Turmeric is an underground stem of a ginger-like plant.
The rhizome, or underground stem, of turmeric, is divided into two parts: the mother rhizome, which has a pear-shaped structure in the center, and the fingers, which have axillary branches on either side.
They generally appear as a fine, bright yellow powder when they are ground.
Overall, turmeric is a segmented, rough-skinned tuberous rhizome.
The rhizome's exterior is yellowish-brown, and its interior is dull orange but appears bright yellow when it is powdered.