Herb of the Year for 2026  Turmeric


Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been named Herb of the year for 2026 by the International Herb Association.


This is a tropical plant originating in India but used extensively as an ingredient in Indian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine.  Its rhizomes resemble its cousin Ginger in shape.  When cut the fresh roots provide a bright orange/yellow dye used on fabrics and other textiles.  Turmeric is also used to color commercially produced foods and is the main ingredient in curry powder.


Turmeric prefers to be grown in hot and humid areas of the world (USDA Plant hardiness zones 8-11) but can be grown as an annual in the ground or in a container, in other areas.  The plant thrives in rich, slightly acidic soil and would prefer full morning sun and a shaded afternoon.  As it grows in the monsoon season in India, it is very greedy for water and needs lots of it, very often!  While it may be fun and a definite challenge to try growing in our trying south central Texas climate, I think it a much easier venture to buy it at your local HEB.


The rhizomes are the edible part of the plant and are boiled, dried, peeled and then ground to produce the spice used for cooking.  Turmeric is very well known to stain both hands and clothing so take care while using.  The flavor of ground turmeric is described as "earthy, bitter and sometimes peppery."  This spice works very well in combination with other spices such as cumin, coriander and chili in soups, sauces, stews and in pickling recipes.


Although historically it has been used for medicinal purposes at the present time has FDA approval as a Botanical generally recognized as safe as a spice, seasoning and flavoring.


Turmeric'sactive compound - curcumin - is widely used for its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties.  It has been suggested that it is good for chronic conditions such as arthritis and digestive issues.  It also supports joint health, improves heart function and exercise-induced muscle soreness.


To introduce the spice to your present diet and your palate try this very simple Golden Milk recipe:


Golden Milk


Combine 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric with 1 cup of warm milk, a dash of black pepper, cinnamon and a spoonful of honey or maple syrup.  Warm over low heat for 10 minutes and enjoy!


​Herb of the Year Criteria​


The  International Herb Association established National Herb Week in 1991 and every year since 1995 they have chosen an Herb Of The Year.  The Herb Of The Year must fulfill its mandate by being useful in 2 out of  3 categories:  Medicinal, Culinary or Decorative. 

 The original use of herbs was for medicine.  In ancient Egypt, China, Greece and Assyria the treatment of diseases was performed by the use of herbs and spices either ingested or used as a poultice, salve, balm or the ancient word 'nard.'   Arcane herbal knowledge has come down to us through the generations and today we look to the past finding out  how our ancestors  used herbs on a daily basis to keep their households healthy and happy.  Here in San Antonio we are part of an ancient native American culture that used herbs for healing and in food preparation daily. There is no substitute for clipping a handful of  fresh herbs from your garden  or a pot on your kitchen window adding flavor and freshness to your dinner table and in so doing improving our health and linking us to centuries of herbal knowledge.

What Is An Herb?  According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, an herb is defined as a "(1) seed plant that lacks woody tissue and dies to the ground at the end of a growing season.  (2) A plant or plant part valued for medicinal or savory qualities."  The value of the plant can be in its leaves, stems, seeds or root.  They are valued and harvested for their flavor, healthful qualities, fragrance or dye.  Examples such as mint, oregano, cilantro and basil are harvested for their leaves which we primarily use in our kitchens.  Spices are the woody parts or seeds of herbaceous plants. Examples are caraway, fennel, sesame, black pepper and cinnamon.