Answer

In Jain Dharma, the main concern is not simply whether a plant grows underground, but whether eating it involves greater harm to living beings and whether it increases attachment, taste, or carelessness.

Ginger is generally avoided by many Jains because it is a root/rhizome and is considered to involve more harm, as such plants may contain many subtle living organisms and can regenerate from the root itself.

Turmeric is treated differently in many Jain households because it is usually used in a very small quantity as a dried spice, mainly for color, mild flavor, and medicinal value. Some stricter Jains may still avoid fresh turmeric or root-form turmeric.

Explanation

In Jain food discipline, underground roots like potato, onion, garlic, carrot, ginger, etc. are often avoided because:

• Uprooting the plant destroys the whole plant.
• Roots and rhizomes may contain countless subtle life forms.
• Many such roots can sprout again, so they are considered to have strong life-potential.
• Some items like ginger, onion, and garlic may stimulate the senses or increase passion and taste-attachment.

Turmeric is also a rhizome botanically, so the question is valid. The practical distinction made in many Jain communities is:

• Fresh turmeric root is avoided by many strict Jains.
• Dried turmeric powder is commonly accepted by many Jains as a spice in small quantity.
• It is not generally eaten as a vegetable or main food item.
• It has long been used traditionally for medicinal and auspicious purposes.

So, it is not that turmeric has no issue at all. Rather, Jain practice often distinguishes between eating a living/fresh root as food and using a dried spice in limited quantity.

Spiritual Understanding

The deeper Jain principle is ahimsa and self-restraint. Food is not judged only by taste or health, but by how much violence, attachment, and carelessness it may involve.

Different Jain families and traditions may follow this with different strictness. Some avoid all root forms very carefully, while others allow certain dried spices like turmeric.

Takeaway

Ginger is commonly avoided because it is a root/rhizome eaten for strong taste and involves greater concern of harm. Turmeric, especially dried powder, is accepted by many Jains in small amounts, though stricter followers may avoid fresh turmeric too.