Lakadong Turmeric: The World’s Finest Spice from Meghalaya

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in various cuisines, especially in India. It is also known for its medicinal and health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. However, not all turmeric varieties are the same. There is one type of turmeric that stands out from the rest: Lakadong turmeric.

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What is Lakadong Turmeric?

Lakadong turmeric, also known as U Chyrmit Lakadong, is a variety of turmeric that is found in the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India. It is named after the village of Lakadong, where it is mainly cultivated. Lakadong turmeric is considered to be one of the world’s finest and most potent varieties of turmeric, due to its high curcumin content.

Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow colour and its various health benefits. Curcumin is also responsible for the slightly bitter taste and earthy aroma of turmeric. The average curcumin content of generic turmeric is around 2 to 3%, while Lakadong turmeric has a curcumin content of 7 to 12%. This means that Lakadong turmeric has more colour, flavour, and health benefits than regular turmeric.

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Where is Lakadong Turmeric Grown?

Lakadong turmeric is grown in the hilly terrains of Meghalaya, a state in North East India. Meghalaya has a cool and humid climate, abundant rainfall, fertile soil, and rich biodiversity, which are ideal conditions for growing turmeric. The farmers of Meghalaya practice traditional and organic methods of farming, without using any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. They also use heirloom seeds, which are passed down from generation to generation, to preserve the purity and authenticity of Lakadong turmeric.

The cultivation of Lakadong turmeric involves a lot of care and labour. The farmers prepare the land by clearing the weeds, bushes, and other vegetation, and then plough and beat the soil to a fine tilth. They make ridges and furrows and drop 2-3 seed rhizomes of Lakadong turmeric into the pits and then cover them with soil. The sowing of seeds takes place in March-April when the showers begin. Throughout the nine months of crop duration, weeding is undertaken at periodic intervals depending on the intensity of weed growth. The harvesting of Lakadong turmeric takes place in December-January when the leaves turn yellow and dry. The farmers dig out the rhizomes carefully and wash them thoroughly. They then boil them for 45 minutes to an hour and then dry them in the sun for 10 to 15 days. The dried rhizomes are then sorted and packed for further processing.

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How is Lakadong Turmeric Different from Other Turmeric?

Lakadong turmeric is different from other turmeric varieties in several ways. Some of the distinctive features of Lakadong turmeric are:

• It has a higher curcumin content than other turmeric varieties, which makes it more effective in preventing and treating various diseases and disorders.

• It has a brighter and deeper yellow colour than other turmeric varieties, which makes it more appealing and attractive in food and beverages.

• It has a stronger and more pleasant flavour and aroma than other turmeric varieties, which enhances the taste and smell of dishes and drinks.

• It has a longer shelf life than other turmeric varieties, which makes it more durable and reliable. Lakadong turmeric can last for 2 to 3 years when stored under optimal conditions.

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What Makes Lakadong Turmeric So Special?

Lakadong turmeric is special because of its unique geographical origin, its ancient and organic cultivation methods, and its superior quality and potency. Lakadong turmeric is grown in a pristine and pollution-free environment, where the soil, water, air, and biodiversity are rich and pure. Lakadong turmeric is cultivated using traditional and natural farming practices, which preserve the authenticity and freshness of the spice. Lakadong turmeric is processed using minimal and gentle methods, which retain the colour, flavour, and health benefits of the spice. Lakadong turmeric is a rare and precious spice, which is highly valued and sought after by consumers across the globe.

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What are the Health Benefits of Lakadong Turmeric?

Lakadong turmeric has a number of health benefits, owing to its high curcumin content and other phytochemicals. Some of the health benefits of Lakadong turmeric are:

• It boosts the immune system and helps fight infections and diseases.

• It reduces inflammation and pain in the body and joints.

• It improves digestion and metabolism and helps prevent and treat gastrointestinal disorders.

• It protects the liver and kidneys from toxins and damage.

• It regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels and helps prevent and manage diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

• It prevents and inhibits the growth of cancer cells and tumours.

• It enhances mood and memory and helps prevent and treat depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

• It heals wounds and scars and improves the skin and hair quality.

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What are the Cons of Lakadong Turmeric?

Lakadong turmeric is generally safe and beneficial for most people, but it may have some cons for certain individuals and situations. Some of the cons of Lakadong turmeric are:

• It may cause allergic reactions in some people, such as skin rashes, itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties.

• It may interact with some medications, such as blood thinners, anti-diabetic drugs, or anti-depressants, and cause adverse effects.

• It may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people who have bleeding disorders or who are undergoing surgery.

• It may lower the blood pressure or blood sugar levels too much in people who have hypotension or hypoglycemia.

• It may worsen the symptoms of gallstones or bile duct obstruction in people who have these conditions.

• It may cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting in some people, especially when taken in large doses or on an empty stomach.

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Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using Lakadong turmeric, especially if you have any medical condition or are taking any medication. It is also recommended to use Lakadong turmeric in moderation and with caution and to follow the dosage and directions given by the manufacturer or the doctor.

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Lakadong turmeric is a remarkable spice that has a lot of advantages and benefits for health and wellness. It is a rare and premium variety of turmeric that is grown in the beautiful and bountiful state of Meghalaya, India. It has a high curcumin content, which makes it more potent and effective than other turmeric varieties. It has a bright and deep yellow colour, a strong and pleasant flavour and aroma, and a long shelf life, which make it more appealing and attractive in food and beverages. It has a number of health benefits, such as boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, protecting the liver and kidneys, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol, preventing and inhibiting cancer, enhancing mood and memory, healing wounds and scars, and improving skin and hair quality. However, it also has some cons, such as causing allergic reactions, interacting with medications, increasing the risk of bleeding, worsening the symptoms of gallstones, and causing stomach upset, in some people and situations. Therefore, it is important to use Lakadong turmeric with care and consultation and to enjoy its benefits without any harm. Lakadong turmeric is a spice that can enrich your life and health, and it is worth trying and experiencing.