Turmeric Latte is the latest craze. The sun-yellow hot drink, also known as golden milk, is said to wake you up, strengthen your immune system and curb your appetite – all thanks to the power of the turmeric root.
While turmeric has been used as a natural remedy in the tradition of Ayurveda for centuries, the yellow spice was previously known in European latitudes as the main ingredient in curry powder. With the invention of the turmeric latte, the sun-yellow powder could now also start its triumphal march at the coffee bar, because turmeric is considered an all-around healthy, sustainable pick-me-up. The hot drink with turmeric and ginger has long been known as “golden milk” to yogis.
According to a study by the University of Michigan, the plant substance curcumin, which is responsible for the intensive color of the spice, strengthens the cell membranes and thus increases their resistance to diseases. In addition, turmeric is said to relieve stomach problems and promote blood circulation – these properties have not yet been scientifically proven.
In Ayurveda, turmeric is one of the “hot spices”. It is credited with having an internally cleansing, healing, detoxifying, and blood-purifying effect. The complexion is also said to improve with the yellow spice.
Turmeric Latte: Is The Drink Really Healthy?
On paper, the positive effects of an afternoon turmeric latte sound excellent – but can the drink also keep up with coffee in terms of taste and stimulating effect?
To find out, we in the EAT SMARTER editorial team brewed our own turmeric latte.
The basic recipe for a turmeric latte
Take a cup of milk, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, half a teaspoon of grated ginger, a pinch of pepper, and a teaspoon of honey, heat all the ingredients in a saucepan, and let them steep for ten minutes.
We topped the sun-yellow milk mixture with some milk froth for a café latte-like look. The turmeric latte can also be prepared vegan: Soy or almond milk is a good milk substitute here. If you like it more exotic, you can also use coconut milk. Instead of honey, the vegan turmeric latte is sweetened with agave syrup.
The taste test: how does turmeric latte taste?
While turmeric stands out in savory dishes for its color rather than its aroma, the spice is clearly the driving force behind the turmeric latte. The drink tastes sweet and spicy at first, then the tart, slightly bitter turmeric aroma comes along – not unpleasant, but takes a little getting used to. Milk and ginger go surprisingly well together.
Our conclusion: Unusual, but good! Even the appetite for sweets was limited after a cup of turmeric latte. With a nutritional value of 120 kcal per cup, a honey-sweetened turmeric latte is a great alternative for the morning or afternoon. Its sunny yellow color also helps to cheer up the mood on cloudy days.
