If I had only a single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without much hesitation choose the Indian spice turmeric. There is little that it cannot do in the realm of healing and much that no other herb is able to accomplish. Turmeric has a broad spectrum of actions, mild but certain effects, and is beneficial for long term and daily usage. Though it is a common spice, few people, including herbalists know of its great value and are using it to the extent possible. It is an herb that one should get to know and live with. "Turmeric, the Ayurvedic Spice of Life," should be part of the library of every herbalist or anyone interested in plants and spices. Turmeric is indeed the spice of life. It carries the energy of life to our entire being and connects us to the beneficent forces of this conscious universe in which we live. It is also perhaps the most useful, and certainly the most commonly used Ayurvedic herb. Turmeric is a good place to start studying and using Ayurveda and a good herb with which to take a new lease on life. Dr. David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri) Author, Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization, Ayurvedic Healing

Turmeric has been used as a medicine, a condiment, and a dye since at least 600 B.C., while ginger has been used extensively throughout history for its medicinal purposes. The Agronomy and Economy of Turmeric and Ginger brings these two important plants together in one reference book, explaining their history, production techniques, and nutritional and medicinal properties in detail. This book is intuitively organized by plant and use, allowing quick access to information. It puts the uniquely Indian use and history of turmeric and ginger plants into a global context of production and economic aspects. It explores the plants from a botanical perspective, and goes into details of their chemical composition as well. Rounding out the book are chapters on disease and pest control issues. The book is a valuable resource for those involved in the production and marketing of these plants, as well as those looking for more information on the medicinal and nutritional properties of turmeric and ginger. The first book to bring together extensive information about turmeric and ginger Incorporates medicinal, nutritional and agricultural aspects of the two plants Offers a global perspective

For a long time there has been a critical need for a book to assess the genomics of tropical plant species. At last, here it is. This brilliant book covers recent progress on genome research in tropical crop plants, including the development of molecular markers, and many more subjects. The first section provides information on crops relevant to tropical agriculture. The book then moves on to lay out summaries of genomic research for the most important tropical crop plant species.

This small book explains in detail growing practices and health benefits of three prominent members of Ginger family such as ginger, turmeric and Indian arrowroot. Ginger is tropical and subtropical in its growth habit. It is grown for its aromatic rhizomes which are used as a vegetable, a spice and as a traditional medicine. Ginger rhizomes are often called ‘ginger root’ though it is not actually a root. As in case of all plants belonging to ginger family, turmeric also prefers tropical and subtropical moist climate for its growth. Turmeric plant is an herbaceous perennial crop mainly grown for its edible rhizomes which are used as an important spice, condiment and dye. Turmeric is also known as ‘Indian saffron’. Indian arrowroot is cultivated as a root crop just like ginger and turmeric for extracting arrowroot powder. Arrowroot powder is believed to have numerous medicinal properties.

This book discusses the various aspects, from production to marketing of turmeric and ginger, the world’s two most important and invaluable medicinal spice crops. The book begins with their origin and history, global spread, and goes on to describe the botany, production agronomy, fertilizer practices, pest management, post-harvest technology, pharmacology and nutraceutical uses. The book presents the economy, import-export and world markets involved with reference to turmeric and ginger. It would be a benchmark and an important reference source for scientists, students, both undergraduate and post graduate, studying agriculture and food sciences and policy makers. It would be of great interest to professionals and industry involved in spice trade.

Containing over 70 international recipes, Turmeric is a cookbook dedicated to one of the most versatile and ancient spices. Originally grown in India and southeast Asia, turmeric is often called a "wonder spice" because of its remarkable curative properties and health applications. But it is the unique, peppery, and earthy taste that has made it so popular across the globe. All of the rich history, recipes, and medical properties of this wonder spice have finally been collected in a single cookbook and resource. In recent decades, medical researchers began noticing a lower rate of certain diseases in countries whose inhabitants regularly consume turmeric-rich dishes. Studies have found evidence for turmeric's therapeutic advantages as related to preventing or treating Alzheimer's, arthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive problems, liver disease, stroke, and infections. Turmeric has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which might well be why it has long been used as a panacea. Readers will find a dazzling array of exotic yet straightforward recipes in Turmeric for soups, snacks, meats, seafood, vegetables, and even pickles and chutneys. These delicious and nutritious dishes will quickly add wonderful flavor to any meal while also promoting lifelong healthy habits.