Turmeric Turmeric “the golden spice of life” is one of most essential spice used as an important ingredient in culinary all over the world. Turmeric is a spice commonly used as an important ingredient in most commercial curry powders. It can be used as a substitute for saffron. In India turmeric is used as a condiment. It is used to flavour and colour butter, cheese, margarine, pickles, mustard, liquor, fruit drinks, cakes, table jellies, fruit dishes, other foodstuffs and also as a food adjunct in many vegetables, meat and fish preparations. Turmeric is more of a medicine than spice.