Fresh Turmeric (Pasu Manjal): The Seasonal Super Spice Your Body Needs Right Now

The ingredient we’ve all seen… but rarely use right.

“Straight from nature, without supplements.”

And yes… fresh turmeric contains higher curcumin concentration than turmeric powder.

Here’s why this seasonal root deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.

What Makes Fresh Turmeric So Special?

1. High Curcumin Concentration

Curcumin is the active compound behind turmeric’s medicinal power.
Fresh turmeric contains significantly higher curcumin than store-bought powders, giving you stronger anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune supportive benefits naturally.

Fresh Turmeric During COVID: A Natural Support for Recovery

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fresh turmeric became a “boon” in many homes  especially for those with Long COVID symptoms like fatigue, body aches, inflammation, and slow recovery.

Its natural anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties made it a supportive ingredient during and after illness.

Health Benefits of Fresh Turmeric

1. Powerful Antioxidant Effects

Curcumin helps neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, a major driver behind chronic diseases and premature aging.

2. Supports Heart Health

Studies show turmeric may improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation in arteries, and lower overall cardiovascular risk.

3. Diabetes & Blood Sugar Regulation

Turmeric can help stabilise blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it useful in the dietary management of type 2 diabetes.

4. Digestive & Gut Health

Fresh turmeric stimulates bile production, improves digestion, supports gut lining repair, and helps reduce bloating.

5. Brain-Protective Effects

Curcumin may increase BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) , the molecule that helps neurons grow, repair, and stay healthy.
This may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.¹

6. Natural Antibacterial & Wound Healing Properties

Applied topically, turmeric supports wound recovery, reduces microbial growth, and soothes skin irritation.

How I Use Fresh Turmeric at Home (My COVID Experience)

During COVID recovery in my home, I completely replaced turmeric powder with fresh turmeric in rasam just 1 inch for ½ litre rasam.

This simple change made a noticeable difference in reducing inflammation, improving energy, and speeding recovery.
Even today, especially during rainy and winter seasons, I continue this practice at home.

Fresh turmeric is not just seasonal. “It can be a healing ritual in your everyday cooking.”

How to Include Fresh Turmeric in Your Diet

Preparation

Peel the skin and finely grate/chop the fresh root.

In Cooking

Add it to:

• Rasam
• Curries
• Soups
• Kootu
• Stir-fries
• Tea or herbal infusions
• Smoothies

Enhance Absorption

Combine turmeric with black pepper (piperine) to increase curcumin bioavailability significantly. Interestingly, in traditional South Indian cuisine, turmeric and black pepper are almost always used together in dishes like rasam, soups, sura puttu, chicken and mutton curry etc., and modern science now confirms that this combination truly enhances curcumin absorption.

Most research has been done primarily on turmeric powder. Fresh turmeric, an essential part of Indian and South Indian cuisine, has yet to be thoroughly studied. During the COVID period, fresh turmeric was widely used, and it has long been traditionally included in pickles and many everyday dishes.

 “Let us not waste the treasure in our hands just because science has not yet caught up”

Who Should Use It With Caution?

As long as culinary use is safe, but if you are taking curcumin shots/ supplement. Then the following are contra-indications:

• People on blood thinners – Turmeric can enhance blood-thinning effects and increase bleeding risk.
• Those with gallbladder issues – It stimulates bile flow, which can worsen gallstones or blockages.
• Individuals with severe GERD – May increase acidity and trigger heartburn or irritation.
• People with anemia – Can reduce iron absorption when consumed in excess, which can further deprive the iron content
• For topical use – Always patch-test, as fresh turmeric may irritate sensitive skin.

Conclusion: A Simple Root With Deep Healing Power

Fresh turmeric is one of nature’s most therapeutic seasonal foods with properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-supportive, brain-protective, and great for gut health.

This season, bring Pasu Manjal into your kitchen with intention.
Your body, especially your immune system, digestion, and joints will feel the difference.

References:

1. Li, G., Wu, Q., Wang, C. et al. Curcumin reverses cognitive deficits through promoting neurogenesis and synapse plasticity via the upregulation of PSD95 and BDNF in mice. Sci Rep 15, 1135 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82571-9