Spices Of The World

Spices of the World

A spice generally can be a dried seed, fruit, root, bark, or any vegetative substance which is used as a food additive for flavor, color, or as a preservative.

The bulbs, rhizomes, leaves, flowers, flower buds, stigmas, fruits and seeds, all are used to produce various spices that are further used to add the punch to the scrumptious recipes across the world.

Star anise: The star of the spice family

 

 

Origin: Southwestern province of China and North Vietnam Spicy treat: This star shaped fruit adds flavor to poultry dishes. It is also used in jams and liquors. The French, Mexican and Spanish liquor that has star anise as one of the major ingredients is known as anisette. Medicinal values: It relieves from colic and rheumatism. It is also one of major ingredients of cough syrups. Did you know?  Tamiflu's main natural ingredient is star anise

Origin: Southern India, in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Now, it is also grown in Indo China, Sri Lanka, Guatemala and Tanzania. Spicy treat: In Scandenevia and European countries cardamom is used in wines. Though cardamom is a popular spice for curries, it is predominantly used in puddings. In Arab countries, cardamom is used to flavor tea. Medicinal values: It is world's ancient spices. It was consumed for various reasons but chiefly for digestive and stomach disorders. It is also chewed to relieve bad breath and gum disorders. Did you know? Cardamom is the third most valuable spices after saffron and vanilla.

Cardamom: Queen of all Spices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clove: the flower spice

Origin: In the small islands of Indonesia. Spicy treat: In Japan, cloves are used as incense; in India it is used in meat preparations, desserts and rice, it is generally added with other spices and used in Mexico. In Europe it is mixed with cardamom in tea. Medicinal values: The high percentage of eugelone present in cloves provides a numbing effect. This characteristic of cloves makes it a good healing agent for toothaches. Did you know? The small island in the Indian Ocean known as Pemba (in Tanzania), off the east coast of Africa, is the world's leading producer of cloves. There are about 3.5 million clove trees in Pemba.

Cinnamon: the wood spice

Origin: Sri Lanka. Also grown in Vietnam, China, Indonesia and Central America Spicy treat: Used in cakes, cookies and desserts across the globe. Clove is used as a major ingredient to marinate poultry and lamb dishes. Medicinal use: It is a good natural medicine as it helps reduce blood sugar, curbs indigestion, boosts metabolism and prevents and helps cure arthritis. Did you know? Two teaspoon of cinnamon has about 12 calories.

Red Chilies: the spicy hot spice

Origin: Chilies were indigenous to Central America, especially grown and cultivated in Mexico from 3500 BC. Spicy treat: Chili is consumed by ¼ of the world's population. There are about 400 different types of chilies eaten across the globe. It is used in meat and vegetable dishes. Medicinal values: Chilies are a good source of vitamin A, B, C and E. It contains much more vitamin C than an orange or a lemon. Ever since its introduction in India by explorer Vasco da Gama, chilies were used in Ayurvedic medicines. It helps reduce weight as it burns down calories. It also helps to clear lungs and also stimulates the digestive system. It is a good antibiotic. Did you know? Scoville Organoleptic Test is a method used to measure the pungency of the chilies. It was invented by Wilbur L. Scoville in 1912.

Turmeric: the golden spice

Origin: The exact origin for turmeric is not known but it is indigenous to India and has been cultivated in the country for at least 2500 years. Spicy treat: Turmeric is usually cultivated for its rhizomes, whose bright yellow color is used to add taste and color to the Indian culinary dishes. In Morocco, it is used to spice meat and lamb curries. In Bengal, it is predominantly used to marinade the fish and make mouth-watering fish curries. Medicinal values: Turmeric is one of the most powerful natural healers. It is widely used as an Ayurvedic medicine, especially as an antiseptic for burns and bruises. Other than curing digestive disorders, turmeric is chiefly used as cosmetic product to have a flawless skin. Did you know?  Turmeric is called as the ‘poor man's saffron' as it is less expensive substitute of yellow coloring. It does add the same color as of saffron but not the taste.