Spicy Masalas That Heal

Some of the common Indian spices are:

• Cumin (Jeera)
• Turmeric (Haldi)
• Coriander Powder (Dhaniya)
• Rai (Mustard Seeds)
• Red Chilli Powder (Mirchi)
• Green Chilli
• Kasuri Methi ( Fenugreek Herb)
• Methi (Fenugreek Seeds)
• Curry Leaves (Curry Patta)
• Coriander Seeds
• Ajwain (Carom)
• Hing or Asafeatida
• Shah Jeera
• Clove (Laung)
• Pepper (Kali Mirch)
• Cardamom (ilaichi)
• Badi iIaichi  (Black Cardamom)
• Dried Mango Powder (Amchur)
• Cinnamon (Dal Chini)
• Fennel (Saunf)
• Taj Patta
• Star Anise (Chakra Phul)
• Mace (Javitri)
• Nutmeg Jaiphal 
• Saffron (Kesar)
• Mint (Pudina)
• Kacheri 
• Indian Gooseberry Powder (Amla)
• Lemon Grass 

Apart from herbs and spices, garlic, ginger and onion paste is extensively used in Indian cooking. Dry coconut powder or milk is also added to recipes especially in Southern India.

Spices or flavours extensive used in sweets are char seed or chirongi, cardamom, pista (pistachio), badam (almond) and kaju (cashew nut), kesar (saffron) and dry coconut powder are commonly added in small amounts. This flavours the sweets and imparts a unique taste to sweets.   

The way curries are made differs from region to region and while the recipe may have a common name taste may vary. The variation arises due local factors and hence chefs and foodies buy spices from regions they believe grows them the best.  Thus, for example, pepper and cardamom that grows in Kerala is most sought after even though they may be grown elsewhere. 

The health benefits of turmeric, ginger, garlic are now well known all over the World. But other spices used in Indian masalas are equally healthy. Red Chili is rich in vitamin A while green chili contains loads of vitamin C.   

As a matter of fact spices used in preparing daily food are most effective in preventing diseases like cancer, malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Fenugreek seed soaked in water help balance sugar. Fennel and cardamom seeds help in pH balance. Carom seeds act as gripe water and help digest oily food. Most of the spices being natural additives boost immunity besides according other health benefits.  

Ginger, garlic and herbs without doubt benefit health. So do curry, mint and fenugreek leaves. Most of the Western Literature doubt the efficacy of spices as good for health, but Ayurveda accepts the fact.  The benefit accrues on long term use hence there is no evidence of their efficacy unlike modern medicine were the results are quantified. 

Well known recipe ingredients obtained from nature are healthy additives in small quantity. But please avoid strange herbs and seeds that are not well known and not used popularly. Some may be toxic. Those mention above are being used in India and many other countries for centuries. Limited consumption of well known ingredients is always safe and healthy. 

PreMix Whole Spice Recipe Add On

While powdered spices are commonly sold in the market and command a huge share in spice trade. The purity and quality is in doubt. Consumers cannot make out presence of adulterants to bring down the cost. 

Hence whole spices packets are becoming more and more popular. The concept is to mix whole spices in right proportion pertaining to a recipe. To make use of premix spices all the consumers have to do is to roast and grind and then add to the destined recipe. Some of the popular premix masalas are:

• Egg Curry Masala
• Kolhapuri Mutton Masala   
• Chai Masala
• Pav Bhaji Masala
• Rajma Masala
• Sambhar Masala
• East Indian Bottle Masala
• Veg Kolhapuri Masala
• Garam Masala
• Shahi Paneer Masala
• Kerala Spice Coffee Masala
• Fish Curry Masala
• Tandoori Masala

These are few that find mentioned here. The list is endless, depicting how vast Indian cuisine is. Living Beyond Company Based in Mumbai and sells premix recipe masalas in hygienic packing. The new concept is best to buy Indian Spices online from anywhere in the World.