The Surprising Secret To Making Your Turmeric A More Powerful Inflammation Fighter

While turmeric tonics, lattes, and even smoothies should have a place on anyone's anti-inflammatory recipe roster, there's a surprisingly underutilized way to truly unlock turmeric's mega-power: fermentation. Studies show that fermenting turmeric makes it more bioavailable than simply eating it powdered, meaning it's that much more easily utilized by your body to enact its healing powers.

While it's hard to come by straight-up fermented turmeric root at most grocery stores, as sauerkraut has gained notoriety, companies have been playing around with different ingredient and flavor options, including turmeric (Hawthorne Valley makes a turmeric sauerkraut that's earthy, tangy, and utterly addictive). Can't get your hands on some turmeric kraut? No problem. Simply open any jar of live, raw sauerkraut and stir in a heaping teaspoon of powdered or grated fresh turmeric (make sure it's organic, as certain pesticides can kill the good bacteria present in the ferment). Put the lid back on and consume over the next few weeks as normal; the bugs present in the sauerkraut will begin to do their work on the added turmeric, allowing you to experience its bonus benefits.