On Friday (August 2, 2024), UNDIP KKN Team II students conducted a turmeric spice processing activity at the Pundungrejo village hall, Tawangsari District, Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java. This activity was attended by 17 participants from the PKK (Family Empowerment and Welfare) mothers. This activity aims to transform the turmeric harvest in Pundungrejo village, which was initially sold to collectors by the kilogram, into turmeric powder that can be sold by the residents, has a longer shelf life, and supports the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Before the activity began, information about turmeric was provided first. Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, contains several compounds including curcumin, essential oils, resins, oleoresins, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, as well as gums, fats, proteins, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric, possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that boost the immune system and combat inflammation. It can also help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and menstrual pain. Turmeric contains essential oils composed of various components such as turmerone, tumerol, and borneol. These oils have antimicrobial properties and can help reduce digestive symptoms.
Beside being good for health, turmeric can also be used for beauty purposes, such as improving skin health, treating oily skin, fighting acne, brightening the skin, helping to reduce wrinkles, healing wounds, and removing dark circles under the eyes. Additionally, turmeric is also often used as a daily cooking ingredient. The activity began with a presentation on the tools and materials that would be used to make turmeric powder. One week before conducting the mentoring session for making this turmeric spice product, we from the UNDIP KKN Team II had already asked the residents to collect turmeric that had been cleaned and dried for 4-6 days so that on the day of the activity, the turmeric would be ready to be processed. After the dried turmeric is collected, it is ground using a cooper. While grinding the turmeric, the women help move it from the cooper into a basin before it is strained. There are also those who help filter the turmeric to make it finer. After all the turmeric was ground, the turmeric powder was put into plastic bags and distributed to the mothers present today. Turmeric that has been ground into powder can last 3-4 years if stored properly and not exposed to direct sunlight. This KKN program is expected to help the community make better use of the harvest available in the village. It is hoped that in the future, residents will be able to sell turmeric powder in the market and earn additional income, as well as open small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). [Contributor: Tarissya Putri Ernanto]