The Turmeric and Health Newsletter for July 2026

Alison Carroll
2 days ago
6 min read

Welcome to my July Newsletter.

Lentil and Bacon Soup with Turmeric Recipe

Someone sent me a meme recently, saying that we were halfway to Christmas – it’s amazing how quickly you can go off your friends!! I thought that it was just me, but other people have agreed, time is definitely speeding up. We are also back to school holidays. When I was in school, the terms seemed interminable, but as a parent or even someone who needs to keep an eye on these things, the school term seems to flash by in a heartbeat. Luckily, the lovely Nan and her handsome assistant will be back in the orange and helping at several of the markets, so do go over and say Hi to them.

I was recently reading an article about turmeric and all the different varieties. I knew that there were several, as the variety that grows in Australia only has a 2% curcumin and the variety that we use in our turmeric products, which comes from India, as it won’t grow at a commercial level in our climate, has a 6% curcumin. But I was amazed at all the different types that were grown around the world, so I thought that I would give you all a taster for this month’s article.

Also, with the weather getting colder in Australia, I decided that I would give you the recipe of another of my favourite turmeric soup recipes. I love a good lentil soup, add some bacon and turmeric and you have a wonderful, healthy comforting soup for those cold evenings, or even a hearty lunch. Yum.

Mind you talking out temperatures, I was on the phone with my sister, in the UK, she lives in the Midlands and as I’m sure many of you are aware, they are experiencing Australian style temperatures, she was not a happy bunny, being an English rose, and a red head to boot, temperatures in the early 30⁰C are WAY too hot for her, the poor girl was just about melting away. Not helped by the fact that air-conditioning in the UK is something of a rarity!! She was looking forward to the cooler temperatures later in the week. 😊

TYPES OF TURMERIC

Many know turmeric only as the bright yellow spice and would be forgiven for believing that this colourful spice comes in only one variety. However, turmeric is a hugely diverse species of plant. The spice comes from a perennial plant named Curcuma Longa, which belongs to a family of ginger plants called Zingoberaceae. This is native to South Asia, but around 133 species of Curcuma Longa have now been identified all over the world.

Turmeric can be grown in a variety of different growing conditions, making it possible for regions of many countries to produce it. It can be cultivated at up to 1,600 metres above sea level, in temperatures between 20-40ºC, and with rainfall of 1500mm. These vastly different conditions produce a great variety of turmeric plants, each with unique health benefits, culinary uses and appearance. 

India is the greatest producer of turmeric in the world, consuming most of what it produces and exporting its surplus to the rest of the world. The two main types consumed worldwide are ‘Madras’ and ‘Allepy’, both named after the regions of India where they are produced.

Allepy turmeric is the most popular type, as people prefer its flavour and colour. The root is orange-yellow coloured and contains around 4% curcumin, which is the main bioactive compound in turmeric and gives the spice its colour. It has an oil content of around 3-5.5%.

Madras turmeric is most popular in Britain and the Middle East due to its intense, light-yellow colour, making it well-suited for mustard paste and curry powder. This variety contains only around 2% curcumin and 2% oils.

Turmeric is also produced in the Caribbean, Central and South America, though in much smaller quantities than in India. Another less common variety is Bengal turmeric, produced in South Asia, where it is usually used in dyes in India.

One unusual and notable variety produced by Curcuma Longa is Lakadong turmeric, produced in the Janita hills districts of Meghalaya. This type has a particularly high curcumin content of around 6-7.5%, making it particularly attractive to those looking to use turmeric for its health benefits.

Shades of Turmeric - even within a single type of turmeric, the shade of the root and therefore powder produced can vary because of growing conditions. Analysis of turmeric powder showed that samples with a brighter yellow colour generally contained a higher curcumin percentage, while those with a more muted orange-yellow shade contained less curcumin. This is because curcumin imparts turmeric’s hallmark bright yellow colour. If purchasing turmeric for the health benefits imparted by curcumin, roots with a brighter yellow colour will likely indicate more beneficial soil conditions and higher curcumin content.

Black Turmeric - one rare variety of turmeric is also a herb from the Zingoberaceae family but is unusually blue-black in colour. It has more specific growing requirements than the more common varieties, being produced in hilly areas of India.

White Turmeric - another unusual type of turmeric is produced from a variety of the species named Curcuma Zedoaria Rosc., a tropical, perennial herb. Indigenous to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, many parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine. Despite its unique colour it is also a good source of curcumin, as well as providing essential oils and gums.

Curcuma Aromatica is yet another type of turmeric, commonly known as ‘Jangli Haldi’. It is mainly grown in the Bengal and Kerala areas of India and has a unique scent, prompting its use in traditional medicine in body deodorants and headache cures.

So now you know a bit more about the wonderful world of turmeric and its many varieties.

THIS MONTH’S MARKETS AND EVENTS

This Month's Events And Markets | AC Healthy Solutions

School holidays are on again, so a couple of extra markets, the lovely Nan – and her handsome assistant. 😊 will be coming to work, and I hope to see you around the traps.

Saturday 4th July – Kempsey Market – 8am – 1pm. Held down by the river, not sure where I will be but look out for the signature bright orange gazebo. A great day out for all the family.

Saturday 4th July – South West Rock Beachside Market – 8am – 1pm. Held down by Horseshoe Beach. The lovely Nan’s and her handsome assistant will be at this great little market.

Sunday 5th July – Taree Winter Fest – 10am – 2pm. Held in the Queen Victoria Gardens, down by the river. I’m not sure exactly where I will be, with my orange gazebo, I’m easy to find. 😊 😊

Wednesday 8th July – Scotts Head Market – 10am – 2pm – It’s school holidays again, but with the winter daytime market, down by the caravan park, lots of good stalls, food, and music

Saturday 11th July – Port Macquarie Foreshore Market – 8am – 1pm. Held down by the river at Westport Park. I’m not sure where I will be but look out for the signature orange gazebo.

Saturday 11th July – South West Rock Beachside Market – 8am – 1pm. Held down by Horseshoe Beach. Nan’s turn again to be at this great little market.

Sunday 12th July – Forster Town Market – 8am – 1pm – Held on the green off Head Street. Great little market. Something for everyone.

Wednesday 15th July – Scotts Head Market – 10am – 2pm – Hope to see here at the winter daytime market, down by the caravan park, lots of good stalls, food, music and great vibes.

Saturday 18th July - Forster Farmers Market – 7am – 12pm Along the river by the Police Station. We are now back in our old spot where the Visitors Centre and the CWA used to be.

Saturday 18th July – South West Rock Beachside Market – 8am – 1pm. Held down by Horseshoe Beach. Still Nan’s at this great little market.

Sunday 19th July – Gladstone Market 8am – 1 pm. Held down by the river. Nan will be doing this one so look out for the orange gazebo. 😊

Sunday 19th July – Laurieton Market - 8am – 1pm down by the river on Short Street. With the new layout my site number is 153. As usual, if lost look for the orange gazebo or ring me. 😊

Saturday 25th July – Tuncurry Market – 8 am – 1pm See you over the bridge at the John Whiley Park. This is our usual time and place, hope to see you there.

Sunday 25th July – Town Square Market – 10am – 2pm Held in the Town Square, Port Macquarie. Nan will be here to help you, look for the orange gazebo.

Sunday – 26th July - Pacific Palms Market - 8am – 1pm. At Elizabeth Beach. Another great market for all the family and dog friendly, so come along for a fun day out.

For those of you who can’t get to those markets all you need to do is ring me or Nan - if you ring whilst I'm away, on 0406 036 845 or you can now go to my website – www.achealthysolutions.com.au and order from there, and I will arrange for it to be posted or delivered to you. The cost is the same as at the market and postage/delivery is free on all orders over $100 with a flat rate of $10 below that.

To your happiness & health,