Description

Curcuma longa L. Syn. C. domestica Vol., commonly known as turmeric, in Sanskrit 'Haridra' in Hindi 'Haldi' is one of the most important spices crops. Turmeric, the golden spice of life is one of the most essential spices used as an important gradient in culinary all over the world. It is a multipurpose crop valued for its medicinal properties, a coloring pigment and spicy flavor. The sacred spice of Asian countries is the rhizome of Curcuma longaL. is a herbaceous perennial. It is the third important spice crop of India, next to chilies and black pepper. The genus Curcuma longa L. is considered to be a triploid with a somatic chromosome number of 63 (2n=3x=63) belonging to the family Zingiberaceae.The tremendous increase in the demand of turmeric has emphasized commercial cultivation using scientific technology.India is the largest producer, exporter and consumer of turmeric in the world and accounts for more than 82% of the world trade.Turmeric is valued globally identified with human civilization, religion, customs and it finds use both in developed and underdeveloped countries as a condiment, food colorant, dye in the textile industry, drugs and medicine.