Everyone stoops to harvest turmeric. | Photo provided by Jing Si Abode | Hualien, Taiwan | 2024/2

In Taiwan, spring brings a mix of cool breezes and occasional warmth, along with lingering chills. February to March is the season for harvesting turmeric, but the weather can be unpredictable. We must seize sunny moments and brave rainy spells to gather the turmeric while conditions allow. Harvesting involves strenuous manual labor — clearing off mud, snipping roots, and delicately removing any spoiled parts to prevent rotting. It is a demanding and painstaking process that truly shows the complexity of the harvest.

In a touching scene, volunteers from Poland and Ukraine return to the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, Taiwan, to assist in cleaning turmeric in front of the dining hall. The air is filled with the unique scent of turmeric, creating a healing space that soothes the pain of separation from family and loved ones. | Photo by Wen-cong Liao | Hualien, Taiwan | 2024/2

Natural Farming

Around 2000, Master De Zhao started a turmeric plantation at the Abode, when a doctoral student wanted to study turmeric cultivation for his dissertation. He gave Master De Zhao turmeric seeds to plant. Following natural farming principles — no chemicals — Master De Zhao found turmeric easy to grow. The roots of the turmeric plants receive their nourishment from nature itself.

Over two decades, every year during this season, Tzu Chi volunteers from various places come back to help harvest and process turmeric. They make a lively and beautiful scene.

The turmeric roots spread in all directions, much like human habits, needing pruning to clear away dust and foster good relationships. Trimmed roots can be used to extract turmeric enzyme, embodying the idea of minimizing waste in every aspect. | Photo by Zheng-yu Xu | Hualien, Taiwan | 2024/2

It takes two years for turmeric plants to grow strong roots suitable for harvesting. Turmeric is full of curcumin, which is crucial for human health; it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and liver-boosting properties. Turmeric-based condiments are often served with meals at the Abode.

The roots of turmeric pose an obstacle during harvesting. Once they take root, they are hard to remove. | Photo by Zheng-yu Xu | Hualien, Taiwan | 2024/2

Removing Entangled Roots

During cultivation, turmeric receives nourishment from the soil, so its roots are vital for growth. The further the roots extend, the longer the turmeric grows. However, these roots present obstacles during harvesting, as they firmly anchor the plant. Care must be taken not to damage the turmeric while removing it from the soil. Once harvested, the initial processing takes place in the fields to remove surface soil, followed by detailed root removal and mud cleaning back at the Abode. Despite the laborious and time-consuming process, seeing clean, vibrant turmeric brings a sense of relaxation and ease, free from any entanglements.

2024-02-29   | Master De Zao and Xiang-hui Huang