Turmeric (also known locally as borrie) has long been lauded for its medicinal-like qualities and, as with all fashionable things, it has been having its moment in the spotlight. The benefits of turmeric are many; up until now, the turmeric that you’ve consumed has probably been in a curry or some kind of spicy dish – it’s recognisable by its potent yellow colour. Of late, however, we’ve seen turmeric drinks becoming popular, with the turmeric latte (also called golden milk) being the forerunner.

So, why has this humble spice drink found its way onto everyone’s Pinterest board? Well, pretty much because it’s really good for you and it’s also really tasty.

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and it also contains curcumin, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. It is also known to detoxify and more recently has been recognised for improving cognitive function, balancing blood sugar and helping with kidney function. As a flavour, it also works really well with other ingredients that are also known for their useful properties – namely ginger (immune boosting and anti-inflammatory), cinnamon (sugar balancing, anti-microbial and an antioxidant) and cardamom (helps with digestion and combats nausea).

More than just a curry spice

So, it makes total sense then that it should be consumed daily to enjoy the benefits, and while the weather is so chilly, we can’t think of a better way than in a warming drink. It’s a great alternative to tea or coffee and has plenty more useful properties. Our version is dairy-free, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. We used unsweetened almond milk to make ours, but it works equally well with coconut milk or your favourite non-dairy alternative.

Your daily Turmeric Latte has the following benefits:

Turmeric – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxifies, improves cognitive function, balances blood sugar and helps with kidney function.
Ginger – great immune booster, anti-inflammatory.
Cinnamon – balances blood sugar, anti-microbial, antioxidant.
Cardamom – helps with digestion and combats nausea.
Honey – antibacterial and antifungal.
Coconut oil – good source of healthy fats, rich in lauric acid – helps stabilise blood sugar.

Make a Vegan Turmeric Latte

2 C (500 ml) milk alternative of your choice for (unsweetened almond, rice or coconut milk)
2 tsp (10 ml) ground turmeric (if you can find fresh turmeric root you can use instead)
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) cardamom
2-3 Tbsp (30-45 ml) agave or coconut nectar (to taste)
2 Tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil
1 knob of ginger finely grated or microplaned, or 1 tsp (5 ml) ground ginger

Optional
pinch of nutmeg
seeds of half a vanilla pod or one pump of a vanilla seed paste

Place the milk alternative into a saucepan, add all the rest of the ingredients and heat through. If you use grated ginger or fresh turmeric root and don’t want the bits, you will need to strain through a fine sieve.

If you have a milk frother (a French press can also be used), remove a portion of the liquid from a saucepan and froth. Pour the remaining heated liquid equally into two serving mugs and then top up with the frothed milk. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon if preferred and serve immediately.

Note: turmeric has a tendency to stain and is really difficult to remove from countertops and clothes so work cleanly and don’t use your favourite dishcloth to wipe up!

Now you know about the many benefits of turmeric, read more about our favourite winter spices HERE.