Ground Turmeric is mildly aromatic with scents of orange or ginger and has a pungent, bitter flavor. Turmeric comes from the fingers of the root of a leafy plant in the ginger family. Turmeric is a necessary ingredient of curry powder and is used extensively in Southeast Asian cuisine as well as Indian dishes. This spice is also added to mustard blends and relishes and can be used in place of saffron to provide color and flavor.