Turmeric has an earthy, slightly bitter taste with a little bit of peppery spice. It is also described as having a musky essence. Turmeric is a great team player and helps to bring out the flavor of other spices you pair it with. It is often used in Indian curries and other dishes to add a pop of color and flavor. Turmeric is also used in salad dressings, sprinkled on veggies before roasting, and in many other recipes. When its raw, turmeric root looks more like fresh ginger, with a papery, knobby skin and an interior flesh that is orange.