When one thinks of Indian food, it is the spices that stand out as one of the most distinctive features. The infinite variations available from varying the spices bring incredible variety to the cuisine. As, Indian food and its taste are famous all over the world the delicious aroma, great taste, unique color, and finger-licking flavor. The secret of the delicious flavor of Indian food is its rich spices that are used for thousands of years. Spices or Masala are the heartbeats of the Indian kitchen. The spices are used to flavor the food, making each dish distinct and wonderfully aromatic.
Each spice by itself imparts a very unique flavor, but when used together with other spices, the combination and permutation of different ones magically change the individual characteristics. Spices are also used for health benefits and medicinal purposes, to prevent diseases and also to preserve food. Numerous spices are available in India.
India has a wide range of spices but essential spices that are a staple for Indian cooking.
Turmeric
It is one of the most common spices used in Indian cooking because of the color and aroma it lends to the food. In the Indian style of cooking, turmeric is usually added at the beginning and saute m’ed with other ingredients such as onions, ginger, and garlic. Turmeric is the best antiseptic for cuts, wounds or bruises.
Cumin
Cumin seeds are small, crescent-shaped seeds majorly used in their whole form. It is used to add a smoky flavor and a robust aroma to most Indian curries and vegetables. It is usually the first spice added while cooking Indian dishes. It helps in digestion and is advisable for pregnant women to treat nausea and increase lactation.
Coriander
Coriander plays a vital role in Indian cooking and can be used in its whole or ground form. It has a strong aroma and is one of the most common ingredients used in making gravy and curry recipes. It helps in blood circulation and also helps digestion.
Black Pepper
These tiny little seeds are used to add the needed fire and spice in your meals. Rich in nutrients, Black pepper comes with a lot of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties, lower the cholesterol level, increases metabolism and treating skin problems. It offers the ideal cure for tooth decay, cavities, vitiligo, sinusitis, and gas.
Cardamom
Cardamom has a strong, sweet flavor with mild pungency. It has a pleasant aroma which can be used with sweet and sour dishes. The queen of spices, cardamom, relieves stress, promotes healthy kidneys, alleviates vomiting, treats impotency and relieves joint pain and backaches.
Asafoetida
It is also called hing and one of the important spices. It has a very pungent and strong flavor. It helps in stomach related problems, managing blood cholesterol and has anti-bacterial properties. It is famously used as a main ingredient in the Indian snack.
Cinnamon
It has a sweet and earthy flavor, cinnamon powder is mild in taste. It is a sweet-tasting spice with a warm and woody aroma. Apart from adding flavor to food, cinnamon also has various health benefits; thought to help prevent cancer and lower blood pressure.
A huge range of spices like turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, clove, coriander, cumin and many more gives the taste to the Indian food. They flatter our sense; smell with delicious fragrance, tongue with unique taste and eyes with vibrant colors. At present, India is one of the largest exporters of spice all over the globe.
Many spices in India are used as medicines since ancient times. They have their health benefits which help the body to fight from different diseases. It also prevent food from rotting. They slow down the growth of bacteria and aids in preservation. Even foreigners also use spices in their recipes.