As you've probably noticed before, I get really excited when I have a new recipe to share that I am confident you'll love. This latte is absolutely wonderful -- it's the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. And it is jam-packed with incredible healing goodness.
This latte is my current addiction!
I've been drinking it in the morning, but it's lovely as an afternoon snack too! Of course, it requires a little more labour than your typical latte, but if you've got 5 minutes to grate the turmeric and ginger fresh, then you're in for a real treat.
I strongly recommend you use fresh ingredients for both ginger and turmeric when you make this latte as opposed to powder form.
It simply won't be as flavourful or health-promoting if you use powdered root, even if it's organic.
Turmeric and ginger are at the top of the list for their anti-inflammatory action compared to other foods, herbs and spices. In fact, turmeric has over 3,000 studies proving it's effective for a multitude of health concerns from inflammation to cancer so clearly modern medicine recognizes it's value. Turmeric has been used as a healing food in many cultures dating back 4,000 years ago.
Despite popular belief, turmeric does NOT taste like curry. Although curry is delicious, this latte will not taste like curry. Turmeric is only one ingredient in curry. This latte is on the sweet side.
As I was writing this post, I got so excited about all the research I came across on turmeric. I spent hours reading it but I will keep my health benefit summary short and sweet :)
Here are some health benefits of turmeric root:
In animal studies, turmeric has the ability to increase two specific detoxification enzymes and enhance the elimination of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals via the liver. This may be why turmeric has been linked to a reduction in colon cancer.
Turmeric is a good source of vitamin B6 which helps prevent an inflammatory chemical called homocysteine from getting too high. Homocysteine can be damaging to blood vessel walls. Turmeric may also prevent oxidation of cholesterol. Oxidized cholesterol is what causes damage to blood vessels and can lead to heart disease.
There has been considerable research on turmeric's affect on cancer cells. You just have to search PubMed and you'll find hundreds of studies. One that caught my eye was the ability of turmeric to reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia. If you follow me on snapchat you know that whenever Vienna has scrambled eggs I sprinkle turmeric on them!
As you might already have guessed, I'm a huge fan of "whole foods". I recommend food before supplementation always. However, for many years I was recommending "curcumin" supplements for pain, inflammation, cancer prevention, detoxification and more. More recent research has indicated that curcumin is very poorly absorbed on it's own. This is why I recommend the whole food (eat turmeric) because there are many phytonutrients that aid in the absorption of curcumin and contribute to the wide array of health benefits of turmeric.
An old saying comes to mind, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Even though the main ingredient was turmeric, I also used a good amount of fresh ginger as well. Turmeric and ginger are in the same family after all.
I use ginger in many recipes, as you probably have noticed. It has many anti-inflammatory benefits. It is wonderful for natural pain reduction, bloating and many digestive problems. You can read more about ginger's health benefits here and get more recipes!
I recommend you make this latte with full fat coconut milk because it will be rich and creamy. If you use coconut milk from a carton, that's fine too just make sure you purchase certified organic. Here's this wonderfully flavourful, healing iced turmeric ginger latte recipe! I adapted this recipe from Bon Appetit.
Desserts
Iced Turmeric & Ginger Latte
Print
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 4 tsp finely grated fresh turmeric root (or pinkie size fresh root)
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger root (or pinkie size fresh root)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or liquid honey
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine coconut milk, turmeric and ginger root in a bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain through a wire mesh sieve or nut bag. Add maple syrup. Pour the strained liquid over a large glass full of ice. Sprinkle with cinnamon and ENJOY!!! It's amazing!!
- Or you can place all your ingredients into a high power blender and blitz. You can strain if you want or just drink it as it. You'll have some grit at the bottom of the glass which you can eat or discard.
Notes
You can toss the leftover turmeric and ginger into a smoothie the next day.
Serves 1.
Alternatively, toss all your ingredients into a blender, blitz and pour over ice.
What are some of your favourite healthy iced drinks to sip on?
Where do you get fresh Turmeric? Thank you.
ReplyHi Dianne! Most grocery stores carry it in the produce section near the ginger :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
This sounds delicious! I do have a quixk question, can you subsitute the coconut milk with almond milk?
ReplyHey Amanda! That would work just fine :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Sounds Delicious. When you say coconut milk are you meaning from the can that you make whipped cream from, or from the box/homemade coconut milk. Thanks. Love seeing the little hands on the glass She is so sweet.
ReplyHey Deborah! I recommend you make this latte with full fat canned coconut milk because it will be rich and creamy. If you use coconut milk from a carton, that’s fine too just make sure you purchase certified organic. Or feel free to make your own! http://www.joyoushealth.com/blog/2013/09/27/super-simple-homemade-coconut-milk/ Heather- Joyous Health Team
Do we use canned coconut milk or the more liquid one in the carton
ReplyHi Melissa! I recommend you make this latte with full fat canned coconut milk because it will be rich and creamy. If you use coconut milk from a carton, that’s fine too just make sure you purchase certified organic. Or feel free to make your own! http://www.joyoushealth.com/blog/2013/09/27/super-simple-homemade-coconut-milk/ Heather- Joyous Health Team
Hi Joy, One little issue with the recipe - the turmeric stains everything it touches! I can't get it off the grater or my skin and nails!! The recipe really should offer some tips for managing that, for those of us who aren't used to working with fresh turmeric. Michele
ReplyHey Michele! Sorry to hear that :( It can definitely stain everything. Perhaps gloves next time? My grater is stainless steel so I've never had an issue with it. Hopefully it fades quickly! Heather- Joyous Health Team
I just bought tumeric for the first time- do I need to peel it or do you just grate it whole?
ReplyGreat question Ashley! I too would like to know. Hopefully someone will respond soon. I'm on my way to the market to get all the ingredients!
Hey Ashley! Sorry for the delayed reply, I missed your message until now :/ If it's organic, there is no need to peel it before grating. If it's conventionally grown, I'd suggest peeling it first. It's really easy to do. Just scrape it with a spoon :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Thanks for sharing this recipe! It tastes AMAZING! I am completely addicted and it helps to settle my stomach which is an added bonus!
ReplyHey Kirstie! So glad you're enjoying it. Ginger and turmeric are great for digestion :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Could you please tell me what brand of coconut milk you use?
ReplyHi Rachelle! We're big fans of the brand Cha's organic coconut milk (available in most health food stores). Heather- Joyous Health Team
Wow, amazing recipe and so tasty :) I'm wondering, as fresh turmeric is not available all year long at my supermarket, can it be frozen ? Thanks !
ReplyHey Charlene! Glad you enjoy it :) You can freeze fresh turmeric but the consistency will be a bit mushy after thawing (which I think will still work just fine). You can also use dried/powdered turmeric as an alternative! Heather- Joyous Health Team
Very tasty! I've made this twice already. I'm wondering if maybe I could freeze the ginger/turmeric pulp to use again later. I don't really want to add it to a smoothie, but hate throwing it all away.
ReplyI say go for it, Natalie! Glad you enjoy it :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Oh I need to go make this right now. Don't you just love it when you have all the ingredients and the weather and timing is perfect too... bliss!!! Thanks Joy
ReplyThat is truly the best feeling! Enjoy :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
This is so good on a hot day. Just made it with Joy's homemade coconut milk recipe. It would probably taste creamier with a canned coconut milk, but so delicious all the same. Thanks for a great recipe!
ReplySo glad you enjoyed it, Amanda! Thanks for sharing :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
I tried and I love! Is it bad if I make a double dose? Only thing is my stomach needs to get used to it:) I've been craving a creamy drink and this one is just perfect. Thank you
ReplyIt's not bad to double up, but let your tummy decide if a second cup is necessary :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Would it be too strong to just blend the ginger and turmeric with the milk before pouring over the ice, or why do you strain it out?
ReplyHey Lynn! We strain it to give it a smoother consistency. You could definitely blend it all together and pour over ice. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Hi there, I love turmeric! I have made this drink twice and absolutely love it! I’m pregnant and was looking up whether turmeric root is okay to consume when pregnant but all the websites I found were about turmeric supplements. Do you know if it is okay to consume turmeric root during pregnancy? Thank you! Vanessa
ReplyHey Vanessa! Turmeric is fine in whole food form (fresh or dried) but it's best to avoid the supplements while pregnant. Congrats on your little one :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Hi, I've never had either Turmeric or Ginger. Do you peel them some how? Is there somewhere in particular that you would purchase this? Also which Coconut Milk would you recommend? Thank you.
ReplyHi Julie! If the ginger and turmeric are organic, no need to peel it. If it's not, simply scrape the skin off with a spoon. They can be found in most grocery stores or health food stores near the garlic in the produce section. Cha's organic coconut milk is the best! Enjoy :) Heather- Joyous Health team
I just bought the tumeric root and ginger root. I did forget the coconut milk but I do have 2%. I can't wait to try this tomorrow for my snack. It looks yummp. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
ReplyYou're welcome, Wanda! Enjoy :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Where can I buy turmeric root? I have never noticed it in any supermarket.
ReplyHi Lynn! It's usually in the produce section near the ginger in some supermarkets and most health food stores. If you have a hard time finding it, ask your local grocer to bring it in or if needed, use a tsp of dried turmeric powder. Happy hunting :) Heather- Joyous Health Team
Can you make this drink hot too with the same ingredients?
ReplyAbsolutely! Heather- Joyous Health Team
Thanks for this recipe! I've heard that in order to aid in the optimal absorption of turmeric, either black pepper or coconut oil is recommended. Is this true?
ReplyHi Sat! When enjoying whole turmeric root, you don't need to pair it with black pepper for better absorption because the phytonutrients in the root do it for you! That's the beauty of eating whole foods. But pairing it with a fat (like coconut) aids in the absorption of the curcuminoids and other beneficial compounds. Enjoy! Heather- Joyous Health Team
I don't grate the ginger or turmeric, I just put all the ingredients in my NutriBullet (900w) and blend for 30 seconds. No need to strain because it comes out super smooth........instant delicious drink without the tedious grating!
ReplySounds amazing!
I made this with almond milk and steamed the milk. Was yummy :)
ReplySounds yummy! Quick question though....I don't have access to fresh turmeric root...only ground packaged type...will I still reap similar benefits? Thank you! April
Replycan i use powdered turmeric?
ReplyHey Gladys, You definitely can, it just won't be as flavourful or health promoting. For this recipe, we do recommend the fresh ginger or turmeric root as much as possible! Rachel - Joyous Health Team
How do you prevent your teeth from staining bright orange?
ReplyFortunately, there's not need to prevent it because it doesn't stain your teeth. If your teeth look yellow after drinking this, just swish your mouth with water and it will clear away any yellow.
Joy, would this work as a hot drink in the faĺl and winter?
ReplyHey Tpm, Absolutely! You can find a recipe here: https://www.joyoushealth.com/26656-blog-super-easy-turmeric-ginger-tea Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Wow. The combination looks so delicious and healthy. I love recipes with clear benefits. It makes me have more encouragement to try xD. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyYou will love this one, Natalie :) Let us know what you think if you end up trying it! Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Hello Can I enjoy this while pregnant?
ReplyHi Melissa, It's okay to enjoy turmeric in low doses during pregnancy but since it does have a stimulating effect, I would confirm this with your natural health care practitioner before doing so. Rachel - Joyous Health Team
Heat wave in Ontario. Made this
ReplyI used two packets of stevia because I didn't have maple syrup on-hand. Then, I pulled out the almond milk I had. It turned out nicely with me soaking the ginger and turmeric for only 5 minutes. The taste is distinctly differeny but pleasing. Hopefully, this will help me with "Arthur" and the knee replacement I just went through.
ReplySounds delicious! I hope it helps you too, Donna!
Can you drink turmeric latte if you are pregnant
ReplyYou sure can in the whole food form!
Joy, what about ground/powdered T
ReplyYes, you can absolutely use ground or powdered. I would start with about a 1 tsp and increase from there. ENJOY!
What brand of canned coconut milk do you use? Thank you
ReplyI like Cha's or Native. Hope that helps!
Hi Joy. Can you replace coconut milk with oat or hemp milk?
ReplyAbsolutely!
Hi Joy! Im going to make this today! Looks fabulous and tasty! Is it canned coconut milk you are using? Thanks!
ReplyAwesome, enjoy! Sometimes I use canned, and other times I use coconut milk from a tetra pak. I also really like making it with oat milk.