Things You Didn’t Know About Spices

Indian spices have made their way across the globe. They are known to be the soul of any dish made. Even in western countries, they have gained quite some popularity because of the flavour and aroma. Spices have become so popular that they ‘re now making way into other industries except food-cooking. They are now pretty big in the personal hygiene industry. Pharmaceuticals, food processing and grooming are some other industries which use spices. People have realised that the spices have multiple other benefits than just adding flavour. Here are a  few facts about some kitchen spices that possibly didn’t know.

1. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. It is priced higher than gold. One of the major reasons why saffron is expensive is that it needs to be hand harvested. Also, it requires very specific environmental conditions that are favourable for its growth. It is very difficult to find the right climate and soil for saffron. In India, saffron is cultivated in Kashmir. The brightness of saffron determines how good quality it is. It is supposed to be bright red in colour. It has a very distinct aroma that often becomes a flavour when in milk or sweets.
2. Herbs are usually the leaf of the trees while spices can be anything from bark, root, buds or seeds. Therefore one tree can be both a herb or a spice. Fenugreek leaves are used a herb while seeds are as a spice. Nutmeg and mace come from the same plant. Nutmeg is the seed of the plant whereas mace is the covering of the seed. Both of them are spices and they have a similar flavour. Mace is usually a little more pungent than Nutmeg. Nutmeg was very exotic once upon a time.
3. The bark of the cinnamon tree is what Indians use as Dalchini for flavours in their biryani and various other dishes. Cinnamon has a warm, woody smell and taste and is used in a lot of desserts and cakes in the western countries. CInnamon powder is one of the important ingredients and flavours in Pumpkin spice desserts. Cinnamon powder is also used in buns and other milkshakes.
4. It is said that turmeric is used in every Indian dish except steamed rice. Turmeric is probably one of the only few spices which was used for non-food purposes before being used as a spice. It has been used as a dye and ayurvedic medicine since times unknown in the Indian history. Turmeric has infinite medicinal properties and it is an antiseptic. Some studies also suggest that turmeric can cure Alzeimer’s and is stronger than any other Alzheimer’s drug.
5. Masala and spice mean the same. Masala doesn’t mean seasoning. Some Masalas like Chaat Masala is used for seasoning because of its flavour. Khada Masala is a blend of whole spices used in Biryani and other dishes.