Showing posts with label List of Indian spices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label List of Indian spices. Show all posts

Health Benefits of Spices




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Here is another website which approaches the topic of Indian spices from a scientismic angle. Note that I do not use the recognizable word 'scientific'. 'Scientism' is, in my vocabulary, at least, a blind attempt to copy the language of science in order to make something which is not scientific appear scientific.

By that I mean that spices are spices. We use them because they have a fundamental appeal to us. They make things taste good. They may have other properties, which might be described in ayurvedic terms. But we use them because they do their job well and they are relatively cheap.

It's only later -- if at all - that we consider other properties of herbs and spices, which might or might not get us to use scientific terms. But almost nothing science says will disturb our path. We spice things up becasue we want them to taste better, not because our science teacher says they're good.

Thus, take this paragraph from the above website with a grain of salt (a food flavoring, but not a spice):

Cardamom: It is an aromatic spice which is commonly used in Indian curries, gravies, desserts, pilaf rice dishes. The cardamom seeds contain oil which helps to stimulate digestion and relieve flatulence. It helps in countering stomach acidity. When its powder sprinkled on coffee, it acts as aphrodisiac. It generates appetite, aids in nausea. Also, it cures bad breath problem. Mix a handful of crushed seeds in a half cup of water with some ginger root to relieve indigestion.
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Cardamom




English: Spices in Mapusa Market, Goa, India.
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Even in India, cardamom is used to make special tea, called 'masala chai' or spiced tea. In India, it is being used n traditional Indian sweets and also for garnishing basmati rice. The black cardamom is often used along with other spices to make 'garam masala', that is used in curry. Apart from these, cardamom can be used in pickles, seafood, meat, poultry, vegetables, desserts and pastries. As a traditional medicine, cardamom is used for digestive ailments, infection of the teeth and gum, congestion, and for breaking up gallstones and kidney stones. It was also reported to be used as an antidote for snake, as well as scorpion venom.


Garam Masala

Homemade garam masala. Photo taken in Kent, Oh...
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Garam masala is a dry spice mixture used throughout India. In India, masala refers to any kind of spice, while garam suggests heat or warmth (could Indian spice be any other way?). Putting two and two together, garam masala means “hot spice.”

A true garam masala mixture is not hot in the way that chili spice mixtures are hot, although it usually is aromatic and pungent. It adds a definite kick to whatever dish it is added to, and its advocates assure us it creates a sense of happiness and well being. It also unmistakably adds a sense of fullness: it makes the consumer feel full.

Like other crucial elements of Indian cuisine, garam masala has been used for centuries and adopted by neighboring nations. Variations of garam masala to suit varying regional cuisines and palates can be found all over southeast Asia. Northern Indian and Punjabi cuisine use large servings of garam masala. Pungent curry mixtures are used in southern India. Most cooks in Pakistan, who are heavily influenced by Punjabi cuisine, also use garam masala in traditional foods.

Garam masala mixes are found in many markets, although most cooks insist that garam masala tastes best when it is made fresh--using spices the cook grew, picked and dried him- or herself. Traditional garam masala includes cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, chili powder, mace, cardamom, fennel, fenugreek, and coriander. Depending on the region, the dish, and the cook, the time of year, the mixture will vary. To prepare garam masala, the spices are ground, then toasted on a hot griddle [called a tava in India]. Pre-ground spices can be used, although are usually not be as pungent. The toasted mixture is used quickly, and any leftovers are tightly sealed and kept for no more than six months.

Unlike other spice mixes and curries, garam masala is usually added at the end of the cooking process so the pungent, spicy flavor survives. It is also added to fried dough and batter to give them an extra note of spicy texture. In both cases, it is used in small quantities because garam masala can be overwhelming in large quantities. Non-Indians may joke, but there are limits to the quantity of spice Indians enjoy per dish.

When India and Asia began to be explored by Europeans, many of the spices used in garam masala were brought to Europe and incorporated into the cuisines of curious nations. Without this addition, native European cooking would be deadly dull. Garam masala makes an excellent dry rub for meat, and can also be used in sauces and marinades. Adventurous cooks might want to experiment with this piquant, flavorful, and flexible spice mixture, which can easily be made to taste at home.
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