Although the turmeric plant is widely known for its edible roots, its other parts including the leaves and flowers can also be consumed. As for the leaves, they are small to medium in size, oblong in shape, and have a neutral aroma when fresh. However, once they are cut, pounded, or chewed, these leaves release a distinctive tart flavor with notes of grass and mint. Nutritionally, turmeric leaves contain curcumin, which is strongly anti-inflammatory – so much so that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects