The Food Chain - Turmeric: the golden spice

Turmeric has been revered for thousands of years, not just for its mellow taste but for its golden colour and its supposed health giving properties.

Rumella Dasgupta looks at its history, its uses in food and medicine and talks to scientists who've studied the spice. She finds out what they've learned about its fabled medicinal qualities and whether it's really worth paying for expensive turmeric lattes and turmeric supplements.

Featuring Dr Kathryn Nelson, Professor Amit Garg, Ragini Kayshap and Seema and Sarla Nagpaul.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

Produced by Lexy O'Connor

Image: a teaspoon of golden turmeric powder sits on a spoon, against a bright green background. Credit: G/ Getty Simonkr

Published on Thursday, 6th November 2025.

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