Turmeric root?

I just bought some from an organic grocery store. Does anyone know how to prepare it, like do I chop/dice/crush it in a blender or mince it thru a coffee grinder?

Are there any preferred ways of consuming it?

Plus I've just noticed the 'best before' date is May 6! There ain't much shelf life with this stuff, unless there is a way of storing it.

I'll put it in the fridge for the time being.

Try googling "cooking with fresh tumeric root" and see what comes up. I bought some a couple of years ago just because I like curry and know it is an important ingredient. It sat on my counter and got soft and I ended up throwing it away. I think you probably peel off the outer skin, chop it up finely and throw it in soups and sauces, rice dishes...

Thanks for the help guys. I googled and finished up back on this site where got some decent info via a UCer in India.
I peeled it, chopped it into pieces about 1" square. I ate (chewed well) 4 pieces this am on an empty stomach. Doesn't taste very good but not overly offensive either.

I'll keep you posted if I get any positive news!

Well I'm on day three of chewing 3-4 small pieces on an empty stomach (about the size of pineapple chunks).

It's maybe too early but I can't say it's made any difference. Still having 3-4 bm's reasonably formed, blood traces have mostly gone but to be honest that has been happening for the past 2 weeks, which you'd have to credit the Hycort enemas/vitamin E with.

I will continue it as there is probably enough for a few more days, even though it's officially past it's 'best before' date it's still quite fresh and firm. I suppose there could be a minor worry about it fermenting but I should imagine that it needs heat to do that.

I may give the powder a chance next as it probably lasts way longer and no prep hassle.

I'll let you know.

Thanks for the tip killcolitis, I will certainly try that and it sounds like it will improve the taste as well!