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Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant, comparable to vitamins C and E. [Photo: Bigstock]

Turmeric latte

Turmeric can claim many health benefits and is a great spice to add colour and flavour to your food.

More than just a ‘hipster’ drink, ‘golden milk’ as the turmeric latte is sometimes called, contains curcumin, turmeric’s active constituent, which has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant, comparable to vitamins C and E.

Curcumin is linked with several benefits including lowering inflammation, soothing digestive problems and acting as a general health tonic. Recent research also suggests it may have some benefit in lowering cholesterol.

Coconut milk is a traditional base for golden milk and ensures you get enough fat to aid the absorption of beneficial curcumin into your system.

Ingredients

• 285 ml (10 oz or 1 ½ cups) coconut milk*
• 1 tbl coconut or date sugar
• 1 tsp ground turmeric (or if using fresh root, 4 tsp grated)
• ¼ tsp ground ginger (or if using fresh root, 1 tsp freshly grated)
• Pinch of pink Himalayan salt
• Pinch ground nutmeg

* In place of the coconut milk you can substitute the same amount of almond or cashew milk or full fat cow’s milk, if you prefer.

Method

1 Combine the coconut milk (or other milk choice), sugar, turmeric, ginger, salt, and water in a small saucepan and whisk thoroughly. If you are grating fresh turmeric, wearing gloves is a good idea as it will stain your hands.

2 Bring the mixture to a boil then remove from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

3 Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug and serve with a pinch of nutmeg. Makes 2 small or one large mug.

As an alternative serving suggestion, why not try serving your latte cold with ice or use moulds to freeze into ice pops.