Overlooked Crops
There are lots of things we could be eating, but just don't because they aren't profitable for industrial agriculture. The beautiful turmeric leaves in the picture are a perfect example. Turmeric is relatively easy to grow, if a little slow getting started. But for the most part only the roots are used as a spice, because they can be shipped easily and harvested with machines.
The turmeric leaf is used by some traditions, mainly Indian sub-continental cuisine. It's also used as an herbal medicine in dried form.
The leaf has a completely different flavor from the root. Delicate and lemony, with a slow-building glowing spiciness that is almost as if someone crossed a hot pepper with nutmeg.
Chopped fine in basmati rice turmeric leaves give a lovely kick that compliments light curries, spiced meat dishes, and sautéed or roasted veg.
Another great way to use turmeric leaf is as a wrapper around fish before broiling or grilling. The leaf keeps the fish from sticking to the pan or grill, and adds a flavor that will permeate the outer half-inch or more.
So why don't we use turmeric leaves? They don't ship well and if you bulk harvest them you ruin the roots, so it has to be hand harvested. If you look for turmeric leaf as a product, you're more likely to find a framed picture of the turmeric plant than actual produce.
We want to bring wonderful foods like this to Central Arkansas. Instead of food being shipped outrageous distances, from our farm to your kitchen is measured in single digit miles.
It's going to take a while to get land cleared and crops established. Be patient and let us know if you want samples as they come available.