Corrosive turmeric

[lorilei]

Gail has been giving me such a hard time about not having turmeric in my pantry that I finally went out and bought some a month or two ago at the Spice House.

I am not too proud to admit that I have NO IDEA how I existed pre-turmeric... I was living a sheltered existence, most certainly. But I'm a bit puzzled about the stuff.

It seems that my turmeric has developed a live of its own. The bag in which it came is developing small holes -- almost like it was corroded by a chemical. Of course, these holes in the bag have caused the turmeric to explode in lovely orange billows all over my spice cupboard.

Does anyone know if this is normal? Should I worry that I've acquired some sort of strange, radioactive turmeric? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Natasha]

Maybe it's trying to teach you a lesson for having lived a turmeric-free existence until recently?

[lorilei]

That's what I'm afraid of, Natasha... Now what will happen if I buy that Vindaloo seasoning I've been eyeing up for so long??

[Natasha]

Originally posted by lorilei:
That's what I'm afraid of, Natasha... Now what will happen if I buy that Vindaloo seasoning I've been eyeing up for so long??

Don't even think about it ... or at least wait until the 4th of July ...

[lorilei]

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Oh, Natasha, you're such a funny gal.

On a more solemn note: I'm seriously disturbed by this. Has anyone else had this problem?

(I'm not exaggerating, btw, this stuff seriously ate right through the plastic bag. Made it all sticky and holey.)

[Vanessa]

Lori
Hi. I must say your turmeric is misbehaving!
I would put it in a glass jar. There is a Corning outlet near my house and sells these spice glass jars, if not try in your local stores. It is VERY strange that it is creating holes in the bag. Turmeric is used for homeopathic etc uses as well as cooking and it is strange that its doing this.I tried reserching what could be causing it in my herb etc books but no mention of this.
Let us know how it turns out

[mlou]

Fear not! Tour turmeric is normal. Several spices need to be kept in glass only and this is one of them. Don't try a metal container either. Maybe this is a good excuse for a new spice jar collection http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Beth]

I don't have any tumeric in plastic, but I have noticed that some things seem to react with the lighter plastics used for bags, making them sticky, slimy or have holes. I think oils react and can break down the plastic, maybe other things too. I would check for little critters (just in case) and put in glass if all looks clear.

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 01-11-2001).]

[Natasha]

Ahhh, I m glad you seem to have gotten your answer. Seriously, I learned something today - I had never heard of a corrosive spice before!

Speaking of turmeric, please let us know about any great recipes you come across in your journey of Indian cuisine http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Have fun.

[DeniseB]

mlou, you said that several spices need to be stored in glass. Would you mind listing some of the other spices you know of which shouldn't be in plastic bags? I just ordered spices online and most come in bags. Thanks.

[lorilei]

Thanks for the verification that I'm not completely nuts! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I've actually just recently redone my entire spice cupboard (complete with all new glass jars) -- but bought my turmeric a bit too late, and he was thus "jarless". I suppose this means I'll have to run out for a few more jars http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[luv2cook]

if i remember correctly, tumeric stains Tupperware containers...along with another one i can't remember...

[sushibones]

Curry powder, probably, since there is usually turmeric in curry powder. Curry powder stains almost anything plastic.

[mlou]

Denise, I will be glad to as soon as I check with our herb people as I can't remember all of them off hand. Most of them are medicinal herbs I am thinking...I'll get the low down on it for you soon. Cayenne(the really hot stuff), sassafrass,tumeric, and sffron come to mind though.