Turmeric has been used by humans for nearly four thousand years. For thousands of years, it has been used as a dye, as a cooking spice, and as a material used in medicine. Sanskrit texts of its use as a spice date back to ancient Indian times. The name Turmeric comes from the Latin Terra merita because its roots, when ground, are golden. The spice is made from the turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant in the ginger family. Turmeric is grown for its stems. The stem is dried and ground into a yellow powder with the bitter sweet taste we know and love.
How is paprika used? The most popular form of paprika is sweet paprika, meaning it has no heat. This spice is a rich red color, and is used to add sweet and earthy flavor to meals. Common dishes that use paprika range from authentic Hungarian goulash, to chicken paprikash, rice dishes, chili con carne, eggs, soups, and stews.