For Pookie: Turmeric has lately been added to the list of foods that statistically show an edge toward promoting longevity, beside (moderate use of) red wine, olive oil, brassica vegs, tomato cooked with oil, and certain other superfoods. It's common in Indian cooking, and is one of the signature flavours of curry, but it can be hidden in western recipes too. Wherever you use pepper and want a richer, rounded flavour, replace pepper with 2-3 times the turmeric. Either add in other curry spices, or lots of Italian-style (bay, basil, thyme, oregano, marjoram, savoury, etc.). Paprika, garlic, onion powder will also keep the flavour more Western. Roasts, stews, soups, sautes, steamed rice are all great ways to sneak more of it into your family's meal plans.
Fresh ginger sliced, along with soy sauce, turn barely-cooked veggies into stir-fry. (Having a very hot wok helps too!
) Smidgeons of fresh ginger can spruce up a fruit salad, or give extra bite to freshly-squeezed juices for the family. If you find some dried up in the fridge, all is not lost; mince fine or pulverize. Along with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and a little clove, it's great in eggnog, chai tea, custard, rice pudding, or anything Christmas! And then there's candied ginger...ooh mama!
Not everybody is a fan, but, like dark chocolate, you owe it to yourself to find out!