Turmeric

Sometimes incorrectly labeled tumeric, turmeric is a member of the ginger family that gives mustards and curry their yellow color. Turmeric is high in iron, manganese, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, as well as antioxidants. It possesses cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory properties. According to 101 Foods, turmeric has been traditionally used to relieve menstrual cramps, respiratory conditions, ulcers, and inflammation. Turmeric can help strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and promote cardiovascular health. It has also been found to counteract cognitive impairment after brain injury in a study involving rats, and also to combat cancers of the skin, breast, prostate, and colon.

Turmeric is traditionally dried and ground into powder. If you are making your own turmeric powder, use caution as it can stain clothing. If purchasing turmeric powder, buy from a fresh source and in small quantities. Turmeric can be added to stews, soups, rice, and fish dishes. It can also be found in tea form. Dr. Oz recommends drinking turmeric tea prior to consuming alcohol to help prevent hangovers.

Apicius, De Re Culinaria

Believed to be the oldest cookbook in the Western world, it is supposed to have originated in the 3rd century and written by one Caelius. Apicius’ work is of great interest for its insights into the daily life of the Romans and to students of diet and health. There were three Roman gastronome named Apicius but the book was composed by none of them but by a later writer, one Coelius or Caelius, who linked his own name with that of Apicius in order to promote his work. The first edition appeared sometime between 1483 and 1486.

More information about this can be found at the K-State Libraries online here

1930 Michael Cullen opens America’s first supermarket in Queens, NY and names it King Kullen. Source: Supermarket Business, November 1995 (50th Anniversary Issue).

1962 Giant Food, Landover, MD, introduces the first in-store pharmacy. Source: Supermarket News, July 22, 2002.