I don’t really do resolutions anymore, because I realize something about myself (which is probably true of a lot of people) and that is – I have no trouble starting something, but sticking with it is a whole other matter.  This doesn’t stop me from trying something new!

“Yo, I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want”  I want to be a Spcie Girl!  It’s because I want to use more spices in my cooking and which one to start experimenting with?  In the last few years, turmeric has been gaining popularity in the supplement world because of its powerful active compound curcumin, which is actually a golden orange hued pigment.  It has antioxidant,  anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties and may even be instrumental in slowing down the effects of Alzhiemer’s disease.  It has also supports the liver as a detoxifier.

Turmeric is definitely worthy of being called a superfood, and more precisely super spice.  Turmeric is what gives curry its distinctive deep orange colour. I make curries every once in a while, but I think it’s time to incorporate more of it into my life.  Besides eating more curry, how else can it be consumed?  Then I came across a turmeric drink and Bam!  That’s it.  So I’ve created an easy tea version that I’ve been making a few mornings a week.  Fresh turmeric seems to be more available. Now that I’ve tried it fresh, there really is no comparison to the dried powder.   The flavor of fresh turmeric is quite fruity and pungent.  If fresh is not available then by all means use the powder.  Black pepper is added in my drink because it helps the body absorb the benefits of the turmeric.  Cayenne is included to help with increasing metabolism.  We know how good ginger is for you from our Ginger post. And then, there’s lemon which offers a great myriad of benefits ie. supporting the digestive system, detoxification, balances pH levels…just to name a few.  This tea has a pleasant fruity zing to it that will give you zip in the morning!

Turmeric Tea serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1 t. grated fresh turmeric (or 1/2 t. dried)
• 1 t. grated fresh ginger
• 1 T. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 t. cayenne powder
• a few grinds of black pepper

Directions:

• Put all ingredients in a mug and add hot water.

If I could be one of the Spice Girls, it would of course be Ginger Spice, since Turmeric Spice doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.  So here is a toast to the New Year and to your Health!  {Ginger Spice, aka Kake}