Spice Crops

Kevin Athearn, Jonathan Adam Watson, Paul Fisher, Maria Paz Kinslow, Marina Burani-Arouca, Brian Pearson, and Celina Gómez

This publication examines the potential markets for turmeric (Curcuma longa) grown in Florida, highlighting opportunities in fresh produce, food and beverage ingredients, and nursery markets. Turmeric, widely used in culinary dishes and wellness products, is primarily consumed in its rhizome form, as a powdered spice. The US fresh produce market for turmeric is largely supplied by imports from countries like India, Fiji, and China, presenting price competition challenges for Florida growers. Florida turmeric producers face strong competition from imports, but by focusing on quality, differentiation, and niche markets, they can enhance profitability.

Paul Fisher, Rosanna Freyre, Celina Gómez, Brian Pearson, Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Shawn Steed, Wanda Laughlin, Robert Hochmuth, Jeff Wasielewski, Deah Lieurance, Carrie Harmon, Mathews Paret, Lance Osborne, Kevin Athearn, Steven Sargent, Mengzi Zhang

Ginger, galangal, and turmeric (Figure 1) are emerging crops for Florida production. All of these plants are in the Zingiberaceae family and share most aspects of their production. This publication describes production in containers or the field under Florida conditions to help guide growers interested in ginger, turmeric, and galangal production or expanding their market. All species have been evaluated by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (UF/IFAS Assessment) using the Predictive Tool (an invasion risk assessment) and all present a low risk of invasion in Florida (https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu).