Many years ago, the British expeditors and traders travelled via the sea in order to visit other countries for trade. One such country they often traded with and eventually captured was India – the land of spices. India was famously known for its spices – in particular the quality and the variety of spices that existed here. Indian soil supported the growth of all kinds of spices and the quality was unmatched. Indian spices soon became the top commodity for trade but unfortunately led to the inevitable invasion of India. Even today, Indian spices dominate the market all over the world thanks to the bountiful soil and the high grade quality of spices that is produced here. Indian spices remain the supreme standards then and today and with more awareness about spices and its benefits on health, there is a universal demand for spices in the market.
Spices and its Benefits
Spices of all kinds are great for health. Spices are derived from the various parts of plants such as bark, roots, leaves, fruits (mostly dried) and even flowers in some cases. Spices are originally cultivated as plants and then the various parts of the plant are harvested for making spices out of them. Spices are made by drying these parts of plants in the sun so that they may be powdered or sold as whole spices. Indian spices are available as both powdered spices and as whole spices. Based on the preferences of the customer, they may choose to buy either of the two.
Indian spices are used to make curries, gravies and even blends of various kinds. Masalas, or spice blends such as Garam Masala, Tandoori Masala, Kitchen King Masala, Chat Masala, Sandwich Masala, Pav Bhaji masala, Chole Masala, Biryani Masala, Kabab Masala, Curry Masala are all the different kinds of Masalas or spice blends that are made using whole spices. These masalas are then used to make different cuisines in India. They have varying proportions of the spices that provide unique and transcending flavours to each and every cuisine.
Whole spices are used as it is or sometimes blended into masalas by the users according to their preferences. These spices are available in spice blends as well for those who would rather have the packaged version. They make for amazing gravy bases for a variety of dishes in the Indian cuisines. All of these species are known to have anti inflammatory, immunity boosting, antibacterial and antiviral qualities because of their heat inducing nature. They are excellent for digestion and overall metabolism of the body as they are purely natural ingredients that have various benefits.
Best Indian Spices and their Uses
1. Turmeric
The king of all spices, the characteristic yellow colour of turmeric is excellent to make gravies and has curcumin that is known to prevent cancer
2. Cumin
Cumin has an excellent flavour that gives a smokey effect and is great for digestion and bloating
3. Coriander
Coriander is known for its somewhat minty flavour and is used in all gravies and masalas for heat. It is also known for immunity and digestion aid
4. Cardamom
Cardamom has a breathtaking fragrance and is famously used in flavoured rice, gravies and sweets. It has excellent immunity boosting qualities and is great for abetting cold and flu.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a bark of a tree and has a unique sweet flavour that is used in gravies, masalas, rice and certain sweets.
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