Turmeric! Chai! Oh My!

Affordable Turmeric at Trader Joe's in Austin!!! I am soooooo thrilled to find a source of fresh turmeric that does not cost upwards of $18 per pound (that's the average cost at Natural Grocers, Wheatsville, and Whole Foods Market!)
Turmeric is vitally important in this modern age of pollution, stress, and food drowning in pesticides! For over 5,000 years, Ayurvedic medicine has touted the benefits of turmeric to the liver and immune system, and in reducing inflammation. I use it fresh, every day (now that I can afford it again) in my morning chai, as well as an occasional cup of Golden Milk at night. I also use it in my smoothies and in cooking. It has a lovely, subtle flavor, and imparts a sunshine-y gold hue to food dishes. If you want more info and science on the benefits of turmeric (best used fresh and cooked for bioavailability), read more at the websites of Dr. Ben Kim, Yoga International, Susun Weed, The Ayurvedic Institute, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Christiane Northrup!

Here's my recipe for Goddess Chai! (Click read more)

Affordable Turmeric at Trader Joe's in Austin!!! I am soooooo thrilled to find a source of fresh turmeric that does not cost upwards of $18 per pound (that's the average cost at Natural Grocers, Wheatsville, and Whole Foods Market!)
Turmeric is vitally important in this modern age of pollution, stress, and food drowning in pesticides! For over 5,000 years, Ayurvedic medicine has touted the benefits of turmeric to the liver and immune system, and in reducing inflammation. I use it fresh, every day (now that I can afford it again) in my morning chai, as well as an occasional cup of Golden Milk at night. I also use it in my smoothies and in cooking. It has a lovely, subtle flavor, and imparts a sunshine-y gold hue to food dishes. If you want more info and science on the benefits of turmeric (best used fresh and cooked for bioavailability), read more at the websites of Dr. Ben Kim, Yoga International, Susun Weed, The Ayurvedic Institute, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Christiane Northrup!

Here's my recipe for Goddess Chai!
(Makes two cups)
Bring to a boil, covered:
1 c. H2O
2 tea bags of Assam black tea or (I use Stash Double Bergamot or Stash Double Spice Chai)
1/4-1/2 tsp. of chai seasoning (I make my own, to taste: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, cardamom, coriander)
1 tsp-1 Tbsp. Freshly chopped ginger,
1 tsp-1 Tbsp. Freshly chopped turmeric
(Optional: dash of cayenne or freshly ground black pepper)
Simmer for 60 sec.

Add 1 c. Whole milk (or soy or almond or coconut) I use a combo of soy and almond, and bring to a boil.

Pour, do NOT strain, into cups. Then sweeten, if desired.
I use a few drops of stevia and then add honey for Bergamot tea or Molasses (yes, molasses--lots of iron and potassium!) for chai black tea.

So healthy and tasty and a great alternative to coffee!

Traditional Indian Ayurvedic Chai uses whole milk, Assam tea, sugar, and is brought to a boil after the milk is added, three times.

(Picture of chai, courtesy The Sensual Foodie)