Turmeric Paste ~ Golden Paste

Turmeric Paste (Golden Paste) is the MVP of superfood concentrates! We’ll dish up how to make turmeric paste with fresh turmeric root OR with ground turmeric powder. And answer questions like should you add ginger? What about cinnamon? How do you use turmeric paste?

We’ll give you our take on how to make golden paste, talk about how to use it, and touch on the many suggested benefits of turmeric.

This is one of our favorite fresh turmeric recipes!

How To Make Turmeric Paste

To make turmeric paste, aka golden paste, we’ll use a mixture of warming, flavorful spices and coconut oil for a luscious, silky paste! As you prepare and consume your own turmeric paste to use in cooking, baking, and in golden milk you’ll see how easy it is to incorporate turmeric into your diet on a regular basis.

Keep in mind there’s flexibility to riff away and adjust the flavors to your liking as you work with turmeric paste.

Love ginger? Add more! Not a fan of cinnamon- don’t add it! Riff away.

The ingredients to make golden paste are:

• fresh turmeric root OR ground turmeric
• fresh ginger root OR ground ginger
• Black pepper + pinch of salt
• Cinnamon
• Honey OR maple syrup
• Coconut oil
• Water

The above ingredients are simmered on the stovetop for 7-10 minutes to allow their flavors to fully bloom and come together. After cooling, it can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 weeks and you can use it as needed!

Beware as you make this, your utensils, hands, counter, cutting boards and anything in sight could be discolored by the turmeric, especially if using fresh turmeric.

As golden turmeric paste is used in Ayurvedic medicine, we want to point out that you don’t need to heat the honey. You can simmer all other ingredients together then whisk the honey in prior to placing in a jar to store.

If you’re vegan or don’t want to use honey, maple syrup is a great substitute.

Related: I bought organic turmeric root on Amazon– Here’s how it went.

Fresh vs. Dried Turmeric

The flavor of turmeric paste is stronger if using dried turmeric vs. fresh turmeric- the dried turmeric paste is more concentrated, use a higher quantity in cooking if using fresh turmeric paste.

However, the texture of fresh turmeric paste is far superior and blends really nicely into anything you add it to!

Definitely add more salt if using fresh turmeric instead of ground.

If using fresh turmeric, the turmeric paste is lighter and more yellow~ with ground turmeric it’s a slightly darker color.

We use about 12-14″ of fresh turmeric and 2-3″ of fresh ginger to make this. Turmeric rhizomes are thinner and smaller than ginger rhizomes- basically, it comes out to about 1/3 lb fresh turmeric before peeling.

Regardless of how you make it, this turmeric and coconut oil paste is the good stuff! It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory concentrate that is unbelievably warm and soothing when used to make golden milk. We’ll show you how in just a bit.

How To Use Golden Paste

Once you have a jar of golden paste in your fridge- the fun has just begun! First and foremost, we think of using this to make golden milk, which is a delicious spiced turmeric milk.

You could also use turmeric paste to kickstart your day by stirring into yogurt, oatmeal, and adding to smoothies. Add it to toast on top of almond butter!

Here are additional turmeric paste uses:

• Add to rice to make turmeric rice
• Add to curry and stir fry for a flavor boost
• Make turmeric hummus!
• Use it to flavor soups and pasta sauces
• Spread it on a baked potato
• Mix with olive oil for a salad/ roasted vegetable dressing!
• Use as a natural food coloring for things like homemade pasta, icing, and beverages
• Add a healthy spin to cocktails~ turmeric gin & tonic, anyone?

You could also add turmeric paste to the sweet treats you are baking, we haven’t extensively tested this but we think 1-2 tablespoons would fare well in baked goods like muffins, breads, brownies, and cookies.

For more turmeric cooking inspiration, view all of our turmeric recipes for juices, smoothies, condiments, and sides that incorporate turmeric root!

Golden Milk

To make golden milk with this turmeric paste, simply whisk 2-3 teaspoons of turmeric paste into 1/2 cup of milk in a pot until heated through.

**Pro tip: If you don’t have any milk on hand, fill your mug with water to measure the right amount and pour in a blender. Add 3-4 teaspoons cashews (depending on how big your mug is), ~1 tablespoon turmeric paste, 1 teaspoon vegan butter and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth then heat in a pot.

Cashew milk doesn’t need to be strained, so you can make a DIY cashew milk and mix your golden milk ingredients all at once! Plus, the vegan butter helps make a frothier, foamier golden milk.

Turmeric Paste Benefits

Turmeric has both a historical and present-day reputation for possessing astounding health benefits. It’s actively being researched and tested in the medical community for a variety of ailments. But what is turmeric believed to help with? What are the potential benefits of incorporating turmeric paste into your diet?

Turmeric is known first and foremost as a powerful anti-inflammatory. By reducing inflammation, turmeric could assist with pain management and many people research turmeric paste for pain. (Source)

Additionally, many believe turmeric can help with skin issues and irritation. From psoriasis to eczema and acne, as well as swelling, bruising, and boils- turmeric is believed to be a home remedy.

**As we cannot provide medical advice, speak to your doctor about the possible benefits or side effects of adding turmeric to your diet!

Does Turmeric Paste Have Side Effects?

Generally, turmeric consumed in whole food forms, like fresh turmeric and ground turmeric, isn’t of concern but high dosage turmeric supplements could present issues. Every body is unique and ingredients may affect everyone differently. Check with your doctor! (Source)

• Taking large doses of turmeric may interact with some prescription drugs; check with your doc before changing up your routine.
• Turmeric may slow or change blood clotting and/or blood-thinning properties.
• There may be a risk for iron deficient or anemic people taking high doses of a turmeric supplement.
• Any history of gallbladder or kidney irregularities or medications.
• There may be others, check with your doctor!

Psst! If you are into cooking with turmeric and learning more about the benefits of turmeric check out these baddies: Turmeric Honey, it is DEE-LISH-OUS and then our bestie, Turmeric Tincture, a turmeric anti-inflammatory powerhouse!

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