Word Of The Day: Turmeric

Turmeric is an edible root with a tough brown skin and orange flesh common in Asian cooking. Sometimes referred to as "Indian saffron" because of its deep yellow-orange hue, the spice in its powdered form is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry (and the reason you can't get that curry stain out of your shirt). The earthy, bitter, slightly peppery flavor has a mild fragrance reminiscent of ginger.

Turmeric has been widely recognized for its numerous health-promoting characteristics, as it has natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties, in addition to being packed with antioxidants. And for those of you experiencing the winter blues, herbalists use turmeric as a remedy for colds when grated and mixed with hot water, lemon and honey.

Use today's Word of the Day: Golden Chicken With Potatoes & Chickpeas