Samarth Spices

Spice is a seed, root or bark initially used for flavoring food. Spices are sometimes used in medicine, religious rituals, cosmetics or perfume production. For example, vanilla is commonly used as an ingredient in fragrance manufacture.

Although health benefits are often claimed from spices, there is not currently good evidence for this.

India contributes to 75% of global spice production. The spice trade started to grow throughout the Indian subcontinent, in East Asia and later with the Middle East. Europe's need for spices later encouraged further exploration.

A spice is available in forms such as fresh, whole dried, or pre-ground dried. usually ,spices are dried. Spices may be grounded into a powder for convenience. Dried spice has the longest life, so it can be purchased and stored in larger quantity. Some spices are not always available fresh or dried for example Turmeric and usually purchased in ground form. seeds such as fennel and mustard seeds are used both whole and in powder form.

Types of spices

1.Whole Spice

2. Ground Spice

Cooking With Whole Spice

It is almost always recommend to buy whole spices and grinding them yourself, since whole spices retain their aromatic than the ground kind. But the reality is that most of us rely on ground spices for convenience Using a mix of whole and ground spices that you will use up quickly will prevent a bunch of unused spices losing flavour.

Cooking with Ground Spice

Use of ground spices where you want to disperse a lot of flavor: such as in baked goods and spice rubs. Try frying a mix of different ground spices in oil or ghee to blend the flavors.

Storage of spices

Store Spices you use often in glass jars or tins in a dark cupboard .Spices you do not use frequently can be stored in airtight containers in the freezer .Label Spices with their purchase dates and  check every few months to make sure they are still in date (Expiry Date ).

Ground spices tend to oxidize more quickly than whole spices due to their large exposed surface area and will loose their flavour within a few months ,While whole spice can last up to a year .Since we use them in such small amounts ,spices should be packed with flavors.

Do Spices expire?

Spices usually do not spoil or rot ,they will lose their flavour over a period of time .Generally ,spices are used to add flavor and it is best to use in a period of time .If preparing your own spices is not possible ,use the freshest spices .As a rule ,we know ground spices can last up to 3 years if it is stored properly and whole dry spices for 4 years .

.

How to store spices properly?

Spices life is longer when stored in a cool, dry location. So, it is should kept in jars. keeping spices jar

next to your stove will automatically reduce their useful. So, we need to have a rack or storing them

in an opaque container will help spices to preserve the flavour for long period of time.

Medicinal Benefits of spices

Spices not only boost the immune system, but they also help in reducing various sicknesses,

Building strong blood vessels and avoiding blood clotting.

Additionally, they help lowering cholesterol levels, good blood circulation, and

prevent diseases like atherosclerosis, as well as cancer.