India, Nov. 22 -- Turmeric has been such a familiar presence in my home that I almost forget how often it becomes a part of my daily routine. Winter brings those bright, fresh nodes straight into my vegetable basket. I begin my mornings with amla and turmeric shots for my skin, and I wind down the evenings with fresh turmeric milk and a pinch of pepper for my children. It is an Indian winter essential that earns its place through sheer usefulness.

Growing it in a terrace garden or on a balcony feels like a simple way to bring purity and potency straight into the kitchen. I took tips from Pragya Mishra of Upvanam Nursery in Bhopal. She tells HT ShopNow, "Turmeric is so essential in Indian cooking that you will always find a way to use it....