The root of a tropical plant belonging to the ginger family. This spice looks like ginger on the outside, but that's where the resemblance ends. When dried and ground, turmeric's powder is bright yellow-orange, its flavor is bittersweet, and its aroma slightly musty. Turmeric is a major ingredient in curry powder thus lending its color to the famous spice mix. It may also be used to flavor and color prepared mustard. However apart from its use for culinary purposes, turmeric also has numerous health benefits and it can be found in turmeric pills and turmeric supplements.