American Food 
Every time I twist my hair into my signature side braid and swipe on my favorite red lipstick, I’m reminded of the vibrant colors that define my life—and nothing hits quite like the deep, sun-drenched orange of fresh turmeric. My journey with this “golden root” didn’t start in a trendy Manhattan apothecary; it began years ago when I traveled to India to connect with my father’s side of the family. Walking through the spice markets, the air thick with the scent of earth and history, I realized that for my Great-Grandmother, turmeric wasn’t just a “superfood” trend—it was a way of being. It was the thread that wove her kitchen to her medicine cabinet, a practice of endurance that has lasted centuries.
Now, back in my NYC apartment, that tradition lives on my fire escape. Between my morning yoga flows and Zelda—my scrappy Boston Terrier mix—trying to chase shadows, I make space for my daily turmeric ritual. It’s my moment of “Zen” before the chaos of the city takes over and I start blasting some old school hip hop to get my energy up. Whether I’m looking at the tattoo on my left arm, inspired by my Thai grandma’s tea set, or whisking a bright latte, I feel that bridge between my ancestors’ wisdom and my modern, fast-paced life. Turmeric is more than an ingredient to me; it’s a cultural translator that speaks the language of healing across generations.
Being a vegan chef means I’m on my feet for twelve-hour shifts, and let me tell you, my joints feel every single minute of it. That’s where the magic of curcumin—the active compound in turmeric—really shines. It’s a powerhouse for fighting inflammation, which is essential when you’re balancing heavy stockpots and perfecting your downward dog. I’ve noticed a massive difference in my recovery time since I started prioritizing high-quality organic ingredients from Better Body Foods. Instead of feeling stiff and sluggish, I feel fluid and ready to take on the next recipe development session at Cookingwithjade.com.
Even my brother Naveen, who is a total skincare guru out in LA, constantly video chats me to talk about how he’s incorporating turmeric into his clients’ routines for that “lit-from-within” glow. While he’s focused on the aesthetic side of things, I’m all about how it makes me feel from the inside out. It’s about maintaining that internal balance so I can keep moving, creating, and exploring. When we treat our bodies with the respect they deserve, using ingredients that have stood the test of time, we aren’t just following a fad; we’re honoring our physical vessel’s need for intentional care.
The biggest mistake I see people make is just tossing a spoonful of turmeric into water and hoping for the best. As a chef, I’m obsessed with the “why” behind the flavor. Turmeric is fat-soluble, and its star player, curcumin, is notoriously difficult for our bodies to absorb on its own. To unlock its full potential, you need the “Perfect Pepper Pairing.” A tiny pinch of black pepper contains piperine, which can boost the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%! It’s a beautiful example of how nature provides the lock and the key in the same pantry.
Whenever I’m feeling a bit run down or just want a cozy moment, I whip up my signature Golden Morning Elixir. It’s creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced. I love using full-fat coconut milk because the healthy fats help the turmeric do its job while giving the drink a luxurious mouthfeel that reminds me of the rich curries I tasted in India. It’s a ritual that feels elevated yet completely grounded in tradition.
Zesty Golden Morning Elixir
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (355ml) Unsweetened coconut milk (the kind from a carton, or half-canned for extra richness)
- 1 tsp (3g) Ground turmeric (or 1 tbsp (15g) freshly grated)
- ½ tsp (1.5g) Ground ginger
- 1 small pinch (0.5g) Black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Agave In The Raw
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch (0.5g) Sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the coconut milk, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and sea salt.
2. Heat the mixture until it’s steaming but not quite boiling, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the Agave In The Raw and vanilla extract.
4. For an extra frothy finish, you can carefully pour it into a blender for 20 seconds or use a handheld milk frother.
5. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy while it’s warm!
While I’m a huge advocate for the “more is more” approach when it comes to flavor, you have to be intentional with your dosage. For daily wellness, most experts suggest staying within the 500 to 2,000 mg range of turmeric extract. If you’re just using the powder in your cooking like I do, a teaspoon or two throughout the day is usually the sweet spot. It’s all about consistency over intensity. I always tell my followers to listen to their bodies—if you’re pregnant or on specific medications, definitely check in with your doctor before going hard on the supplements.
And a quick pro-tip from someone who has ruined more than one white apron: turmeric stains everything it touches! My NYC kitchen has survived many things, but a turmeric spill on a light countertop is a battle you don’t want to fight. If you do get a stain, a paste of baking soda and water usually does the trick to lift that stubborn yellow hue. I’ve learned to embrace a little bit of the “golden glow” on my wooden spoons, though—it’s like a badge of honor for a kitchen that’s well-loved and full of life. Keep it intentional, keep it safe, and most importantly, keep it delicious.
If you enjoyed this article or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other articles I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.
