EXPLORE THE MYSTIQUE OF TURMERIC AND SUMAC: HEALTH, BEAUTY, AND EXOTIC FLAVOR -- ALL IN ONE SPICE CABINET!

Food Network star Alton Brown is a huge fan of “multi-taskers” – kitchen gadgets that have more than one function. But what about food multi-taskers? 

The experts at Pereg, a leading producer of all-natural spices from around the world, love to celebrate seasonings that do more than make dishes taste delicious.

Take turmeric and sumac, for instance. Both have been revered for their versatility since ancient times. Not only do they lend their distinctive flavor profile to the cuisines of their respective origins, but they have properties that benefit us inside and out.

Get to know these jewel-colored spices that also lead double lives as health and beauty aids.

TURMERIC

A cousin of ginger, turmeric is made from the root of a tall plant that’s native to Asia and Central America and is the key ingredient in curry. The bright orange-yellow rhizome has been used by many cultures as a dye, which will come as no surprise to anyone who has ever gotten it on their hands or clothes.

Image credit;independent.co.uk

But it is also super high in antioxidants and has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat pain, digestion, and inflammation. Some scientists claim it may be helpful in preventing memory loss and clogged arteries.

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Indian women have used turmeric for centuries as part of their beauty routines. It can lighten dark circles under the eyes, lighten skin tone, reduce facial oils, control psoriasis and eczema, and even heal wounds and reduce scarring.


Turmeric for Beauty

“A Turmeric Mask will minimize your pores, smooth your skin, make your skin appear fuller and plumper,” says Cosmetologist Leah Sperber. “It will also help with exfoliating.” She shared the following tip on Cindy’s Corners with blogger Cindy Grosz:

Turmeric Beauty Mask

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. Greek yogurt

1 tsp. Pereg Turmeric

Heat the honey for 15 seconds. Combine with Turmeric in a dish. Add Greek yogurt and mix well. Use a spatula or gloves to apply the mask to your face (using your fingers can cause them to stain yellow). Leave on for 25 minutes. It will harden and appear dry. Rinse with warm water in a circular motion.

Turmeric in the kitchen

Earthy and slightly pungent, turmeric adds an intriguing layer of warmth to meat, poultry, or soup. Use it to add a punch to chicken cutlets.

Chicken Schnitzel

10 pieces chicken tenders
3 eggs, mixed well

1 cup canola oil
½ cup flour
2 cups Pereg Fine Panko Crumbs
1 tsp. Pereg Turmeric

Combine panko and turmeric. Heat oil in frying pan and reduce heat to medium. Dip the chicken tenders in flour to coat. Dip into the egg, then the panko crumbs. Fry on each side for 3 minutes until golden brown. (Recipe courtesy of Cindy Grosz.)

SUMAC

The Ancient Greeks used sumac as an antiseptic, while Native Americans used it to fight colds, fever, and scurvy. Known as a powerhouse of antioxidants, it is used to treat urinary tract inflammation and boost circulation. Its tannins are thought to be anti-carcinogenic. Sumac is said to combat cardiovascular issues, menstrual cramps, and many types of bacteria and fungi. It can even drain sinuses and lower blood sugar levels.

Sumac in a compress

A sumac compress can help reduce bleeding, oozing, and infection from wounds, according to herbalists. They also say it’s excellent for the treatment of burns and to treat ringworm.

Sumac in the kitchen

The deep, red berries of the sumac bush are dried and ground into a zesty powder that pairs beautifully with meats, poultry, fish, and more. Think lemon, but less tart and fruitier. Use it in any dry rub or dust it over hummus, rice, feta cheese – even popcorn. Sumac is a staple in many traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes such as za’hatar, fattoush salad, and this classic kebab.

Kufta Kebabs for a Crowd

7 lbs of ground meat

3 Tbsp. Pereg Sumac
3 Tbsp. Pereg cinnamon
2 Tbsp. Pereg cumin
2 Tbsp. Pereg salt
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
7 cloves crushed fresh garlic
½ cup seltzer

Mix everything very well until combined. Shape by hand into torpedoes. Put on a baking sheet and refrigerate for an hour before grilling. (Mixture can be frozen.) (Recipe developed by KosherMoms.com.)



ABOUT PEREG NATURAL FOODS

Pereg was established in 1906, and is based in Clifton, NJ. They first became known for their vast variety of pure and natural spices and spice blends, more than 60 in all, from traditional favorites to exotics from around the culinary world.

Today Pereg produces an array of all-natural products that includes ancient grains and ancient grain blends, gluten free pasta, couscous, rice, gluten-free cereal and much more. Pereg Natural Foods products are available at select retailers throughout the US and Canada, and on their website, www.pereg-gourmet.com.