Spices Health benefits of Poppy seeds valuefood, January 5, 2011April 14, 2015 Health benefits of poppy seeds include its effect on neural systems and brain, treatment of cancer, treatment… Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Saffron valuefood, January 3, 2011August 7, 2013 Health benefits of saffron includes it properties to treat cancer, improve blood circulation, act as… Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Sumac valuefood, December 5, 2010November 12, 2017 Health Benefits of Sumac(French: Sumac German: Sumach Italian: Sommacco Spanish: Zumaque Arabic: Sammak): Scientific Name: Rhus Coriaria Sumac is native to North America, Iran and Turkey. There is also a poisonous variety of Sumac known commonly as ‘Poison Ivy’. Sumac is used as a substitute for lemon because of its sourness and astringency. Sumac also is used as a substitute for Vinegar. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Vanilla valuefood, November 30, 2010December 30, 2013 Vanilla Scientific Name: Vanilla Fragrans or Vanilla Planifolia Vanilla follows saffron and cardamom as the most expensive spice. Vanilla is native to Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar and Mexico. Vanilla is one of the most popular flavoring agents for chefs and amateur cooks alike. In fact in the older days Vanilla’s use was only restricted for the royalty because of the pricey nature. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Zedoary valuefood, November 20, 2010November 8, 2014 Zedoary (Scientific name: Curcuma Zedoria) is an ancient spice and a close relative of ginger. It is a native of India, China, Nepal and Indonesia. Zeodary was introduced in the west as early as 6th Century by the Arabs. Today, however it is very rare in the West having been replaced by Ginger. Dried Zedoary is ground in a pestle and mortar. The dried rhizomes of Zeodary plant are used as a condiment and in perfumes, medicines and cosmetics. The Zerumbet has been erroneously confused with the round Zedoary. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Asafoetida valuefood, October 6, 2010November 8, 2014 Asofoetida (scientific name Ferula asafoetida) is also known as Asafetida, Assafetida, Assafoetida, Devil’s Dung, Devil’s Durt, Food of the Gods (Persian), Laser (Roman), Stinking Gum, Hing (Hindi). The name is combination of Persian aza (meaning resin) and Latina foetidus (meaning stinking). Asofoetida has been used as a spice in ancient Rome. Although it is not native to India, Asofoetida is widely used in Indian medicines and cookery for ages. The spice, Asofoetida is hard resinous gum, from sap of roots and stem. The resin is powdered and used. Resin is composed of coumarin. Asofoetida has pungent smell like sulphur, which dissipates on cooking. It adds onion like pleasant flavour to food. Minute quantities of asafoetida is added is added directly to cooking oil or cooking liquid. Health benefits of Asafoetida can be attributed to its medicinal properties like carminative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and others. Health benefits of Asafoetida are summarized below: Continue Reading
Spices Health Benefits of Amchur valuefood, October 5, 2010December 11, 2013 Amchur (Raw Mango powder) or Amchoor is popular spice in Asia. The name comes from Hindi names Aam meaining mango and chur meaning powder. Raw, unripe green mango fruit are sliced and sundried to obtain Amchur. The mango tree, native to South Asia, is of such popularity in India and the Far East. Almost all parts of the tree have some medical use. Use of Amchur has been limited to Indian cookery, where it is used as an acid flavouring ingredient or as a condiment. Amchur adds tanginess to dishes and acts as souring agent. It is particularly useful as an ingredient in marinades, having the same tenderizing qualities as lemon or lime juice. Raw mango powder or Amchur is acidic, astringent and antiscorbutic in nature. Raw mango powder has high Vitamin A and Vitamin C content, which attributes to some of the health benefits and medical uses of Amchur. Health benefits and medicinal uses of raw mango powder or amchur is summarized as under: Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Ajowan or Ajwain Seeds valuefood, October 5, 2010February 7, 2015 Ajowan or Ajwain (scientific name Trachyspermum ammi pronounced aj’o-wen) is from same family as caraway or cumin. Ajowan also known as carom / Ajave/ Ethiopian Cumin or Omam, is common spice in Indian cooking. Ajowan seeds are often chewed on their own after a meal for medicinal value. Ajowan tastes hot and leave tongue numb for a while. Crushed or cooked ajowan leaves strong and distinctive thyme-like aroma. Oil of Ajwain seeds essential contains Thymol. Thymol constitutes more than 50% of Ajowan oil. Health benefits of Ajowain seeds are known traditionally and it is only because of these health and medicinal benefits of ajowain seeds, it finds its place as home remedies for common ailments. Health benefits of Ajwain seeds and other medicinal uses of Ajwain are summarized below: Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Cumin seeds valuefood, October 4, 2010December 11, 2013 Cumin Seeds (scientific name is Cuminum cyminum) is globally popular as spice and used widely due to its distinctive aroma. It is extensively used in Indian Subcontinent and some other Asian, African and Latin American countries, as a condiment or spice. Mineral Content of Cumin Seeds Apart from the distinctive aroma, Cumin seeds have high nutrition value. They are a rich source of Iron and Manganese, which are essential for vital functions of human body. 10 gram of Cumin seeds provide around 50% of daily dietary requirement of Iron. Cumin seeds also contain minerals such as Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Zinc and others. Health benefits of Cumin seeds Helps in Digestion: Traditionally, Cumin seeds are known to be of benefit to digestive system. Cumin seeds, contain aromatic organic substance called Cuminaldehyde, which stimulates salivation and thus facilitate primary digestion. According to scientific research, cumin seeds may stimulate secretion of enzymes from Pancreas, which are necessary for assimilation of nutrients from food during digestion. Continue Reading
Spices Health benefits of Turmeric valuefood, June 21, 2010August 6, 2013 Turmeric or Indian Saffron or Curcuma longa is rhizomatous plant native to South Asia including India. Turmeric roots provide one of the best known medicinal spices. Roots of turmeric have been used in as food additive, medicine, cosmetics, and fabric dying for more than 2,000 years in Asia. Turmeric powder is obtained from boiling Turmeric rhizomes for several hours, subsequently drying and grounding. What is turmeric composed of? Turmeric contains about 6-7% protein, 4-5% fat, 3-4% minerals, 70% carbohydrate and 10-15% moisture. The essential oil from Turmeric is obtained by steam distillation of rhizomes. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) (3–4% in Turmeric) is a polyphenol responsible for distinct yellow colour and many of its medicinal properties. Health benefits and uses of Turmeric Turmeric has been used since ancient times for treatment of variety of ailments. Turmeric is best recognized as anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, and antiseptic. Turmeric leaf oil and turmeric extract can also be used as sunscreens and bio-pesticides. Continue Reading