Turmeric powder is one of the main spices used in Indian cooking, along with chilli powder it is the most used spice in our kitchen. The powder is made from the dried and ground root of the turmeric plant (which looks similar to and is related to ginger). It has a warm, earthy flavour and turns dishes a bright yellow colour. Avoid using too much of it as it can overpower other spices and turn dishes bitter.
Be careful handling turmeric as it can easily stain and be difficult to remove.