Mold on Turmeric Root
There is a particular type of mold that commonly grows on turmeric root. Turmeric root is a spice used in natural supplements and traditional Asian cooking that has been found to have numerous health benefits, from easing chronic joint pain to preventing macular degeneration. But it can sometimes also be home to a particularly nasty kind of mold.
Identification
If you see any discoloration, unusual markings or other abnormal features on the turmeric root, do not use it. In addition, if you see a fuzzy-looking mold on it that is anywhere from bright white to light yellow in color, throw it away. Possible signs of this potentially dangerous type of mold include:
• A fuzzy appearance that may be white or yellowish-white in color; its texture may resemble low-grade cotton or felt paper. This is especially true in areas that show excessive moisture, as water-based substances are capable of causing it to become fuzzy.
• The mold may be blackish-brown or reddish-brown in color, depending on the type of plant material on which it is growing.
• The mold may cause the turmeric root to turn black or brown in color.
• The mold may cause the turmeric root to turn blue or greenish-blue in color.
• The mold may be growing all over the root, so that it is completely covered.
This particular species of mold often appears on turmeric roots when they are stored for an extended period of time in damp, dark environments. It is also commonly found on other types of root vegetables including carrots, parsnips and potatoes.
Symptoms of Mold on Turmeric Root
If you suspect that you have mold on your turmeric root, then there are a few signs and symptoms you should look out for. These include:
• A metallic or foul odor when the root is cut open. This odor is not typically strong enough to cause a person concern about consuming the root in its normal state, however.
• A growth of mold that is surrounded by a red-orange halo. This is sometimes mistaken for a tomato halo, which is the ring of red color around the outside edge of a cut tomato and happens when it comes into contact with iron.
• An unusual taste that can range from mild to terrible, depending on the stage of rot the root is in.
Telling the Difference Between Mold on Turmeric Root and Mold on Other Ingredients
Since turmeric root is often found to be covered in mold, it can be difficult to tell what other types of mold are present. However, there are several signs that you can look out for which will help you distinguish between the likes of mold on turmeric root and those that are common in more commonly used ingredients.
Here are some of the most common signs you should look for when determining whether turmeric root is covered in mold versus mold that is more common on other types of ingredients:
• The appearance of any mold will always be different from that of the normal turmeric root. Turmeric root generally has a light yellowish-white color, occasionally with a reddish tinge, while other types of mold may have a black coloration.
• The mold you see on turmeric root will have a rough texture, whereas other forms of mold are generally smooth.
• Since turmeric root is usually covered in a red-orange halo, it will be easy to tell the difference between mold on turmeric root and that which is more common on other types of ingredients. If the halo does not surround the entire root with its reddish color, then this is likely a sign that you have mold on your ingredient.
• The mold on turmeric root will almost always grow in patches, while the common forms of mold usually appear as growths that are more scattered across the surface of the ingredient.
• If multiple types of mold are present on a particular ingredient, then there is a chance that you may have multiple types of symptoms. In this case, look for major differences between the colors and textures of the mold in order to be able to distinguish between them. While it is possible to find mold on turmeric root, especially if it has been stored incorrectly in a damp, dark environment, mold on turmeric root is more commonly found in traditional Asian cooking. It is normally eaten as part of curries and other spiced dishes. Many recipes call for grating the root, so that the turmeric spice can be released from it before adding it to the dish.
However, some people do not find this to be an appealing side effect of eating common dishes that include turmeric root. For this reason, many of them choose to add powdered turmeric to their food as opposed to using whole roots.
Preventing Mold on Turmeric Root
There are a few steps you can take in order to prevent mold from forming on your turmeric root. These include:
• Keeping your spices stored in a cool, dark place so they can stay fresh for longer periods of time; this especially benefits turmeric root since it is often used in time-sensitive cooking dishes.
• Always making sure you store your spices in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting to them.
• Buying smaller quantities of turmeric root at a time when possible so that it is not left in storage for longer than necessary. This will help ensure that you do not have to throw away moldy turmeric roots, as mold on turmeric root often starts forming after three months or more of storage.
• Buying the freshest turmeric root possible. It is important to buy turmeric root that has not been refrigerated. This may be beneficial in some ways, as it will keep the root from becoming too watery as a result of being refrigerated. However, this can create a problem if you have found mold on your root and want to use it in cooking immediately. In this case, you will have to remove all of the moisture from the root before using it in a dish.
One of the best ways to prevent mold on turmeric root is to store it properly. If a turmeric root has been stored in a moist area, then you may be prone to finding mold at some point.
In this case, follow these tips for storing your turmeric root:
• Buy organic turmeric root at your local grocery store or bulk foods outlet if possible.
• Store your spices in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting to them.
• Use glass containers when storing turmeric root, and never use metal containers as this can lead to the growth of mold down the line. If you have found mold on your turmeric root, then try using plastic containers for storage. However, if you are worried about the plastic retaining odor and causing problems for those who are allergic to it, then you will need to be very careful about using it with turmeric root.
Read more: How to juice turmeric root