DIY Turmeric Latte (including $25 discount code)

The history of spice is almost as old as human civilisation. It is a history of lands discovered, empires built and brought down, wars won and lost, treaties signed and flouted, flavours sought and offered, and the rise and fall of different religious practices and beliefs. Spices were among the most valuable items of trade in ancient and medieval times. (Credit)

Nowadays, they are a staple in any pantry.  We use them to flavour our food, savoury and sweet.  Many countries still use them for medicinal purposes.  I've chosen my three favourite spices to create a homemade turmeric latte.  Scroll down for the recipe.

What are the benefits of turmeric?

Photo Credit: https://www.beautyglimpse.com/easy-ways-to-use-turmeric-for-hair-removal-be-hair-free-naturally/

Plants have been used for many years as a traditional medicine in many parts of the world. In developing countries, they continue to be used as the primary source of medicine, particularly in rural areas.

Turmeric, from the roots of Curcuma longa, is an earthy flavoured yellow/orange spice.  It is the orange pulp inside the roots that contain curcumin.  Curcumin has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic effects.

Turmeric is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective meaning it can protect against free radical damage, lower histamine levels and protect the liver from over the counter medicines like paracetamol.

Any negatives to turmeric?  

Ground turmeric is notorious for staining fingers, benches, cloths, etc so be careful when handling.  The earthy flavour can take a bit of getting used to but I love it.

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What are the benefits of ginger?

Photo Credit: Credit FreeFoodPhotos.com 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae) is one of the most commonly consumed dietary condiments in the world (Surh et al. 1999)

Ginger comes from the same family as turmeric and cardamom. It's origin is unknown but can be dated back to over 3000 years ago.  Indians and Chinese are believed to have produced ginger as a tonic root for over 5000 years to treat many ailments, and this plant is now cultivated throughout the humid tropics, with India being the largest producer.

Here's a little history for you (and I learned something new too)

Ginger was used for flavouring foods long before records began. It was exported from India to the Roman Empire over 2000 years ago due to it's medicinal properties. Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, ginger was still a highly sought after product in Europe.  At one stage, the value of a pound of ginger was equivalent to the cost of a sheep! A little later it was imported in preserved form to be used in sweets.  The gingerbread man is said to have been invented by Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Ginger is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and a great anti-nausea remedy.

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What are the benefits of cinnamon?

Photo Credit: By Simon A. Eugster - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39582136

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cinnamon cassia), the eternal tree of tropical medicine, belongs to the Lauraceae family.

Cinnamon is one of the most important spices used daily by people all over the world. 

It is a known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory among other things but has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders.

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Turmeric Latte Spice Mix

1 cup sugar of choice (I used coconut sugar but you can use whatever you prefer equivalent to white sugar) 

2 teaspoons ground turmeric 

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Blend together.  I used a spice blender but you can do this by had or in some sort of processor.  Store in an airtight glass jar.  Place two heaped teaspoons in a mug, add a small amount of boiling water to form a paste then add approx. 200-250mls warmed milk (of your choice).  Enjoy mid afternoon when it's too late for a coffee break.

Love spices?  Stop buying the supermarket spices - they are so expensive and often not fresh.  I recently purchased in bulk from Premium Spices and it was such a good deal.  

They're currently offering a 5 pack of 500gm spices (and 250gm herbs) for $35.  Even if you purchase the smaller packs you are saving a lot.  

For example, Gregg's 30gm Ground Ginger at Countdown is currently $2.10 (or $7.00 per 100gm).  A 100gm pack at Premium Spices will set you back $3.50.

For $25 off your first order, use the following referral link: Premium Spices (link will open in a new window)

Enjoy creating

A Life Less Complicated