PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Not only does turmeric taste delicious in everything from tofu to a cup of tea, turmeric is also known for its health benefits. When you learn to dry turmeric at home you will have easy access to a seasoning that fills your dishes with flavor and enhances the health of your heart. For all of the following methods it’s necessary to boil the turmeric for around 45 minutes before beginning the drying process.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Drying Turmeric with Natural Sunlight

PDF download Download Article
  1. Aim for thin slices so that you can create the greatest amount of surface area. The more surface area, the faster your turmeric will be ready to star in its first recipe. [1] .
  2. Once you have sliced the rhizomes, it’s time for them to sunbathe. Spread the rhizomes in a 5–7 centimetres (2.0–2.8 in) layer on either a bamboo mat or a drying floor. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight since it will drain your turmeric of its prized yellow color.
    Advertisement
  3. Cover your turmeric in cloth or heap it together. This will help control air flow and help enhance the quality of your turmeric.
  4. The dry time of your turmeric will vary based on climate. You will know your turmeric is ready when it seems like there is 5-10% of the original moisture remaining. [2]
  5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Drying Turmeric with a Dehydrator

PDF download Download Article
  1. Begin by peeling the skin from your turmeric. Once you have removed the skin, slice the turmeric into thin, equal portioned pieces. [3]
  2. Spread your freshly chopped turmeric on a dehydrator tray and cover it in parchment paper. Place the tray in the oven and get ready to bake!
  3. At the end of four hours, remove the tray from the dehydrator. Your turmeric is now ready for grinding, storing, and cooking.
  4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Drying Turmeric with an Oven

PDF download Download Article
  1. Aim to get as close to .15 centimetres (0.059 in) as possible when slicing your turmeric. These thin slices will help reduce dry time and speed up dinnertime! [4]
  2. While every oven is different, setting the temperature at around 115 °C (239 °F) will guarantee a steady drying process. [5] Be sure to spread your turmeric as thinly as possible on an oven-safe surface for the best results.
  3. Dry time will depend on the thickness and initial water content of your turmeric. Start checking for results at around 90 minutes. It's almost time for your first tasty turmeric-based meal. [6]
  4. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Drying Turmeric with a Microwave

PDF download Download Article
  1. Begin the drying process by slicing your turmeric into thin vertical slices. This will increase the surface area of your turmeric and help speed up dry time. [7]
  2. Spread your turmeric slices in a thin layer on a microwave-safe surface. Set the temperature to 445 watts and pop the turmeric in.
  3. If you cook the turmeric for too long, then it’s color will be depleted. Get the richest turmeric possible when you cook it for about 55 seconds. [8]
  4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Be sure your turmeric is 7-10 months old at the time of drying. If the plant has been picked prematurely it will still be too moist for effective drying.
      • Be sure to process the turmeric within 2-3 days of harvest. The longer you wait to boil, slice, and dry your turmeric, the less resilient your results will be.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Avoid personal microwaves if possible. While microwaves are helpful in locations lacking in sunlight, they should be used only as a last resort.
      • Avoid sunlight if possible. Drying in the sun will cause more bleaching of color than the other methods listed.


      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Dee Dine .

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 36,170 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Rajendran V.

        Jan 26

        "I wish to start turmeric related business as a entrepreneur. I am studying and gathering knowledge from all ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement