits many health benefits. It helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Kachi haldi also protects the cell damage and helps fight infections. It can help fight the bacteria and virus. Consumption of raw turmeric also benefits the digestive tract by enhancing digestion. Lately, turmeric has also been known to fight various chronic diseases like cancer and arthritis. 

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