Sacha inchi nut oil is extracted by pressing from the seeds and flesh of the fruit of the Plukenetia volubilis, or pracaxi, a tree native to the area surrounding the Amazon River. Sacha Inchi oil has with approximately 50% a very high content of the omega 3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, which makes it comparable only to flaxseed oil. Sacha Inchi oil has a very high content of Tocopherols (176226 mg/100 g) which consists predominately of gamma-Tocopherol (50%) and delta-Tocopherol. Product Description Scientific Name : Plukenetia Volubilis Linneo Extra virgin sacha inchi oil is made using a careful cold pressing process, ensuring all the seed properties conservation. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids: 48% Omega 3, 38% Omega 6 and 14% Omega 9. High protein content food (more than 50%). Rich in vitamin A (681 ug in 100 ml) and vitamin E (among 175.68 and Sensory Characteristics Color : Light yellow Smell : Caracteristic Taste : Caracteristic Texture : Oily liquid PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS Characteristics : Range or Limit Acidity : 0.2 - 0.8 mg KOH/g Peroxide index :
Passion Fruit Oil or Maracuj Oil Refined, extracted from the fruits seeds, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids with nutritional and moisturizing properties for the skin and hair. It can be used in formulations aimed at reducing oiliness of the skin, such as: gels, tonics, creams, lotions, soaps, sunscreens, makeup and in formulations that seek a dry and a velvety touch to the skin. For the treatment of hair, we indicate its use in products such as shampoo, conditioner, capillary mask, boosters, and leave-in products, in order to improve features such as hydration and gloss.
Mace Botanical: Myristica fragrans Family: N.O. Myristicaceae Hindi Name: Mace - Javitri General Description: Nutmeg, spice consisting of the seed of the Myristica fragrans, a tropical, dioecious evergreen tree native to the Moluccas or Spice Islands of Indonesia. Geographical Sources The nutmeg tree, Myristica fragrans, is indigenous to the Moluccas in Indonesia but has been successfully grown in other Asian countries and in the Caribbean, namely Grenada. Banda Islands, Malayan Archipelago, Molucca Islands, and cultivated in Sumatra, French Guiana Composition -> Nutmeg and mace contain 7 to 14 percent essential oil, the principal components of which are pinene, camphene, and dipentene. Nutmeg on expression yields about 24 to 30 percent fixed oil called nutmeg butter, or oil of mace. Dried kernel of the seed. Varieties -> Whole nutmegs are grouped under three broad quality classifications: 1. Sound: nutmegs which are mainly used for grinding and to a lesser extent for oleoresin extraction. High quality or sound whole nutmegs are traded in grades which refer to their size in numbers of nutmegs per pound: 80s, 110s and 130s (110 to 287 nuts per kg), or 'ABCD' which is an assortment of various sizes. 2. Substandard: nutmegs which are used for grinding, oleoresin extraction and essential oil distillation. Substandard nutmegs are traded as 'sound, shrivelled' which in general have a higher volatile oil content than mature sound nutmegs and are used for grinding, oleoresin extraction and oil distillation; and 'BWP' (broken, wormy and punky) which are mainly used for grinding as volatile oil content generally does not exceed 8%. 3. Distilling: poor quality nutmegs used for essential oil distillation.Distilling grades of nutmegs are of poorer quality: 'BIA' or 'ETEZ' with a volatile oil content of 8% to 10%; and 'BSL' or 'AZWI' which has less shell material and a volatile oil content of 12% to 13%. Method of Processing -> When fully mature it splits in two, exposing a crimson-coloured aril, the mace, surrounding a single shiny, brown seed, the nutmeg. The pulp of the fruit may be eaten locally. After collection, the aril-enveloped nutmegs are conveyed to curing areas where the mace is removed, flattened out, and dried. The nutmegs are dried gradually in the sun and turned twice daily over a period of six to eight weeks. During this time the nutmeg shrinks away from its hard seed coat until the kernels rattle in their shells when shaken. The shell is then broken with a wooden truncheon and the nutmegs are picked out. Dried nutmegs are grayish-brown ovals with furrowed surfaces. Large ones may be about 1.2 inches long and 0.8 inch in diameter. Taste and Aroma: Nutmeg has a characteristic, pleasant fragrance and slightly warm taste
Our Cold Pressed Neem Oil is a pure and natural oil that is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Neem tree. It is known for its unique medicinal properties and is commonly used for hair and skin care. The oil is rich in compounds such as azadirachtin and nimbin, which have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and insecticidal properties. When applied to the scalp, it helps to soothe the scalp, reduce dandruff, and promote healthy hair growth. It also helps to strengthen hair roots, reduce hair fall, and promote hair health. Applied to the skin, it helps to reduce acne, eczema, and other skin problems. Suitable for all hair and skin types, our Cold Pressed Neem Oil is free from harsh chemicals and preservatives. Achieve healthy and nourished hair and skin with our Cold Pressed Neem Oil.
Ginger root Botanical name: Zingiber officinale Linn. Family: Zingiberaceae. Ginger oil and oleoresins are the volatile oil derived by steam distillation of ginger and oleoresin. It is obtained by percolating the powdered rhizomes of Ginger, Zingiber officinale with volatile solvents. Ginger contains 1-2 percent of volatile oil, 5-8 percent of pungent acrid oleoresin and starch. Zingiberene is the chief constituent in the oil of ginger. Oil is employed for flavoring all kinds of food products and confectionary and finds limited use in perfumery. Oleoresin, commercially called Gingerin contains pungent principles viz. gingerol and shogaol apart from the volatile oil of ginger and is used as an aromatic, carminative, stomachic and as a stimulant. Oleoresin from ginger is obtained conventionally by extraction of dried powdered ginger with organic solvents like ethyl acetate, ethanol or acetone. Commercial dried ginger yields 3.5-10.0 per cent oleoresin. Ginger oleoresin is a dark brown viscous liquid responsible for the flavour and pungency of the spice. Ginger of commerce or `Adrak` is the dried underground stem or rhizome of the plant, which constitutes one of the five most important major spices of India, standing third or fourth, competing with chillies, depending upon fluctuations in world market prices, world market demand and supply position. Ginger, like cinnamon, clove and pepper, is one of the most important and oldest spices. It consists of the prepared and sun dried rhizomes known in trade as `hands` and `races` which are either with the outer brownish cortical layers (coated or unscraped), or with outer peel or coating partially or completely removed. Ginger requires a warm and humid climate. It is cultivated from sea level to an altitude of 1500 meters, either under heavy rainfall conditions of 150 to 300 cm or under irrigation. The crop can thrive well in sandy or clayey loam or lateritic soils. The composition of dry ginger is given below: Dry Ginger rootMoisture:6.9 % Protein:8.6 % Fat:6.4 % Fiber:5.9 % Carbohydrates:66.5 % Ash:5.7 % Calcium:0.1 % Phosphorous:.15 % Iron:0.011 % Sodium:0.03 % Potassium:1.4 % Vitamin A:175 I.U./100 g Vitamin B1:0.05 mg/100 g Vitamin B2:0.13 mg/100 g Niacin:1.9 mg/100 g Vitamin C:12.0 mg/100 g Calorific value:380 calories/100 g. Ginger Oleoresin is obtained by extraction of powdered dried ginger with suitable solvents like alcohol, acetone etc. Unlike volatile oil, it contains both the volatile oil and the non-volatile pungent principles for which ginger is so highly esteemed. Concentration of the acetone extract under vacuum and on complete removal of even traces of the solvent used, yields the so called oleoresin of ginger. Ginger oleoresin is manufactured on a commercial scale in India and abroad and is in great demand by the various food industries.
Nutmeg and mace spice contains many plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties. The spicy nut contains fixed oil trimyristin and many essential volatile oils such as which gives a sweet aromatic flavor to nutmeg such as myristicin, elemicin, eugenol and safrole. The other volatile-oils are pinene, camphene, dipentene, cineole, linalool, sabinene, safrole, terpeniol. The active principles in nutmeg have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines as anti-fungal, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, digestive, and carminative functions. This spice is a good source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes. It is also rich in many vital B-complex vitamins, including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and many flavonoid anti-oxidants like beta-carotene and cryptoxanthin that are essential for optimum health.
The manufacture of both granulated and powdered garlic is the same, except for the grinding or powdering process. Granulated garlic is coarse while garlic powder is ground extra fine. Whole cloves of garlic are peeled, cleaned and then sent into a machine that slices and chops them into smaller sections. The sections are dried in slow ovens for three to four hours. When the garlic has cooled it is ground to the desired consistency, be it granulated or powdered. The finished products are put through sifters to separate any debris or undesirable pieces. Both are packaged in air-tight containers and stored in a cool, dry place. Granulated and powdered garlic are used to season and enhance the flavor of many foods. Often it is an appropriate substitute when fresh garlic is called for in a recipe. Powdered garlic dissolves almost instantly when incorporated into any dish, hot or cold. Granulated garlic takes a few minutes to become incorporated and release its flavor. We can offer Garlic Granules in 0.5mm to 1.0mm, 40/60 mesh, 26/40 mesh - 20 FCL: 10 Mt (Flakes/Cloves), 14-15 Mt (Minced/Granules/Powder) - 40 FCL H/C: 20 Mt (Flakes/Cloves), 25-30 Mt (Minced/Granules/Powder) Product Packing - 12.5/13/14 Kg Paper Bag inside 1 Poly Bag - 20/25 Kg Cartoon inside 1/2 Poly Bag - 20/25 Kg Cartoon inside 1/2 Aluminium Foil Bag Our range includes: - Dehydrated Garlic Flakes/Cloves (5-10mm) - Dehydrated Garlic Minced (1-3mm, 3-5mm) - Dehydrated Garlic Granules (G1, G2, G3) - Dehydrated Garlic Powder (80-100 mesh) -
Black pepper and white pepper are made from the Piper nigrum plant. Black pepper is ground from dried, whole unripe fruit. White pepper is ground from dried, ripe fruit that has had the outer layer removed. The black pepper and white pepper powder are used to make medicine. In foods and beverages, black pepper, white pepper, and pepper oil (a product distilled from black pepper) are used as flavoring agents. We can offer Black Pepper MG1, TGSEB, A55, Grade 1, Special Grade 1, FAQ, 500-550-600 gl We can offer Black Pepper from India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) is a commodity that is highly valued in international markets for its aroma, pungency and high oil and Aleo resin content. Nigeria is the third largest exporter of ginger in the world after China and India. Most of the dried ginger that are available for international trade are simply sun dried over a few days, but artificial drying is also used in areas lacking a defined dry season to coincide with the harvest. The rhizome is dried to 10-12 percent moisture content. Dried ginger is usually presented in a split or sliced form. Splitting is said to be preferred to slicing, as slicing loses more flavor, but the sliced are easier to grind and this is the predominant form of dried ginger currently in the market
Oregano - scientifically named Origanum vulgare by Carolus Linnaeus – is a common species of Origanum, a genus of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to warm-temperate western and south western Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1- 4 cm long. The flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes. It is sometimes called Wild Marjoram, and its close relative O. majoramum is then known as "Sweet Marjoram". Uses Culinary Dried oregano for culinary use. Oregano growing in a field. Oregano is an important culinary herb. It is particularly widely used in Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, Latin American, and Italian cuisine. It is the leaves that are used in cooking, and the dried herb is often more flavourful than the fresh. [2] Oregano [3] is often used in tomato sauces, fried vegetables, and grilled meat. Together with basil, it contributes much to the distinctive character of many Italian dishes. It is commonly used by local chefs in southern Philippines when boiling carabao or cow meat to eliminate the odor of the meat, and to add a nice, spicy flavor. Oregano combines nicely with pickled olives, capers, and lovage leaves. Unlike most Italian herbs, [citation needed] oregano works with hot and spicy food, which is popular in southern Italy. Oregano is an indispensable ingredient in Greek cuisine. Oregano adds flavor to Greek salad and is usually added to the lemon-olive oil sauce that accompanies many fish or meat barbecues and some casseroles. In Turkish Cuisine, oregano is mostly used for flavoring meat, especially for mutton and lamb. In barbecue and kebab restaurants, it can be usually found on table, together with paprika, salt and pepper. Oregano growing in a pot. It has an aromatic, warm and slightly bitter taste. It varies in intensity; good quality oregano is so strong that it almost numbs the tongue, but the cultivars adapted to colder climates have often unsatisfactory flavor. The influence of climate, season and soil on the composition of the essential oil is greater than the difference between the various species. The related species Origanum onites (Greece, Turkey) and O. heracleoticum (Italy, Balkan Peninsula, West Asia) have similar flavors. A closely related plant is marjoram from Turkey, which, however, differs significantly in taste, because phenolic compounds are missing in its essential oil. Some breeds show a flavor intermediate between oregano and marjoram.
Lovage-, Levisticum officinale, is a perennial herb that looks like parsley and is in the parsley, or Apiaceae, family, like anise, dill, caraway, cumin, and fennel. Lovage is native to mountainous areas of southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is sometimes called sea parsley. Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a plant, the leaves and seeds or fruit of which are used to flavor food, especially in South European cuisine. It is a tall (3 to 9 ft) perennial that vaguely resembles its cousin celery in appearance and in flavor. Lovage also sometimes gets referred to as smallage, but this is more properly used for celery. Herb (Levisticum officinale) of the parsley family, native to southern Europe. It is cultivated for its stalks and foliage, which are used for tea, as a vegetable, and to flavour foods. Its rhizomes are used as a carminative, and the seeds are used for flavouring desserts. Oil obtained from the flowers is used in perfumery. The French call lovage céleri bâtard, "false celery," because of its strong resemblance to that plant. Lovage has been used since Greek and Roman times for everything from a seasoning, to a curative for maladies ranging from indigestion to freckles, to a love potion. It grows up to 7 feet high and has large, dark green, celerylike leaves. The flavor of the pale stalks is that of very strong celery. The leaves, seeds and stalks can be used (in small amounts because of their potent flavor) in salads, stews and other dishes such as fowl and game. The stalks can be cooked as a vegetable. Dried lovage leaves and chopped or powdered stalks can be found in natural food stores and gourmet markets. The seeds are commonly called celery seed. Lovage is also called smallage and smellage. lovage, tall perennial herb (Levisticum officinale) of the family Umbelliferae (parsley family), native to the mountains of S Europe and cultivated elsewhere. Its aromatic fruits are used in soups and as a flavoring for confectionery and for some liqueurs. An aromatic oil extracted from the roots has been used medicinally and also for flavoring. The edible leaves are usually used like celery. Lovage is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Apiales, family Umbelliferae.
Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried fruits of Capsicum annuum (e.g., bell peppers or chili peppers). In many European languages, the word paprika refers to bell peppers themselves. The seasoning is used in many cuisines to add color and flavor to dishes. Paprika can range from sweet (mild, not hot) to spicy (hot). Flavors also vary from country to country. Usage Paprika is used as an ingredient in a broad variety of dishes throughout the world. Paprika is principally used to season and color rices, stews, and soups, such as goulash, and in the preparation of sausages as an ingredient that is mixed with meats and other spices. Paprika can also be used with henna to bring a reddish tint to hair when coloring it. Paprika powder can be added to henna powder when prepared at home. Paprika is also high in other antioxidants, containing about 10% of the level found in berries. Prevalence of nutrients, however, must be balanced against quantities ingested, which are generally negligible for spices. Paprika oleoresin (also known as paprika extract) is an oil soluble extract from the fruits of Capsicum Annum Linn or Capsicum Frutescens(Indian red chillies), and is primarily used as a colouring and/or flavouring in food products. ... Oleoresin Paprika is produced by the extraction of lipids and pigments from the pods of sweet red pepper, Capsicum Annuum L. Grown in temperate climates. An oil soluble extract with it is widely used in processed foods such as sausage, dressings, dry soluble seasonings, food coatings, and snack food seasonings. Paprika Oleoresin, obtained from Capsicum, is a natural dye used as a colorant and a flavor enhancer in foods, meats and pharmaceuticals. It is obtained by percolation with a volatile solvent which should be removed subsequently, such as acetone, trichloroethylene, 2-propanol, methanol, ethanol and hexane. Capsaicin is the major flavouring compound, whereas capsanthin and capsorubin are major colouring compounds among variety of coloured compounds present in Paprika Oleoresin. Uses Foods coloured with paprika oleoresin include cheese, orange juice, spice mixtures, sauces, sweets and emulsified processed meats. In poultry feed it is used to deepen the colour of egg yolks.
Giva Agro's Hydrosols: A Pure, Versatile Essence for Natural Well-being At Giva Agro, our hydrosols, also known as floral waters, are a testament to our commitment to providing natural, pure, and sustainable wellness solutions. Derived from the steam distillation process of plant materials, our hydrosols capture the essence of the plant in a form that's gentle yet potent, offering a multitude of uses in skincare, aromatherapy, and holistic health practices. What Makes Our Hydrosols Special? Pure and Natural: Each batch is distilled from high-quality, organic plant material, ensuring that every drop is as pure and natural as possible. Sustainably Sourced: We prioritize sustainability in our sourcing, working closely with local farmers and suppliers who share our commitment to the environment and ethical practices. Versatile Applications: Giva Agro's hydrosols are incredibly versatile, suitable for use in cosmetics, aromatherapy, medicinal applications, and even culinary uses, providing our B2B customers with a wide range of possibilities. Quality Assurance: Adhering to our stringent quality standards, our hydrosols are free from preservatives, alcohol, and additives, ensuring they retain their natural properties and benefits. Our Range of Hydrosols We offer an extensive selection of hydrosols to cater to various needs and preferences, including but not limited to: 1.Lavender Hydrosol: Perfect for soothing the skin and calming the mind. Rose Hydrosol: Ideal for hydrating and revitalizing skin, as well as enhancing mood. 2.Chamomile Hydrosol: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, great for sensitive skin. Peppermint Hydrosol: Refreshing and cooling, excellent for mental clarity and digestion. 3.Tea Tree Hydrosol: Offers powerful antibacterial and antiseptic benefits, suitable for acne-prone skin. Giva Agro is dedicated to harnessing the gentle power of nature through our hydrosols, providing natural, effective solutions for a wide range of applications. Whether you're a spa, wellness center, cosmetic brand, or a business looking to incorporate natural ingredients into your offerings, our hydrosols are designed to meet your needs, ensuring purity, potency, and sustainability. Explore the essence of nature with Giva Agro's hydrosols. Visit our website or contact us to learn more about our products and how we can support your business. #FloralWater #skinroutine #NaturalSkincare #Aromatherapy #OrganicBeauty #SustainableBeauty #PlantBasedSkincare #EcoFriendlyBeauty #HolisticHealth #EssentialOils #GreenBeauty #CleanBeauty #HerbalRemedies #BotanicalBeauty #EcoWellness #NaturalWellness #TherapeuticPlants #SkincareRoutine #BeautyRoutine #sustainableliving
Black Pepper Oleoresin 100% Pure and Natural. According to specifications given by client.
We offer more than 560 Essential Oils, Oleoresins and Herbal Extracts. These products are exclusively grown in India and are known for their nutritional values and purity. We are committed to help our customer not only by providing Top Quality products but also in Saving their Time and Money. We work closely with 40,000 farmers and offer the reasonable price to our customers. Our products are Organic and certified with APEDA (NPOP standards). That Means our production and accreditation system are recognized by European Commission's standards. We source the best quality Herbs and operate globally.
Peanuts are popularly used as seed oil in India. They are easily available round the year and almost everywhere in India. They are easily available round the year and almost everywhere in India. Peanuts are also taken as snacks in many households especially in India. In reality, peanuts are actually legumes. But since they have all the properties of nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, etc., these are also included in the family of nuts. Groundnut/Peanuts are known as Moongphali in India. India is one of the largest producers of groundnuts in the world. The special variety peanut of this area (Saurastra, Gujarat) is world famous in its flavor, taste and aroma. Raw Groundnut valued for its protein contents, which is of high biological value. Groundnut contains more protein then meat, two and half more than eggs and more than any other vegetable food. It also contains phosphorous, thiamin and niacin that help in building resistance against all infections, such as Hepatitis and tuberculosis. We can offer Groundnut/Peanuts Peanuts Long Type (Bold Type): Long/Bold Type 38-42, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, and Crushing Grade Quality Counts/Ounce Peanut Round Type (Java Type): Round Type(Java Type) 40-50, 50-60, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-100, 140-160 Counts/Ounce Jute Bags Packing: - We shall be able to provide in 5Kg, 10 kg, 15 Kg, 25 kg and 50 Kg jute bags packing. Vacuum Packing: - For special requirements for our buyers, we can provide the cargoes in 10 kg, 12.5 kg and 25 kg vacuum packed PP bags
Guar Gum Types Food, Feed & Pharma Grades - Various particle sizes (very coarse to very fine). - • Various hydration rates (very slow to very fast). - • Various viscosities (1% solution in water = 50 cps to 7000 cps). - • Special deodourised grades. - • Special low microbiological count grades. Technical Grades Straight Guars: - Various particle sizes (very coarse to very fine). - Various hydration rates (very slow to very fast). - Various viscosities (1% solution in water = 50 cps to 8000 cps). - Special good Dry-Flow (Free-Flow) Guars. - Special Anti-Dusted Guars. Modified Guars and Guar Derivatives: - Fast hydrating / High Viscosity / Diesel Slurriable (particularly suitable for oil, gas and other deep well drilling and EOR operations like polymer flooding / fracturing), - Borated. - Reticulated. - Oxidised. - Depolymerised. - High water absorbance capacity. - Carboxymethyl (Anionic). - Hydroxypropyl (Nonionic). - Hydroxypropyltrimethyl chloride (Cationic). - Hydroxypropyltrimethyl chloride Hydroxypropyl (Cationic, double derivative). - Special good Dry-Flow (Free-Flow) Modified Guars / Guar Derivatives. - Special Anti-Dusted Modified Guars / Guar Derivatives. Guar gum is a fiber from the seed of the guar plant. Guar gum is used as a laxative. It is also used for treating diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and diabetes; for reducing cholesterol; and for preventing “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis). In foods and beverages, guar gum is used as a thickening, stabilizing, suspending, and binding agent. In manufacturing, guar gum is used as a binding agent in tablets, and as a thickening agent in lotions and creams. How does it work? Guar gum is a fiber that normalizes the moisture content of the stool, absorbing excess liquid in diarrhea, and softening the stool in constipation. It also might help decrease the amount of cholesterol and glucose that is absorbed in the stomach and intestines. There is some interest in using guar gum for weight loss because it expands in the intestine, causing a sense of fullness. This may decrease appetite. USES: Diarrhea. Adding guar gum to the tube feeding formula given to critical care patients may shorten episodes of diarrhea from about 30 days to about 8 days. High cholesterol. Taking guar gum seems to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. Guar gum and pectin, taken with small amounts of insoluble fiber, also lower total and “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but don't affect “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or other blood fats called triglycerides. Diabetes. Taking guar gum with meals seems to lower blood sugar after meals in people with diabetes. By slowing stomach emptying, guar gum may also lessen after-meal drops in blood pressure that occur frequently in people with diabetes. Constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Sweet marjoram: Origanum (O) hortensis (orMajoranahortensis). Potmarjoram: O.onites Wildmajoram: O.vulgare. Syrian majoram is called zatar Family: Labiatae or Lamiaceae (mint family). In Europe, marjoram was a traditional symbol of youth and romantic love. Used by Romans as an aphrodisiac, it was used to cast love spells and was worn at weddings as a sign of happiness during the middle Ages. Greeks who wore marjoram wreaths at weddings called it “joy of the mountains.” It was used to brew beer before hops was discovered, and flavored a wine called hippocras. A cousin of the oregano family, marjoram originated in Mediterranean regions and is now a commonly used spice in many parts of Europe. Called zatar in the Middle east and often mistaken for oregano, it is also a popular spicing in Eastern Europe. Origin and Varieties Marjoram is indigenous to northern Africa and southwest Asia. It is cultivated around the Mediterranean, in England, Central and Eastern Europe, South America, the United States, and India. Description Marjoram leaf is used fresh, as whole or chopped, and dried whole or broken, and ground. The flowering tops and seeds, which are not as strong as the leaves, are also used as flavorings. Sweet marjoram is a small and oval-shaped leaf. It is light green with a greyish tint. Marjoram is fresh, spicy, bitter, and slightly pungent with camphor like notes. It has the fragrant herbaceous and delicate, sweet aroma of thyme and sweet basil. Pot marjoram is bitter and less sweet. Chemical Components Sweet marjoram has 0.3% to 1% essential oil, mostly monoterpenes. It is yellowish to dark greenish brown in color. It mainly consists of cis-sabinene hydrate (8% to 40%), -terpinene (10%), a-terpinene (7.6%), linalyl acetate (2.2%), terpinen 4-ol (18% to 48%), myrcene (1.0%), linalool (9% to 39%), -cymene (3.2%), caryophyllene (2.6%), and a-terpineol (7.6%). Its flavor varies widely depending on its origins. The Indian and Turkish sweet marjorams have more d-linalool, caryophyllene, carvacrol, and eugenol. Its oleoresin is dark green, and 2.5 lb. are equivalent to 100 lb. of freshly ground marjoram. Marjoram contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and niacin. Culinary uses of Marjoram Marjoram is typically used in European cooking and is added to fish sauces, clam chowder, butter-based sauces, salads, tomato-based sauces, vinegar, mushroom sauces, and eggplant. In Germany, marjoram is called the “sausage herb” and is used with thyme and other spices in different types of sausages. It is usually added at the end of cooking to retain its delicate flavor or as a garnish. It goes well with vegetables including cabbages, potatoes, and beans. The seeds are used to flavor confectionary and meat products.
PARSLEY (Petroselinum sativum/crispum - Umbelliferae) Parsley is a hardy biennial herb which is native to the eastern Mediterranean. It is thought to have originated in Sardinia, but records show that seeds were imported to Britain from Sardinia in 1548; the plant had already been introduced to northern Europe by the Romans. There are several varieties of the herb. The curly leaved or moss-curled is the one most familiar in Britain as a garnish. The plain- or flat-leaved, continental parsley has heavily divided leaves, but they are not so curly; this is the plant which can be confused with another, Aethusa cynapium or fool's parsley, which is poisonous. Less familiar is the Neapolitan parsley from southern Italy which has thick stalks, eaten in Italy like celery (and, in fact, its French name is 'persil aux jeuilles de cileri'). All parsleys have carrot-shaped roots which can be eaten, but the Hamburg parsley (P. fusiformis) has been developed for its roots rather than its leaves. The common parsleys have dark green leaves, pale yellow-green flowers in umbels, followed by fruit seeds. The name petroselinum comes from the Greek for rock celery, referring to the natural habitat of the plant. Interestingly, selinum is thought to be the same as selinon, the Greek name for celery; the Romans called parsley 'apium', also the botanical name for celery; and French fool's parsley is called ache des chiens, ache also once a name for wild celery. Celery also belongs to the Umbelliferae family, and possibly there have been confusions over the years. The Ancient Egyptians used parsley, as did the Greeks, who crowned victorious soldiers with wreaths of it. Hercules did this after killing the Nemean lion, and thereafter victors in the Nemean and Isthmian games would do the same. They believed that parsley had grown from the blood of a hero, Archemorus, and Homer tells of a victory won by charioteers whose horses had renewed vigour after eating parsley. Parsley grew on Circe's lawn in the Odyssey. Pliny said that no sauce or salad should be without parsley, as did Galen, and both Pliny and Dioscorides thought of it as a diuretic and emmenagogue. Apicius sang its praises too. The Byzantines used it as a diuretic and made a strong infusion to help kidney stones. Charlemagne ordered that it be cultivated in the imperial gardens as a vegetable, and it was eaten at every meal. It also found a place in monastic gardens at this time. More recently, in the nineteenth century research was done on the emmenagogic properties of a constituent of the oil, apiol, by Professor Galligo, and doctors de Poggeschi and Marrotte. These were later confirmed by Dr Leclerc, proving to be truly efficaceous in treating cases of menstrual problems, particularly pain.
Botanical Name: Piper nigrum Plant Family: Piperaceae Country of Origin: India Plant Part: White Peppercorns Growth Method: Wild Harvest Extraction Method: Steam Distillation Color: Clear Consistency: Thin Strength of Aroma: Medium Pepper is a perennial vine of the Piperaceae family indigenous to the Malbar coast of India. It is now cultivated in most tropical parts of the world. Pepper bears clusters of small flowers and small spherical fruits that turn red when they ripen. The berry-like fruits eventually become the peppercorns, and each one bears a single seed. The hot spice of White Pepper is made from its berries. It is the fully mature fruits from which the soft, fleshy outer layers had been ground off before drying. The berries of the pepper plant are called peppercorns and these plants are native to southern Asia. This plant was the main spice the European explorers were looking for when they discovered the New World. It still accounts for one fourth of the spice trade in the world. Did you know that white and black pepper come from the same plant? The white variety is allowed to fully ripen on the vine, as opposed to the black peppercorns, which is why it costs a bit more. The skins are peeled off and the inside of the peppercorn is white. White peppercorns have an earthy flavor whereas black peppercorns simply give heat to a dish. The white ones are popular in Mexican, Indian, and Asian dishes, perhaps because a lot of these recipes are spicy and earthy already and the white pepper complements the overall flavor of the dish. If you want to use white pepper, it is best to buy whole peppercorns because the flavor is longer lasting. Peppercorns start to lose their potency when you grind them, which is why freshly ground pepper is usually recommended.
