This earthy-sweet, warm spice is pungent and has a slight peppery finish. It will lend its color to any dish to which it is added and is often used to color rice and other food stuffs. It has a mustard-like aroma, with an astringent, even slightly bitter flavor—though this bitterness will soften with heat.

It is mostly used in savory dishes though sometimes also in sweet ones: including ice creams and cake icings. Chopped turmeric root is ideal for infusions into stews and sauces, or milks and puddings.