Turmeric. It’s earthy flavor enhances spice blends like garam masala. The rich gold of turmeric, a saffrony yellow, reminds me of Indian silks and golden spices. Turmeric is a spice for wellness as it contains antioxidants, phytonutrients and a wealth of B vitamins. I’ve added this spice to soups, curries and rice dishes. Then I discovered the turmeric latte, or “golden milk” of Ayurveda.

This turmeric tea recipe is a soothing, warm and comforting blend made with turmeric, fresh ginger, and coconut milk. It’s a healthier version of a latte (rather than the usual milk-based kind) that is nourishing and satisfying to the senses. I crave this tea in the morning and as a bedtime treat. Maybe you will crave it too.

One thing that really makes this latte: turmeric.

I’d suggest a creamy coconut milk to use as the base for this turmeric latte. This is a nourishing cup of warm spicy tummy-pleasing goodness you can’t get from a processed, empty calorie mix. Simply make your own turmeric latte and froth this up in a blender. You may discover a new way to enjoy turmeric as well as tea.

TURMERIC LATTE

Turmeric has so much goodness. There’s lots of antioxidant power and health benefits in every warm sip of this tea latte. The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4000 years to the Vedic culture in India in Ayurvedic medicine.

Fresh turmeric is the best ingredient for this recipe (turmeric root can be found in the produce section next to the fresh ginger). If you can’t find fresh turmeric, ground turmeric from the spice drawer is just fine to use in place of fresh turmeric root. Blend up your own turmeric chai latte spices and save them in a glass jar for making tea.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups coconut milk (or sub non-dairy milk like almond, soy, etc)

• 1 tablespoon fresh raw turmeric root, grated (sub 1 tbl powdered turmeric if not fresh)

• 2 Medjool dates, pitted

• 2-3 black peppercorns

• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• optional additions:

• 2-3 cardamom pods

• 1 cup of brewed chai tea

• 1 tbl vanilla extract –or– 1 vanilla bean pod, scraped

• monk fruit sweetener (optional) or other sweetener of choice

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer and whisk to combine ingredients into a froth.

Strain the warm milk to remove large pieces of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom pods, black peppercorns, tea leaves, etc. Pour strained milk into a blender that can handle hot liquids, such as a Vitamix. Blend for about 30 seconds.

OPTIONAL: You can add a little spoonful of coconut oil, date syrup, maple syrup (or honey) and extra turmeric and ginger if you like. This latte gets frothy while blending and smells amazing. Pour the latte mixture into your favorite mug and enjoy!

NOTE: Curcumin is a powerful component in turmeric and is found to help wound healing, improve liver function, and many other benefits according to medicinal research, mainly in cancer prevention. If you are taking medicines, please check with your medical practitioner about the contraindications of using and consuming turmeric, especially if you are taking Coumadin, as turmeric may have an interaction with anticogulant/antiplatlet medicines. Its beneficial nutrients include vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B9 (folate), vitamin C, vitamin K, zinc, copper, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, as well as curcumin.