A spice (8)
I believe the answer is:
turmeric
'a spice' is the definition.
(type of spice)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for turmeric that I've seen before include "Ingredient in curry powder" , "Yellow spice used in curry" , "kitchen ingredient" , "Yellow powder used in Indian cookery" , "Condiment that dyes yellow" .)