An ancient Indian spice, it has a (pungent) distinct earthy, slightly bitter, hot peppery and a mustardy fragrance and gives a beautiful golden hue to various curries. Grown as a rhizome, turmeric has curcumin as its active ingredient that has medicinal properties. It is anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and a natural antibiotic. It lowers cholesterol and is widely used in Ayurvedic treatment.