Peppercorns are actually the fruits of a flowering vine in the Piperaceae family. The vine is native to India but is grown in nearly every tropical region. Vietnam currently grows and exports the most black pepper, totaling around 35% of the world's supply, followed by India, Brazil, China and Sri Lanka. Used in practically every single style of cuisine imaginable pepper is the most traded spice worldwide and makes up 20% of the world's total spice trade.
The splattering of mustard seeds in hot oil with a fistful of curry leaves is treat for the senses. The sound and fragrance and the taste and feel of this infusion in foods is unbelievable. This is simplicity in action. This is the magic of curry leaves a simple leaf with amazing flavor and health benefits. The curry tree is widely grown in the Indian subcontinent.
Cumin is a spice made from the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant. Many dishes use cumin, especially foods from its native regions of the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. Cumin lends its distinctive flavor to chili, tamales and various Indian curries. Its flavor has been described as earthy, nutty, spicy and warm.
Coriander is an herb that's commonly used to flavor international dishes. It comes from the Coriandrum sativum plant and is related to parsley, carrots, and celery. In the United States, Coriandrum sativum seeds are called coriander, while its leaves are called cilantro. In other parts of the world, they're called coriander seeds and coriander leaves. The plant is also known as Chinese parsley.
Bay leaves add a complex flavor to dishes, and are a key staple in many soups and sauces. When dried, they taste like a subtly bitter combination of mint and spice. Generally, the term "bay leaf" refers to the laurel leaf, a small leaf from the sweet bay tree. The scientific name of this tree is the Laurus nobilis. The bay laurel leaf is also called the Turkish bay leaf because the tree it comes from naturally grows in the Mediterranean. Sometimes people use the term "bay leaf" to refer to other varieties of leaves from similar trees.
Nutty and pleasant in taste, poppy seeds are nutritious oilseeds used as a condiment in cooking. Although the seeds obtained from the dry fruits (pods) of the poppy plant (opium poppy), they are entirely free from any harmful side effects of other poppy plant products such as opium poppy. Poppy plant is a biennial herb of East Mediterranean and Asia Minor origin belonging to the Papaveraceae family, in the genus: Papaver. Scientific name: Papaver somniferum.
The most widely-appreciated contribution, however, is probably the cultivation and use of spices. If it wasnâ??t for India, our food would most likely taste a whole lot blander today. Also, we wouldnâ??t be able to enjoy the amazing health benefits derived from these plants. One of the most popular spice blends in India is called garam masala. Itâ??s a potent mix that can make even the blandest of meals interesting.
Dry Fenugreek leaves is also known as Kasuri Methi. It is a very ancient spice which is used for flavouring various dishes. These leaves are bitter in taste, when added to any recipe it will surely titillate your taste bud. In addition to taste, it has numerous nutritional values as well. Fenugreek leaves is a natural herb which works as a nutritional supplement.
Cardamom is a spice that people have used for centuries both in cooking and as a medicine. Originally a common ingredient in Middle Eastern and Arabic foods, cardamom has also gained popularity in the west. Cardamom comes from the seeds of several different plants that belong to the same family as ginger. It has a distinctive flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. People may use cardamom seeds and pods in curries, desserts, and meat dishes, as well as in beverages, such as coffee and chai tea.
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of trees of the Cinnamomum family. It is native to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia. People have used cinnamon since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt, where they regarded it highly. In medieval times, doctors used it to treat conditions such as coughing, arthritis, and sore throats. It is now the second most popular spice, after black pepper, in the United States and Europe. As a spice, cinnamon is available in powder form or whole, as pieces of bark. People can also use cinnamon essential oil and supplements.
Chili peppers are popular for their ability to improve the taste of any meal with their hot flavor. However, chili peppers are more than just a little bit of heat. More than just a pizza topping, red pepper flakes have a slew of cooking and health benefits. Also known as crushed red pepper, this multi-beneficial spice does everything from brightening flavor in dishes to preventing diseases. Read on for some of the best reasons to eat red pepper flakes.
People have used ginger in cooking and medicine since antiquity. It remains a popular home remedy for nausea, stomach pain, and other health issues. People typically use fresh or dried ginger in cooking or herbal tea, and some take ginger supplements for their possible health benefits. Ginger root comes from the Zingiber officinale plant, and it has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine for thousands of years.
Mustard seeds are small seeds with diameter of about 1-2mm. They can vary in color but mostly it is yellow, brown or black. These seeds are widely used in indian as well as American cuisines. Mustard seeds have been used as spices since ages and it is loaded with several health benefits. Other part of this plant which is edible is its leaves, which are also loaded with Vitamin-C, A , K as well as minerals like calcium and copper.
Nutmeg is a well-liked spice which has a big list of connected health advantages, which includes its capability to reduce pain, calm indigestion, strengthen intellectual function, detox the body, enhance skin health, relieve oral conditions, decrease insomnia, boost defense mechanisms function, and stop leukemia, as well as enhance the circulation of blood.
Mace spice is a dried, outer aril, enveloping firmly around the nutmeg kernel. Nutmeg kernel and mace arils indeed are two separate spice products of the same nutmeg fruit. However, spice-mace has characteristically composed a higher concentration of certain essential oils and features a refined yet more intense aroma than nutmeg. For the same reasons, it commands a higher price and special place in the kitchen spice box.
A Kony Turmeric is having curcumin content which is natural immunity booster. It's % varies from 2-3% in generally grown Turmeric all-around the world. Only in Lakadong a samall patch of land in Himalayan ranges has a peculier environment mix of rain and dry which helps growth of turmeric having curcumin content as high as 12.21%. Where as upto 8% curcumin Turmeric powder is suitable for general human consumption, beyond that is used to make medicine. The one I am consuming is having 7.73 % curcumin. This helps boosting immunity by working on white cells in blood stream of body and makes it strong to fight lethal diseases.
Fennel seeds are a spice harvested from one of several types of herb fennel plant. They have a sweet, powerful flavor that's similar to licorice. Fennel seeds have traditionally been used in Italian cooking. However, they can be used in all types of food, and in recent years, Western culture has opened its doors to creative uses of fennel seeds in recipes.
Star anise is a spice made from the fruit of the Chinese evergreen tree Illicium verum. It's aptly named for the star-shaped pods from which the spice seeds are harvested and has a flavor that is reminiscent of licorice. Because of similarities in their flavor and names, star anise is often confused with anise, though the two spices are unrelated. Star anise is famed not only for its distinct flavor and culinary applications but also for its medicinal benefits.
Asafoetida is a dried plant sap that has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits and unique flavor. It has been shown to be a good source of antioxidants. While limited research suggests multiple benefits particularly for digestive health much more human research is needed. Still, when ground into a powder, this ingredient also known as hing makes a great addition to your spice cabinet. A small pinch can add a savory, umami quality to dishes like curries, lentil dal, soups, and stews.
Mint leaves also known as Pudina are a popular aromatic herb for its freshness with several health benefits. Since ancient times, people have used different types of mints all over the world. A variety of mint plants offer you a lot of anti-oxidant properties and health benefits. From boosting digestion to keeping your breath fresh for long, mint is packed with a number of benefits that make its more than just a mocktail, chutney or raita ingredient.
