Must Have Organic Spices or Indian Masalas for Your Kitchen

Indian food has changed over the years as a result of numerous cultural influences. If you enjoy Indian cuisine, which we assume you do since you are reading this page, you probably already know that authentic spices are the secret to authentic flavours. Foods prepared with organic spices are delectable, healthful, and have a balance of hot and cooling spices and herbs. Here are the five organic spices you must have in your kitchen to elevate your meals with their savoury and spiciness. 

The ability these spices have to heal, strengthen the immune system, and lengthen life makes them even more important. Roots, stems, leaves, barks, flowers, seeds or pods are some of the primary sources of spices. These components impart a richer flavour and are typically regarded as a natural immunity booster that aids in reducing the risk of coronavirus. The spices' anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and antioxidant properties keep your body's many systems operating at peak efficiency.

Benefits of using dried organic spices

Spices that are grown organically offer a depth and flavour that are frequently lacking in commercially harvested herbs and spices. Additionally, they offer a superior nutritional value that is sometimes lacking in food products. Organic spices are produced without the use of chemicals, preserving the natural oils of the plant, which frequently raises their antioxidant value. By boosting enzyme activity, this has been found to decrease inflammatory responses in the body and enhance digestion. Given that high levels of inflammation are a factor in diabetes and hypoglycemia, this may also be advantageous for those who have these disorders. Cloves and other organic spices can aid with a variety of illnesses.

Spices that have not been grown, processed, or packed using synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, sewage sludge, radiation, or genetic engineering are considered organic. These spices are cultivated on soil that hasn't received any chemical inputs for at least three years. Instead of utilising synthetic chemicals to safeguard organic crops, farmers that practise organic farming utilise natural means to combat pests. 

People who want to avoid being exposed to chemical pesticides and fertilisers are increasingly turning to organic spices. The benefits of ingesting organic spices are numerous and include: 

• Antioxidants are substantially more abundant in organic spices.
• There are no known adverse effects of organic spices.
• Consuming organic spices benefits farmers who cultivate their crops without using chemicals.
• Consuming organic spices lowers your exposure to harmful chemicals found in food.

Consuming organic food is said to be healthier than eating non-organic food. In addition to being grown organically, foods must also be handled, processed, and packaged in accordance with stringent guidelines established by the USDA. These regulations mandate the handling of organic goods in separate facilities and equipment and forbid contact between these items and forbidden materials like artificial pesticides and chemical fertilisers. When you purchase certified organic products, these stringent regulations ensure that you only obtain pure organic food. 

The main advantages of using organic spices are:

• They have more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• They don't include pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilisers.
• They are not GMO.
• Spices cultivated organically don't use animal manure.
• Organic spices are free of sewage waste and radiation.

Most people used herbs and spices as food and medicine in the past. Even now, we continue to utilise some herbs and spices for flavour (like cinnamon) and others for their therapeutic qualities (such as turmeric).

Some herbs and spices are organic, despite the fact that the majority are not. Although the USDA maintains an organic food certification programme, it does not specifically certify organic herbs or spices. An approved certifying agent must instead attest that the herbs and spices are organic. 

Must have Organic spices in kitchen

1. Cinnamon/cinnamon powder

In addition to adding a little more depth of flavour to desserts around the world, hot, sweet cinnamon also lowers blood sugar levels. According to scientific theory, it functions similarly to insulin and permits the movement of extra sugar out of cells and into them. In addition to other things, it might be able to prevent cancer, excessive blood pressure, heart disease, and issues with cholesterol.

Although keeping your ground cinnamon in jars can seem practical, there is a catch. After only a few months, The flavour of cinnamon powder will start to fade. It might even start to smell musty over time if inadequately wrapped or stored with other spices.For meals like masalas, which call for robust flavours, as well as for various dishes and vegetable curries, you can use cinnamon powder.

2. Coriander seeds/ coriander powder

Coriander has many health advantages and is also effective in treating a number of diseases. It has been established that the powerful oils present in these seeds quickly relieve symptoms like bloating or constipation and ease digestive issues like IBS and abdominal pain. Numerous other illnesses, such as sleeplessness, eczema, high blood pressure, liver disease, ulcers, and colon cancer, are thought to be prevented by coriander. You know what makes coriander so fantastic? You can purchase it as seeds and grind them into a fragrant, delectable powder, or you can simply choose the ground form. Both methods work well for enhancing the flavour of all your prepared foods and roasts.

3. Black pepper

Black pepper is a spice that is frequently used in fragrant cuisine but isn't typically associated with Indian cooking. You might not be aware of the advantages of this ubiquitous substance Black pepper aids digestion process, helps in relieving upset stomachs and congestion, as well as its capacity to stop bleeding when directly applied to cuts. But the truly great thing about black pepper is how it also increases immunity and metabolism while assisting your body in producing heat. Thus, black pepper is one of the top five spices you must have in your kitchen, and you can see why.

4. Red chilli powder

A crimson, hot powder formed from dried chillies is what you see here. Red chilli powder comes in many different grades, ranging from Kashmiri chilli powder, which adds a brilliant red colour to foods, to Birds eye chilli powder, which has a significantly hotter heat.

The oil in chillies known as capsaicin is what gives them their well-known heat and intensity. The amount of capsaicin in different varieties of chillies varies, which is why some are hotter than others. Red chillies are rich in vitamin C, which facilitates the body's assimilation of iron from other food components. Capsaicin is a powerful analgesic that has been used in medicine to treat pain.

5. Ajwain

Every Indian home should have ajwain, an essential spice that makes every dal tadka complete. Ajwain is produced from a plant that is native to our country. Ajwain seeds can be any colour from a light shade of olive green to brown. The herb is known as Ugragandha in Sanskrit because of the potent perfume that pervades every portion of it. The seeds' powerful scent, which is somewhat akin to oregano, makes them widely used in curries and pickles. One of those unique spices, it has the ability to both flavour food and improve health. Carom seeds protect the health of your digestive tract. They ease any stomach pain or a burning sensation that is brought on by indigestion. It increases appetite in those who are losing their appetite. "The benefits of ajwain are numerous. Ajwain seeds are a good source of antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. You can even chew them raw or mix them with tea or water to receive the maximum benefits from them."

6. Kasuri Methi 

Indian cuisine regularly uses dried fenugreek leaves, also known as kasoori methi or kasuri methi. Many people must be familiar with kasuri methi, one of the most important Indian spices used in curries, vegetables, parathas, and other foods. But for those who are uncertain what kasuri methi is, this is the explanation. The bitter and seductively fragrant leaves of the dried fenugreek plant are renowned for their flavour. In addition to giving meals a unique flavour and taste, kasuri methi has several health benefits. Both seeds and dry leaves are offered as kasuri methi. Kasuri Methi has many advantages, including being the best remedy for digestive problems, assisting in weight loss, maintaining cholesterol levels, improving eyesight, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

7. Elaichi / Cardamom

Indian cuisine is colourful and delicious, and the spices not only give meals a unique twist but also provide a number of well-established health benefits. One of these spices, among many others, is cardamom. It's fascinating to note that cardamom is derived from seeds of various ginger family plants growing in Guatemala, India, and Indonesia. Both the flavour and aroma of this spice are potent. In the past, cardamom was valued as a herb and an essential part of Ayurveda. Ancient Egyptians and Romans used this spice to flavour their essential oils, to manufacture mints, and even for a variety of therapeutic applications.In addition to being used to cure stomach problems, lung congestion, oral infections, and throat problems, cardamom was also employed as an antidote for poison and venom. Cardamom is one of the most expensive spices on the market right now. Popular spice cardamom is used in a wide range of dishes, including, sweet desserts, and beverages. As the selection of options keeps growing, more and more people are considering using cardamom in their diet as a supplement for general health.

8. Garam masala

One of the most popular spice blends in Northern Indian cookery is garam masala, which means "hot spice" in English. Genuine garam masala is made up of about ten different spicy, warming ingredients. All of the spices are expertly roasted before being ground into a fine powder and added to a variety of delicacies to give them a slightly spicier and more robust flavour. Since the spices in garam masala are said to raise body temperature, the word "garam" in Ayurveda implies "heating the body." Every meal is enhanced in flavour by this popular Indian spice mixture, known as masala, whose ingredients vary depending on the region. 

• You can guess how nutrient-dense the spice mixture would be given the amount of spices used to make it. There should be more than five spices in it, and you should be aware that some spices may have properties that are good for your health.
• The main advantage of adding garam masala in your cuisine is that it stimulates the flow of gastric acids in the stomach, which promotes digestion and makes you feel more hungry.
• Garam masala's spices are rich in phytonutrients, which support metabolism.
• Antioxidants, which prevent skin diseases and reduce inflammation, are abundant in garam masala.
• Garam masala has carminative qualities that help with bloating, gas, and even nausea in addition to improving digestion.
• Given that it contains both cloves and cardamom, garam masala is effective in the treatment of foul breath.
• Spices like cardamom, clove, and cinnamon include compounds that can lower and control the body's cholesterol levels. 

9. Cloves

Spices with a strong flavour like cloves can be found in drinks, desserts, and savoury foods.Ssauces, and rice dishes are all flavoured with ground or whole cloves. Along with cinnamon and nutmeg, cloves are frequently used in desserts, particularly "pumpkin pie"-flavoured foods for the fall and winter holidays, and in hot beverages like chai, mulled wine, and cider. For a very long time, dental pain was treated at home with cloves.

10. Cumin Seeds

The dried seed of the Cuminum cyminum plant, a member of the parsley family, is used to make cumin, a spice. Cumin is one of the most popular spices and is commonly used in many different cuisines, including those from Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. North Africa, and India. Both whole seeds and ground versions are available. It offers some incredible health advantages, including those for memory loss, irritable bowel syndrome, weight loss, cholesterol, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome.

11. Mustard seeds 

Both white and brown mustard seeds have a roughly spherical shape, are finely pitted, are odourless when whole, and have a spicy flavour. Only peppercorn is used more frequently in the US than mustard, making it the second most popular spice there.There are wonderful types of seeds and prepared mustards to try even if you might be used to the traditional yellow prepared mustard. Including mustard seeds in your diet has a number of advantages, including their high mineral and vitamin content, headache relief, benefits cardiovascular and digestive health, and supports bone, teeth, and gums. prevents ageing and benefits skin.

FAQs

Q1: Which spices have the longest shelf life?

Spices don't go bad, but their flavour and potency decrease with time. Spices keep their flavour longer than you may expect when stored properly. Whole spices such as coriander, cumin (jeera), and cardamom all have a longer shelf life than their ground equivalents, as do whole peppercorns, nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and other spices.

Q2: How to store dried spices for freshness?

Herbs and spices ought to be stored in airtight containers in dim, cool locations. If you intend to keep your spices in a cupboard, glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal. If your home's design does not permit this, use tins to block the sunlight from reaching the spices.

Q3: Is it safe to keep spices in the refrigerator?

The storage of spices in a refrigerator is not advised. Because of the higher humidity inside a refrigerator, your spices' flavour and freshness may be affected. Ground spices can stay fresh for at least a year with appropriate storage.

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