Turmeric Flowers

Before I started planting them, I did not know that turmeric produces flowers.

I have been fortunate enough to have some flowering turmeric during the last couple of weeks. It is not often that I get a bloom. Sometimes, I do not get any even though the plant has matured and the root is due to be dug up. One has to be patient sometimes I suppose.

I love these flowers. I find them unique and beautiful. The flowers will only last for about 10 days before it starts drying up and turning brown.

Turmeric (the root) is used quite regularly in my house as an ingredient for cooking. I plant them in pots - just like what I do with my ginger plant. I have several pots of turmeric to ensure that I have an adequate supply to last me all year round, and not have to buy any from the local market. Caring for them is similar to a ginger plant - there is not much work to do. After all, they are from the same ginger family.

The turmeric leaves have a distinct aroma. And incidentally, the leaves are edible. There are some local Malaysian recipes that uses turmeric leaves as an ingredient.

More pictures of turmeric flowers here.