Curry Spice

What Is Curry Powder?

Curry powder is a yellow spice blend obtained by grinding and mixing turmeric as the main ingredient with cumin, coriander, fenugreek, ginger, black pepper, and various other sweet-hot spices. It gets its name from the "curry" dishes of Indian cuisine.

It gets its yellow color largely from turmeric; its aroma is warm, spicy, and multi-layered. Since its recipe isn't fixed, it varies by brand and region; some are hot, others mild.

Nutritional Values of Curry Powder

As a spice blend used in very small amounts, curry powder's contribution to a meal's nutritional value is negligible; therefore no detailed nutrition table is given here. Its value comes not from calories but from its color and aroma.

How Should Curry Powder Be Used?

Since curry powder has an intense aroma, it is used sparingly, to taste; it is usually briefly sautéed in oil to release its aroma. Since its content varies by brand, the label can be checked for heat level and salt content.

This information is general; curry powder is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Curry Powder Chosen?

Good curry powder is a vivid yellow, smells strong and fresh, and isn't clumped. Products with faded color, weakened smell, or that have become damp should be avoided; heat level (hot/mild) is chosen based on preference.

• Should be vivid yellow and smell strong
• Should not be clumped or damp
• Heat level should suit preference

How Is Curry Powder Stored?

Curry powder is stored in a sealed jar in a cool, dry, dark place; light and moisture weaken both its color and aroma. Spices lose their aroma over time, so it's best consumed within a reasonable period.

Using Curry Powder in the Kitchen

Curry powder is used most in Indian-Asian curries, chicken-meat and vegetable dishes, lentil dishes, rice, soups, and sauces. It is usually briefly sautéed in an onion-oil mixture to release its aroma before being added to the dish.

Are Curry Powder and Curry Leaf the Same?

No; curry powder is a spice blend, while curry leaf is the aromatic leaf of a separate plant. Though their names are similar, they are different products and are not substitutes for one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is curry powder yellow?

The main source of the yellow color is the turmeric in it; turmeric adds both color and a warm, earthy aroma.

Is all curry powder hot?

No; the heat level varies depending on the blend's ingredients. "Hot" varieties are spicy, "mild" varieties are gentle; this can be checked on the label.

Why is curry powder sautéed?

A brief sauté releases the oil-soluble aromas of the spices and gives the dish a deeper flavor; care should be taken not to burn it.