We often see different content about turmeric or ginger on the web in which many times, not being sure of the information, they are related to them as the same food.
Usually, turmeric and ginger are initially thought to be the same food with different names for them, but:
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Is turmeric the same as ginger?
The answer is no, turmeric is a different food than ginger, but they are related only in certain ways as both belong to the family of Zingiberaceae. For this reason, they are similar externally, and regarding the stems of their plants, only the fruit of turmeric differs in its internal part because it has an orange color, while ginger has a whitish color.
What are the differences between turmeric and ginger?
Now that it’s clear that they are different, you may still want to know what other ways there are to differentiate turmeric from ginger so that you don’t confuse them again.
You see, another thing that distinguishes turmeric from ginger is that turmeric has a simpler and smaller shape that almost has a cylindrical silhouette, while ginger is larger and has more branches. Additionally, turmeric is spicier and when combined with other foods gives them a yellow color.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root Curcuma longa, which is how it is scientifically named. It contains a chemical compound called curcumin, which can reduce swelling.
It is a tropical plant that grows straight and upright. It has light yellow flowers, which are gathered in spikes and a root very similar to ginger with a bitter taste and a strong aroma.
What is ginger?
Ginger, kion or Zingiber officinale, is a spice that belongs to the genus Zingiberaceae. It has a stem that grows below the ground which, as we had explained in the Guide to Ginger, is a rhizome that flowers horizontally and has a high demand in its consumption for its spicy flavor and aroma. Its plant can reach up to 90 centimeters high and its leaves are 20 centimeters long.
Are ginger and turmeric similar?
And now you are probably also wondering if their properties are also similar and if people also confuse them. Answering your question, fortunately their properties are different, so you can be guided by these to know which is which.
How to differentiate ginger and turmeric?
Another way in which you can differentiate turmeric from ginger besides its internal appearance is that these foods have different properties from each other, for example, while ginger is known for having antioxidant properties, turmeric is more used to reduce cholesterol, and for this reason, is recommended for people who have problems related to the cardiovascular system.
What is turmeric used for?
In addition to combating high cholesterol, turmeric is useful for:
- Decreases joint pain
- Take care of your liver
- Promotes proper digestion
- It has antibacterial properties
- It is anti-inflammatory
- Stimulates healing
- Repairs tissues
- Reduces blood sugar
- Reduces fat
- It has a lot of vitamin C
What is ginger used for?
Here we will show you other properties of ginger such as:
- Reduces swelling
- Relieves colds and flu
- Reduces dizziness
- Prevents the appearance of thrombi
- Reduces vomiting
- Treats gas
- Has properties to treat diabetes
- Promotes proper circulation
- Reduces menstrual cramps
- Stimulates brain activity
What is curcuma?
People also asked about a food called curcuma and how is it related to ginger?
In this case, the truth is that they are related in the same way that turmeric and ginger are, simply because Curcuma is another name for turmeric, so once again we would go back to Curcuma or turmeric being a different food than ginger for the reasons previously mentioned.
Summary
As we have discussed, turmeric is the same as Curcuma but not the same as ginger even though they have some traits in common such as their appearance.
Beyond the discussion exposed in this answer post, we recommend you to check our blogs where you’ll find much more information about ginger and other interesting foods that have much more to contribute to our health than is usually thought.