Spice and Condiments in Indian Recipes

Indian cooking is more about flavoring. Seasoning and tempering is an essential need in all parts of India. India is known for its versatile variety in cooking and owing to urban residency there is an easy transition of adopting cooking trends. Meals are generally of gourmet nature in any part of India. Generally the culinary trends are related to the local produce. The condiments and spices are internally imported in case the local area does not have the produce.

There are various ways of using the spices. For e.g. in the rice variety like kichdi, pulav or biryani it is a traditional to use whole spices in the pure form. This adds to the flavor and the aroma is felt as the food is being cooked. The advantage of using spice is flavoring and moreover it aids to build the appetite. Desserts are also aided with spices like cinnamon or cardamom that lend a distinct flavor and beneficial for digestion.

Any Indian home has a traditional stocking of the choicest spices and in many kitchens we find masalas or mixtures that are typically related to the type of cooking. It is a common trend to use the garam masala in North Indian style and this is a huge list of spices gently ground to a fine mixture. A pinch of the same is enough to whet the appetite. South Indian sambar is also a variety of spice and asafetida is a normal inclusion.

Herbal remedies are also utilized with standardized spices. It is common to treat the stomach flatulence with a concoction of jeera in boiling water. It is also believed that a mixture of asafetida applied on the stomach relives gas problems. Spices also have the property to fight bacteria and hence the same is used in storing pickles. Apart from the flavor spices also help in preserving the food for a long time.

Roots like Ginger, Garlic and Turmeric are very high in their medicinal properties. Ginger is very good for alleviating sinus troubles and garlic is a good for balancing cholesterol in the body. Turmeric is purely and antiseptic and also known to loosen phlegm in the body during common cold. Clove with its distinct flavoring is an essential part of Indian cooking. The tangy taste of kokum in Indian cooking is very common in India.

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Using Spices and Condiments With the Daily Food

Spices and condiments are often added in the food so that a unique flavor is imparted to the food. In fact, they were merely considered as taste enhancing agents - it was only recently that research was conducted into some of the spices and the researchers could list out certain eye-popping facts. Within weeks, the status of spices changed from taste enhancing (or flavor enhancing agents) to medicinal agents. Some of the medicinal aspects of common spices will be illustrated in the rest of the passages.

Spices have a long historical background. The British had colonized various countries because of the very presence of the same. The most prominent among them is India. Researchers might have realized the true potential of these species and condiments on this day - but the ancient sages who had dwelt in India approximately 400 to 500 years prior were already well versed with the medicinal aspects of these. Most of the readers might have come across the term "Ayurveda". Ayurveda is the art of treating the medical ailments with spices, condiments and herbs. Some of the renowned physicians from various parts of the globe are now located at India - they are studying Ayurveda, so that they will be able to practice the same in their native countries!

The primary importance that is attributed to spices is that they aid in the digestion process. When spices are included with the diet, they augment the entire digestive processes occurring within the stomach. The digestive enzymes will be produced in an accelerated manner and this will aid in the fast metabolism and assimilation of the food particles. Some of them are known to combine with these digestive enzymes to produce complex chemicals that will clean the innards of the intestine.

Spices are related to the weight loss paradigm. Some of the weight loss procedures include consumption of ample quantities of spices. The high rates of metabolism will aid in the faster usage of the accumulated fat cells. When the energy that is inherently present within the fat cells is released, there will be a marked reduction in the weight of the body. The immunity levels are also increased by the consumption of spices. Better immunity levels ensure that you do not fall sick easily - a variety of diseases can be kept at bay with the regular consumption of spices!

Cloves are cinnamon are perfect examples of spices that are frequently used in the kitchen. The medicinal properties that are associated with cloves are legendary. Dentists usually recommend to chew cloves - the enzymes and alkaloids present within the spice will strengthen the teeth along with imparting whiteness to the teeth. The next time you venture out, try chewing cinnamon - it will eliminate the odor present in the mouth. Some chewing gums are known to employ combinations of these spices. The concentration of anti-oxidants that are present in various spices is also worthy of commenting! Serious medical conditions like cancer and related diseases can also be eliminated by including spices in the daily diet.

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