Emma Miller
Spices, spices, and seasonings are three different definitions, you need to understand their essence correctly in order to use the right product for cooking. For a long time, people have noticed that some plants have a pronounced aroma, turning food into a work of art. Moreover, some spices can have a positive effect on the human body.
The role of spices in human life – the history of spices
The culinary preferences of certain people depending on climatic conditions, geographic location, and many other factors. The first to use spices were the inhabitants of Asia – they tried to improve the unimpressive taste of rice.
In India, the objective was different. Because food tends to spoil quickly in the heat, people needed a reliable preservative. That was the role spices played: cloves, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, and mustard prevented food from spoiling.
Thus the southern and eastern countries became the main exporters of spices. It was a long and arduous journey, as the northern settlements, where there were no spices at all, were situated almost on the other side of the world. This increased the cost of spices, literally turning them into gold. It was then that Christopher Columbus discovered America, a shortcut from Europe to India.
Spices and spices – the difference in meaning
In everyday life, we often use three words: spices, condiments, and spices. The synonymous meaning of these definitions is erroneous.
- Spices are substances, not necessarily of plant origin, with which you can change the consistency and taste of a dish. Salt, sugar, gelatin, starch, and citric acid are spices. They do not have their own unique flavor and therefore do not change the flavor of dishes either.
- Spices are additives to food that are not consumed on their own. Spices are always of plant origin, most commonly seeds, flowers, inflorescences, leaves, stems, roots, or fruits. Cloves, bay leaves, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla are spices.
- Condiments are also additives, they change the flavor and aroma of the dish, but they do not change the consistency. You can prepare them according to the recipe or use them in the already prepared form. For example, hot and sweet peppers, horseradish, tomato paste, mayonnaise, barberry, vinegar, and mustard are condiments.
- Our ancestors have long-grown vegetables in their garden beds, which they then added to dishes: garlic, onions, celery, dill, parsley, and many others. Such additions could significantly affect the result of the culinary process of the hostess.
Why do you put a lot of spices in food and how to use them correctly
Ground spices are added not only in the second or first courses but also in desserts. And each region has its own customs: France is popular for its emulsions and sauces with astringent effects. Flour, butter, milk, and eggs are always the basis of such sauces, a composition that retains the flavor of the spices.
In Mediterranean, Oriental or Caucasian countries they prefer sweet and sour condiments such as fruit and vegetable juices or purees, and white or red wines. In order for the dish to turn out delicious, you need to know how to combine the spices.
Remember to store spices and herbs in jars tightly sealed and away from sunlight.
Spices for Women’s Health – What Supplements Help
As we have already said, spices can not only improve the taste of a dish but also have a beneficial effect on the condition of the body. Each spice has a different effect and set of trace elements depending on the region where it grows.
Proper use of some spices prevents the formation of putrefactive processes in the intestines, eliminates fermentation, improves metabolism, and helps the stomach to better absorb food. Specifically, these include:
- valerian, melissa, and mint reduce blood pressure, normalize heart rate, relieve headaches, and help fight stress;
- rosemary, hot red pepper, and turmeric are indicated for people with low blood pressure;
- ginger root strengthens the immune system and can be added to baked goods and teas;
- garlic, oregano, and fennel have an immunomodulatory effect;
- turmeric cleanses the blood and has a diuretic effect;
- Fennel increases lactation, so it is recommended for nursing mothers.
You can grow garlic, onions, parsley, dill, horseradish, or coriander on your plot. Growing basil, marjoram, or other Mediterranean spices will require more effort – the spices need “greenhouse” conditions. The best ways to store spices are quick freezing, drying, or canning.
Harmful Spices – A List of Dangerous Additives
Despite the fact that spices are considered a unique product, they have not only positive but also negative effects on the body.
Use spices carefully if you have any gastrointestinal diseases and bronchial asthma. Some spices should not be used at all, such as
- saffron and rosemary are contraindicated in pregnant women;
- Sage, nutmeg, and cinnamon can cause seizures;
- Cloves make you less tonic and less able to concentrate.
