Indian spices

   Know something interesting about spices. And know the powers of spices, as we all already know very well what role they play in our lives .  

India without spices cannot be imagined . Every indian has known the taste of spicy food ever since they were kids. Indians love spicy food , no matter which cuisine the food belongs to ,we all like having a fun experiment with it by adding some spices to it if we cook it at home (especially in my case) .Have you ever imagined how our food would taste without spices ? Imagining rajma chawal without spices would be horrible . Lets take simple dal without tadka and all that mothers put in it , how would it taste? Have you ever thought of it ?

But at the same time some prefer less oily , less spicy and a healthy diet and are very conscious about their health  , but it's okay everyone has their own taste . What do you prefer ? 

Let's throw some light on the history of spices , let's know where it all came from , the most essential part of food in our lives .

So , between the 1500s and 1700s,the spice route described a lengthy journey where spices were taken for trade from Asia to Europe in ships, caravans , and on elephant back. The world's most significant industry in ancient times,the spice trade defined commerce, provided remedies for ailments,and even influenced worldwide culinary tradition and cuisine. 

Spices were historically considered as important possessions of the royalty. Kings in the past held a region ransom to gain ownership of spices they deemed to be precious. Rome,under siege in 410 AD ,was released upon payment of 3000 pounds of Pepper. Jewelers of India created delicate, miniature caskets with silver and gold to serve as Cardamom containers for the noblemen of the royal courts in Delhi and Agra.

Spices also have a special place in Ayurveda , an ancient Indian system of medicine practiced for over 5000 years. For example, Turmeric exhibits natural , antiseptic properties , Ginger aids in digestion and Cumin alleviates nausea.

Lets know some more about spices in detail; 

1. BLACK PEPPER: this one is my favorite; black pepper powder adds flavor to any food in which it is added. It is also known as "The King of Spices", Black pepper was used as a sacred offering in ancient times and is a popular ingredient in cuisines across the globe. This potent spice increases the bioavailability of other medicinal ingredients when present in a formulation and is an effective throat decongestant . 

2. CINNANMON : Cinnamon sticks add flavor to popular dishes worldwide, including savory and sweet preparations. Chewing Cinnamon is the perfect breath freshener. The spice modulates immunity to fight allergies and infection, while it's hypoglycemic and lipid-modifying properties help to manage diabetes and body weight. 

3. CUMIN:it has a strong ,Smoky fragrance ,adding flavour to Mexican cuisine as well as curry powders. The spice helps to balance stomach secretions, alleviating discomfort due to hyperacidity and indigestion . Studies have revealed that the chemoprotective effects of cumin can play a role in preventing stomach tumors.

4. CLOVE: In ancient times, cloves  heavy fragrance was the prize that wars were fought over.With its local anaesthetic affect the spice is an effective emergency cure for a toothache, clove oil and the anti-inflammatory property improves blood circulation to quickly relieve pain.

5. TURMERIC: pungent, earthy and fragrant ,turmeric," the golden spice "'is a celebrity in the Spice World. turmeric adds a distinct yellow due to dishes and has a potent anti allergic property which helps fight respiratory ,skin and digestive system allergies.

6. CARDAMOM: cardamom," the queen of spices", has a unique flavour,and is rich in oil content.spice increases appetite and relieves heartburn ,indigestion, and flatulence.Cardamom has an anthelmintic property which helps fight parasitic worm infestation.