Turmeric (Curcuma longa, also known as tumeric or curcumin) is a spice commonly used in curries and other south Asian cooking. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders. Turmeric is also used to give a yellow color to some prepared mustards, canned chicken broth, and other foods (often as a much cheaper replacement for saffron), and is also used as a fabric dye.