Turmeric Powder (Haldi) – Ali Baba- Turmeric is a bright yellow spice powder that is made from the root of a plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), Curcuma longa. It has been used in Asia for thousands of years as a dye, food coloring, and in Indian traditional medicine. Turmeric has a pungent, earthy odor. The flavor of turmeric is described as a little bitter, a little peppery like mustard or horseradish, with a slight ginger flavor. It’s most often used for coloring more than for the flavor.