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I love turmeric. It’s one of my favorite herbs and I eat it in some form every day.
Both dried and fresh turmeric are great for you and provide a wide range of health benefits. Read all about the health benefits of turmeric here.
If you can find fresh turmeric, it’s a real treat. The flavor is absolutely delicious (I think). I add it to soups, stews, stir-frys, and even juice it or add it to your smoothies. Look at your local Asian or Indian grocery stores for fresh. If you can’t find it there, you may be able to find it online.
This idea for candied turmeric and turmeric syrup actually came from a reader who left a comment on my Facebook page asking if it was possible.
Well, I wasn’t sure, but I decided I wanted to find out.
And oh boy, am I glad I did!
Not only is the candied turmeric delicious, but the syrup is amazing! It’s so good that I like to just sip it off the spoon, but since I am trying to keep the sugar intake to a minimum, I fight the urge to do so. 🙂
You could use the syrup in stir-fry sauce (like teriyaki, orange chicken, etc.), but my new favorite way to use it is in my second water kefir ferment. YUM!
- 1 pound fresh turmeric
- 1½ cups honey
- 1½ cups filtered water
- Wash your turmeric and peel if desired. I personally don't peel it. I just scrub it really well.
- Slice it very thin or chop into small chunks.
- Place in a small saucepan and cover with the honey and water.
- Bring to a simmer and reduce to low heat.
- Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove lid and let summer on low heat for another 30 minutes or until the turmeric is tender when you poke it with a fork. The syrup should also be reduced by about half.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Pour the mixture through a strainer and let the syrup completely drip off the turmeric pieces.
- Once drained completely, spread the turmeric pieces out in a single layer on a wire rack or a sheet pan covered with wax paper. The wire rack works best if you have one.
- Let the turmeric sit out for at least 12 hours or until it has started to dry. You could also use your dehydrator on low for about 8 hours if you prefer.
- Transfer to an airtight container. I store mine in the fridge and it will keep for quite a long time.
- Enjoy as a healthy little sweet treat, or come up with creative ways to incorporate it into your cooking or baking!
Tell me, have you ever tried candied turmeric? Did you like it? Leave a comment below!
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I’ve had candied tumeric before…absolutely love it! The tumeric syrup is new and I can’t wait to try it. It would be great in a stir-fry or a curry!
It is SO good Emily! I hope you enjoy! 🙂
I love this!!! What a great idea! Pinning, sharing, making… 🙂
Thank you Marjorie! 🙂
This sounds amazing! I wish fresh turmeric wasn’t so hard to come by around here!
It can be tough to find here too. I had to go to three different Asian markets before I finally found some!
How yellow does this make your teeth and hands after eating it?
Hi Erin – The turmeric will stain your hands (and cutting board), but it does not stain your teeth, at least in my personal experience. It will come off of your skin and cutting board after a few washings. Don’t get it on your countertops though. Depending on the material your countertop is, it can permanently stain. Hope that helps!
I haven’t been able to find your post in regards to the 2nd ferment water kefir using honey turmeric. Would you please direct me to where I might find it. I did however find the list of flavors for the 2nd ferment. I will be trying several of those!!!
Hi Dona – I don’t have a blog post on that, as I just recently started doing that. You could just add a tsp or two into your second ferment. Adjust the amount depending on your own tastes. Hope that helps!
I am curious if u can use swerve or some erythritol instead of honey. I too am keeping my sugar in check. Doing a keto / primal diet and monitoring sugar judiciously! But i do enjoy some swerve treats occassionally!
Hi Dnos – I’m not sure it would work, but you’re welcome to give it a try! Let me know if you give it a try!
I think your ratios are off. I think it should be 1 cup of turmeric to 3/4 cup of honey and water each. 1 pound of turmeric is 4-5 cups.
Hi Phyllis – Thanks for your comment! The ratios are correct. It is one pound of turmeric per 3 cups total of liquid (honey and water), as described in the recipe! Enjoy!
Hello, so at the end of this what I do with.the.strained liquid, Is it good.for.cooking
Hi Tinu! You can use it in all sorts of recipes (baked goods, smoothies, etc.). I like adding a bit to some sparkling water with lemon or lime. YUM!
Just made candied ginger and wondered about doing the same with turmeric and found your post. Have you tried drying out finished turmeric in low heat oven to dry out?
Hi Shari! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, you could use your oven, though most ovens are not going to go below 170 degrees. You may need to play with a thermometer and leaving the door cracked to get a lower temp. Around 100-120 would be ideal. Hope that helps! Enjoy! 🙂
Instant Pot Recipe anyone:
Cook the above in instant pot for 10 to 15 minutes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes
Hi Rahul! Thank you for sharing your technique with us!! 🙂