Curcuma

Turmeric rhizomes

Description

Any of various Old World plants belonging to the genus Curcuma. Curcuma is used to produce a yellow, water-soluble dye that has been used as a colorant and flavoring since ancient times. Most often the name has been used synonymously with Turmeric, but it may also refer to Crocus powder, and Saffron.

Synonyms and Related Terms

turmeric; saffron; crocus; curcumin; cúrcuma (Esp.); curcuma (It., Port.)

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 184
• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
• Wikipedia: Curcumin