1. Why are some items out of stock?
Turmeric is typically harvested between January and June, depending on weather windows - we are primarily a farm and must work with what nature deals us. We work to keep all of our products in stock whenever possible. This means that between the months of June and December, there will likely be no fresh stock. Please see our article on ways to store your fresh rhizomes here for tips to make it last throughout the year.
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2. Can I grow turmeric plants from the rhizomes?
Technically yes, if you were to drop our fresh rhizomes in soil, water them well, and keep them warm, they would grow into plants. However, there are always risks with replanting root crops from other farms. If you are looking to commercially farm turmeric, we would suggest purchasing fresh rhizomes from the good people at www.hawaiianorganicginger.com as they have a clean seed project and grow in soilless media with a nematode-free guarantee - this is the safest option if you’re interested in a commercial enterprise. We are here to help answer any questions you may have - feel free and contact us to discuss further.
While we do our best to stay on top of pests and diseases in our fields using a host of organic regenerative methods and are inspected by the USDA before shipping every order, the bottom line is: we grow in soil and stuff grows in soil, good stuff and bad stuff! We do not treat our roots (which is another option for commercial growers). They are certified organic and fresh for consumption. Understanding the risks, some of our customers do still wish to plant our turmeric. If this is the case, we suggest that you purchase our turmeric SEED as it has been out of the ground longer and has been hardened off (which we have found is better for planting) than our fresh harvest material meant for consumption.
3. I see Seed Turmeric and Fresh Turmeric on your site what is the difference?
FRESH TURMERIC: As our goal is to serve the freshest turmeric possible to our customers, all fresh turmeric is harvested within 3 days of being shipped.
SEED TURMERIC: Has been hardened off typically out of the ground for 1-2 weeks before we ship, we have had less issues planting from this compared to fresh root.
4. Why are some varieties of fresh roots more expensive than others?
There are two main factors that affect our prices
- Yield (ie pounds per plant): different varieties vary widely in how much rhizome is produced per plant - some produce up to 10 times more than their cousins. That being said, each plant requires almost the same amount of field space and labor.
- Supply: As we learn which varieties our customers enjoy best and which varieties like our climate best, our supply will fluctuate. Turmeric takes one year to grow, which means there is a natural lag time before we can pivot to meet the needs of our customers.
5. What is the planting and harvesting season for turmeric?
Typically, we plant between March through May and harvest between January to June of the following year. Variety and weather affect planting and harvesting dates considerably and we are working with University of Hawaii SOAP to improve data and knowledge for other growers in Hawaii.
If you are visiting our site, you are likely familiar with the many health benefits of turmeric. While some of you may be well versed in the many uses of turmeric, to others, turmeric is a curious new supplement that has only recently become all the rage throughout health and nutrition circles. We would like to review some of the basics about turmeric and possibly surprise you with some lesser-known facts about this wonderful herb.
The use of turmeric by humans has been documented to go as far back as around 4,000 years ago in what is now present-day India, where its culinary and medicinal benefits are well documented. Through various trade routes across centuries, it eventually made its way around the world, and has been incorporated into the culinary, medicinal and religious uses we know today. (1)
Given its long history around the globe, this golden root is recognized by many different names. In the English language, we call it Turmeric, which is derived from the latin ‘terra merita’ - referring to its golden pigment (1,2). In many languages it is referred to as ‘curcuma.’ In much of India it is known as ‘haldi.’ And here in Hawaii we know it as ‘ōlena. Regardless of what name we give it, this vibrant herb is easily recognized by its bright orange color, distinct flavor and its penchant to stain anything it touches.
The part of turmeric that we eat is called a rhizome, which is actually a modified plant stem. If you sometimes confuse turmeric and ginger, that is common as turmeric is part of the ginger family and has similar shaped rhizomes. Turmeric contains many health-promoting compounds, the most well known is curcumin, which is an antioxidant flavonoid that gives turmeric many of its health benefits and its distinctive hue.
There are over 120 known varieties of turmeric. Most commercially grown turmeric is from the curcuma longa genus. Here at Aloha Turmeric, we partnered with SOAPHawaii (Sustainable Organic Agriculture Program) to study around 20 cultivars. We are collecting data on the nutrient profiles and observing which varieties may thrive here in Hawaii for broader cultivation and we hope to make some of these varieties available to you in the upcoming seasons.
Turmeric requires warm temperatures , well draining soil and plenty of water to grow best. Here in Hawaii we typically plant between March and April. Over the following months the turmeric puts out vibrant green shoots and grows into an attractive plant that reaches about 4-6 feet in height. If you look closely you will see beautiful flowers that look similar to ginger flowers. Around January, the plants begin to senesce – the greenery dies back – and in this process the plants concentrate energy into a final growth stage for the rhizomes. It’s in this final stage when the rhizomes fully mature, growing in size, phytonutrient content and flavor, making this the ideal harvest time.
Taking turmeric on its own has poor oral bioavailability – what does this mean? It means that turmeric is not well absorbed across your intestinal lining and typically only a small percentage will make it into your bloodstream to be available for your body to use. If you are suffering from certain intestinal issues, then taking pure turmeric may be helpful as the majority of it remains concentrated in your guts. However if you want to get systemic benefits from turmeric then you will want to take it in combination with black pepper (which contains the active molecule, piperine) and a source of healthy fat (most commonly used are oils like olive, avocado, coconut or MCT). Fats and piperine both increase absorption of turmeric across your GI tract and into your bloodstream, while the piperine also slows your liver’s metabolism of curcumin, so it remains active for longer, meaning a more potent overall effect. You only need a small amount of black pepper, just a pinch!
Thanks for reading this introduction to turmeric. We hope you enjoy our turmeric as much as we do!
Citations:
Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
Mhaska DB, Sreedharan S, Mahadik KR. Role of Piperine as an Effective Bioenhancer in Drug Absorption. In: Pharmaceutica
1. Do you ship to the US mainland?
Yes we ship USPS flat rate, anywhere in the USA! We have included shipping in our pricing so the price you see on the site is the price you pay. For larger orders we can set up air freight or LTL shipments as well. Contact us directly for more information and discounted shipping options.
2. Do you ship internationally?
Yes we do, please contact us directly to set up international shipments.
4. Why is there a USDA inspection fee included in the shipping price?
Since the rhizomes are considered live plant material, the USDA requires an inspection of all produce leaving Hawaii for the US mainland. We personally bring all orders 40 minutes away from our farm to the Honolulu airport for inspection before boxes can be sealed and shipped. For the time this takes us, we include a small fee to cover our overhead costs. We are always looking for more economical shipping, if you have suggestions please contact us.
5. I am on Oahu, can I pick up directly from the farm?
Yes, select the "on farm pick up" option and you will not be charged shipping. We will send you an email or give you a call when your order is ready and we can set up a pick up time at our farm.
6. I have a shipping account with another carrier (UPS, FEDEX, DHL etc.), can I ship my order using these accounts?
Yes, we are willing to work with you. Please contact us before making your order and we will give you discount code for checkout.
The shelf life of fresh turmeric can vary widely depending on your unique environment. In cooler, drier climates turmeric can store for weeks to months at room temperature in the kitchen. In warm and humid climates, turmeric is more prone to mold if kept out of the fridge or freezer for long periods. If storing in the kitchen, keep out of direct sunlight and in an area that is cool and dry and check on it periodically to monitor how it is keeping.
If you have excess or don’t plan to use right away, storing in the fridge or freezer ensures your turmeric will remain fresh longer. When storing in the fridge, make sure the turmeric is completely dry and remove any areas that may be spoiling or molding. Keep the skin on the turmeric, wrap in a paper towel to wick any moisture and then store sealed in a plastic bag or airtight container. If properly stored, your turmeric may last up to a few months.
If you purchase fresh rhizomes and decide that you will not be using them within 1-2 weeks of your purchase, we recommend freezing the roots. If you decide to go this route, you have a few options – you can keep the turmeric whole or chop into smaller pieces to allow for individual servings. The cut ends of the turmeric tend to dry out so one benefit of keeping turmeric whole is to decrease the amount of drying on your frozen rhizomes. Another option is to grate the fresh turmeric or make a paste and freeze in ice trays for later use.
1. Do you give discounts?
Yes, when you sign up for an account with us we send coupon codes to account holders as well as information on our seasonal sales.
2. Can I come visit the farm?
Currently we are not providing farm tours due to COVID-19.
3. Do you offer a money back guarantee?
Absolutely, if you are unsatisfied with your order, please Contact Us to let us know what went wrong and we will work with you to make it right. We stand behind our products and your satisfaction and trust in our quality is very important to us.
4. The site says USDA Certified Organic, where can I find the current certificate?
Our current certificate can be found here.
5. Can I use your turmeric products on my pets?
Yes, it is generally safe for pets – however we recommend you consult with your veterinarian regarding your pet’s specific needs, especially around dosing as pets may tolerate different quantities of turmeric than humans.
6. Do you partner with other companies for larger orders and wholesale?
Yes, please see our Contact Us page and choose the option: “I am interested in becoming a Wholesale partner.”
7. Do you import your turmeric or products from foreign countries?
No. We are 100% USA GROWN! All our products are grown, processed, and packaged in Hawaii. We pay living wages and fair market prices to all our employees and partner farms.
Benefits of Turmeric - Turmeric for Health!
For many who use turmeric for cooking, dried turmeric is often preferred given its wide availability and ease of use. However turmeric in its fresh form tends to have a stronger and more robust flavor. Consider using in lieu or dried turmeric in curries and daals, you can also get creative and add to smoothies, juices, add to marinades or shred on any meals of your liking. Turmeric in its dried and fresh forms has many anti-inflammatory benefits as well as a myriad other additional benefits such as boosting digestion and decreasing pain.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE?
Regenerative agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems. It focuses on increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing ecosystem services, supporting bio sequestration, increasing resilience to climate change, and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.
HOW DOES REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE DIFFER FROM ORGANIC AGRICULTURE?
Organic and regenerative farming approaches overlap in a number of their practices and values. Farmers can choose to incorporate some regenerative-based efforts and not others, opt for organic farming practices or pursue organic certification, yet still not approach planting and harvesting in a way that explicitly aligns with regenerative goals.
One key difference is that organic agriculture is legally defined and highly regulated in the United States by the USDA. To meet USDA-certified organic standards, farming, food and textile processing operations must agree to adopt certain practices for their crops, livestock or production outputs. These practices include incorporating crop rotations, not using synthetic fertilizers, pasturing and raising animals without use of growth-enhancing substances, among many others. Obtaining USDA certification is often a time and resource-intensive process for producers.
For regenerative agriculture, the Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) aims to provide a holistic, best-in-class certification system that builds upon principles set forth by USDA Organic, Fair Trade and other leading certifications by prioritizing soil health, animal welfare and social fairness. Unlike USDA Organic and other certifications, however, the ROC is not federally defined or regulated, though the group and its advocates hope to help establish legal standards through their efforts.
About Our Farm and Practices
Here at Aloha Turmeric, we love to farm. To this day, we still sit in amazement watching the tiny seeds we plant grow and flourish into crops that can feed generations to come. Getting to witness the cycles of nature keeps us grounded, gives us purpose and reminds us daily of the inherent wisdom of life.
Our turmeric journey started like most of our farming experiences – with curiosity and a “Go for it!” attitude. Although we were familiar with the culinary uses and health benefits of this herb, we had only known turmeric as the bright yellow powder sold in stores. We had never seen a turmeric plant or even a fresh root until we moved to Hawaii, where we were introduced to a new world of tropical agriculture.
In 2015, we purchased 100 pounds of organic turmeric and planted on our small family farm. That first year we harvested by hand and washed our harvest with a garden hose. Though satisfying, we realized how much work it is to harvest and wash turmeric roots. With our backgrounds in engineering and mechanics, we set out to design and build our own planting and harvesting machinery. Using our new technology, we were able to increase to a half acre of crops the following season. Next we repurposed some old equipment into a washline and were able to wash up to 100 pounds an hour, much easier than a garden hose! Our founder and CEO Kevin, set up a research trip in conjunction with Professor Ted Radovich of the University of Hawaii at Manoa to travel through Southeast Asia in order to learn more about ancient and modern farming practices, uses and wisdom around turmeric – they visited with many farmers throughout India, Singapore, Myanmar and Thailand – and collected rare varieties of turmeric to study back in Hawaii.
Turmeric had welcomed us into her world and we were hooked!
In order to create a viable business around turmeric, we knew that processing our fresh roots into powders and juices was a must. Again, we love a challenge and we love to build things, so we set out to design a processing facility here on the island of Oahu. During this time we fortuitously met a new partner and friend, Denny Kwock of Daily Wellness supplements. Combining our passions for turmeric and regenerative agriculture, together we set out to create a line of full spectrum, organic turmeric supplements.
We are currently quite busy here at AlohaTurmeric. We are expanding on all fronts and excited to see what the future holds. We hope to help spread regenerative organic agricultural practices throughout Hawaii, provide a fair market for our fellow local farmers and create high quality turmeric products for our valued customers. Thank you so much for joining us on our journey.
Next Generation Farming
Our late father, through his guidance and his company 'Flanagan and Sons Tractor Service' taught his two sons about the satisfaction of working, the value of community and the importance of being stewards of the land. We have the dream of sailing our produce around the world, experiencing more of what nature has to offer and sharing our excitement for agriculture with all we meet. We seek to leave a positive impact on the world and people we encounter. Our generation has been gifted with a time of great opportunity and great challenge. Our intention is to use the opportunities we have to create positive change and leave the next generation with a cleaner, healthier future. Thank you for your support.