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The herbs and spices form an important part of the culinary activities for a favorable period of time. They are the elements that attribute any dish with a special flavor making it deliciously exquisite to our taste organs. Although the functions of the herbs and spices are somehow same to a great extent but they differ in meaning. An herb is usually referred as the leaves of some particular plants known for enhancing the tang of a specialized dish and for garnishing and adorning it. The herbs and spices on one hand are use to attribute flavor to both vegetarian and non vegetarian delicacies. The herbs are the leaves of the various plants and shrubs; on the other hand the spices constitute various parts of a plant, such as, the barks, the buds and the fruits. The herbs and spices have several good attributes, the most important among them happens to be their capability of enhancing the taste of the delicacies which are low in their calorie content. The different types of herbs also play an important part in our sustenance. Many herbs and spices comprise medicinal properties and therefore act as effective elements to prevent various ailments and in turn keep us healthy. This is indeed a great factor, as the herbs and spices are performing a two fold roles. On one hand they are taking the initiative of making our food tasty, on the other they are ensuring a healthy living. Here is a brief overview on the various Indian Herbs and spices, the tips on storing and using the herbs and spices.
List of popular herbs and spices and their Indian name:
- Carom seed (Ajwain)
- Dried Mango Powder (Amchur)
- Celery (Amjud)
- Cinnamon (Dalchini)
- Cardamom(Elaichi)
- Peppercorn (Goal Mirch)
- Coriander (Dhania)
- Turmeric (Haldi)
- Star Anise (Chakra Phool)
- Aniseed or Fennel (Saunf)
- Lemon (Nimbu)
- Bay leaves (Tez patta)
- Asafoetida (Heeng)
- Cumin (Jeera)
- Mace (Javitri)
- Nutmeg (Jaiphal)
- Nigelle or Onion seeds (Kalonji)
- Curry leaves (Kari patta)
- Clove (Laung)
- Khus-Khus (poppy seeds)
- Fenugreek (Methi)
- Paprika (Degi Mirch)
- Basil leaves (Tulsi patta)
- Mint (Poodina)
- Mustard (Sarson)
- Black Mustard (Rai)
- Saffron (Kesar)
- Sesame ( Til)
Apart from these some of the important herbs and spices happen to be , Rosemary, Lemon Grass, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Angelica are some of the important herbs that are widely used in kitchens across the world.
Tips on storing and using herbs and spices:
- It is always advisable to get the spices in whole form and the herbs in dry forms, as this practice make it easier to preserve them to a great extent. The spices in their whole form can be kept for a long period of time and they can be effectively used in time of need by grinding them into powdered form or paste using the manual or the automatic grinders.
- The spices kept in ground form lose their flavor and freshness.
- The spices and herbs should always be stored in airtight containers and in a cool dry place. The moment an herb or a spice comes under long exposure to air, they are prone to get decayed and their ability to spice up a dish gets lost.
- It is not proper to store the herbs and spices in the refrigerator as the moisture will ruin their true quality. One can only keep the spices and herbs in the refrigerator by keeping them in containers which are absolutely air sealed.
Medicinal herbs:
The list of herbs having healing elements is ever ending. Here are the names of the few popular ones. They are,
- Chicory: It is one of the herbs eaten in salads. It is very rich in Vitamin A and hence very much useful to offer nourishment to the eyes. The flower, roots and leaves of these herbs are used in treating disorder of liver.
- Clove: This is a spice, which is very much useful to ease the throat irritations and stop coughing. It also helps in digestive functions.
- Cumin: It is used to treat various digestive disorders, piles and many other ailments.
- Curry leaves: The fresh juice of curry leaves can treat morning sickness, nausea and vomiting tendency.
- Fenugreek: It is an herb which has extensive power to reduce fevers and therefore a tea made of fenugreek can be used in treating, influenza, bronchitis and several other illnesses.
- Holy Basil: This can be very well called a versatile herb used in treatment of a great range of ailments. It cures bronchitis, soars and ulcers in the mouth, headache, kidney disorders and even ringworm and other skin infections.
- Celery: This herb is used in treating illnesses such as, bronchitis, asthma, pleurisy, tuberculosis and various kinds of blood disorders such as, leukemia, anemia and several others.
- Turmeric: It is another spice of great medicinal value. It is used as an essential antiseptic agent. It is also used in treating chronic cough, bronchial asthma, measles, intestinal problems and a multitude of illnesses.
Apart from these there are scores of other spices and herbs that can be efficaciously used for fighting critical health hazards, such as, heart problems, diabetes and many others. Many of the spices also perform the role of antioxidants and help in purifying your body. One can also replace the different seasonings, like, sugar, salt and fat by using herbs. Some of the herbs that can be very well used in place of salt are oregano, garlic and thyme.
Some of the individuals also suffer from allergies and irritations due to some herbs and spices. The herbs and spices that are considered safe to some extent are, Bay leaves, Basil, Cumin, Coriander, Oregano, Paprika, Rosemary, Parsley, Thyme and Turmeric. Some of the herbs and spices that are prone to give rise to various allergic conditions are Clove, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cayenne, and Chili pepper, Mace, Nutmeg and Mustard.
Sigi says, keep on finding the different uses of the herbs and spices and become an individual, who is a great cook and a medicine expert at the same time.
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