Question

For This Forum: You are to find a plant product that we use every day, and do not pick one that your classmates have already chosen. - Need 300 plus words on below topics

Make sure to include the product name in the title of your forum post so that others can quickly see what you have chosen.

Do some research and address the following: From what plant does your product come? Include the common and scientific name (properly formatted). What is the product? What does it do? How do we extract it from the plant. Describe in detail. What is the primary use: medicinal, ceremonial, etc.? Are there commercial fields for the plant? Where? Are there any substitutes for your product? If there is no information, feel free to take an educated guess and support it. What is the most fascinating thing you learned about your product?

Answer 1

"Turmeric - The Golden plant product"

Turmeric - the ancient and sacred spice of India, also known as curcumin and Indian saffron. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin (diarylheptanoid - It is a tautomeric compound exist in enolic form in organic solvent and in keto form in water). It is a herb obtained from turmeric plant. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa. It is a member of Zingiberacae family and has long been used in Ayurvedic medicines.

This species is found in south Asian region predominantly in Eastern Himalayan requires temperature of 20-30 degree celcius and considerable amount of rain.

It is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes that gives color as well as taste to the food. It is the root (rhizome) of the plant. According to the Unites States Department of agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon of turmeric contains:

• 29calories
• 0.91grams if protein
• 0.31grams fat
• 6.31grams carbohydrate
• 2.1gram fiber
• o.3 gram sugar
• 26% daily mangnese needs
• 16% iron
• 5% potassium
• 3%vitamin C

Extraction of the product: Take the root of the plant and break it into small pieces. Spread the broken pieces in a plate and cover it by a thin cloth or a net. Let it dry under the Sun for 2-3 days. After drying, grind it properly. Store it in a glass jar and the powder now can be used for any purpose.

It acts as a dietary supplement in inflammation; cancer; arthritis; stomach, liver and gall bladder problems etc.It is an active color ingredient, an antioxidant, improve skin health helps in wound healing, boosts immune system, etc.

It is also an indicator of acidity and alkalinity. It is yellow in acidic and neutral pH and brown to reddish brown in alkaline pH.

Haldi ceremony is a prewedding ritual in a country like India. India is a largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric. Andhra Pradesh has the highest productivity of turmeric in India.

Saffron, curry powder and ginger are the best substitutes for turmeric.