Details on natural herbs and spices, and how to store and use them. Know the health benefits of spices and herbs and which spice should be avoided.
Spices and herbs have a long history of use going back five thousand years as these are good for health. Indian spices are very popular not only in India but elsewhere also. They add flavor and nutrients to dishes without fat or calories!
Spices are derived from the roots, buds, bark and fruit of plants. Herbs are usually the leaves of certain plants. Find below the details on natural Indian herbs and spices, and how to store and use them.
Buy and store your spices in whole form, if possible. Grind or powder them in a grinder or mortar & pestle just prior to using because they rapidly lose their freshness and flavor once ground.
Spices should be stored in airtight containers in a cool dark place. Spices lose their potency due to heat, light, and air.
As a general rule follow the following guideline for storing the spices: Whole Amchur, Amchoor, Mango powder, corns: 5 years
Other whole spices: 2 years
Ground spices: 6 months to 1 year
Spices kept beyond these times lose their flavor and potency.
Do not store spices & herbs in refrigerator, humidity will destroy them. You can store them in the freezer in tightly sealed containers.
Find details like nutrition, hotness and their use of various spices and herbs in the following pages.
Spices are very important ingredients in Low calorie Indian food, both vegetarian and non vegetarian.
Herbs and spices have traditionally been used to treat diseases for thousands of years. The advantage of using of spices and herbs over commercial drugs is the decreased side effects. Spices such as basil, chili, oregano, ginger, garlic, fenugreek and rosemary are very beneficial to our health.
Many spices contain antioxidants that protect against cancer and heart disease. They can help control blood sugar. Some spices have property to fight Ecoli, listeria, staphylococcus, and fungus. It is therefore very important to replace traditional fattening seasonings like sugar, salt and fat with herbs and spices. You can replace salt with herbs such as oregano, thyme and garlic.
Safe Herbs & Spices
If you do not have any allergy form spices, then the following spices can be used:
Basil, Bay Leaves, Cardamon, Cummin Seeds, Coriander, Dill, Garlic, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Rosemary, Saffron, Tamarind, Thyme and Tumeric.
Herbs & Spices to be avoided
If you suffer from allergies and stomach irritants, then you should avoid the following spices:
Black Pepper, Cayenne and Chilli Peppers, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Horseradish, Mace, Mustard and Nutmeg.