Turmeric is the rhizome or underground stem of a ginger-like plant. The whole turmeric is a tuberous rhizome, with a rough, segmented skin. The rhizome is yellowish-brown with a dull orange interior that looks bright yellow when powdered. The main rhizome measures 2.5 - 7 cm (1" - 3 ") in length with a diameter of 2.5 cm (1"), with smaller tubers branching off.

Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger. Turmeric has inherent healing properties make it a powerful medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions like.