HomeMade Haldi(Turmeric)

 Paste:

So often we come across newspaper reports of food adulteration. There are reports that haldi powder  available in the market is mixed with lead chromate and saw dust . Lead chromate is a harmful chemical and carcinogen. It's daily intake even in small quantities may lead to cancer. 

Making Haldi dust at home may not be easy but haldi paste can be made with little effort and it keeps well in a refrigerator for about a week.

Haldi sticks

Buy dried haldi sticks from the market.

 In a mortar break the sticks into smaller size.  About 50 gms is enough for a small family for a week. The paste takes up water and swells. So be careful first time. I buy larger quantity of sticks and keep it crushed . 

Ground haldi

Soak the smaller pieces in water overnight or at least 8-10 hrs. It will make them soft.The haldi pieces will swell somehow. Put it in a mixer grinder with very little water. Start the mixer.After sometime remove the lid and little more water. Grind it further. Repeat this process adding very little water each time till a consistent paste is obtained.

This paste can be used for skin care as well as cooking.

For cleaning the grinder jar, use lukewarm water along with dishwasher and a worn out scrubber. Drop the scrubber into the jar and turn it with a spoon to avoid staining fingers. When the water turns deep yellow, discard it and repeat the process. You may also consider buying a separate jar and keeping it for making home ground spices like cumin, coriander etc.