Herbs And Spices - Spice Up Your Life!

Herbs and spices have been known and used for ages. Some of them have been popular for their curing effects, some were used as aphrodisiacs, and some to make meal more delicious and unique. Herbs and spices are important ingredients for many world cuisines. For example, if you want to make Asian dishes, you must add anise and coriander. If you are into Indian food, curry is your spice. And if you have a sweet tooth, you are probably familiar with cinnamon. When it comes to cooking, having the right spices is as important as having the right equipment.

After salt, black pepper is the world’s most used spice. Black pepper is originally from the Malabar region of India and comes from the unripe berries of the pepper plant. After being scalded in water and dried, the berries become hard, wrinkled and black and are called peppercorns. Two of the best types of black pepper are Indian Malabar and the more tasteful and expensive Tellicherry. Once ground, black pepper is releasing aroma and flavor. It is better to use a pepper mill to grind peppercorns only as needed, and choose either a fine or coarse grind. Some meals, like beef or fish, require a very coarse grind. More delicate dishes, like salads or sauces, benefit from a finer grind.

Another popular spice is curry. Actually curry isn’t exactly spice but rather a blend of spices, such as peppercorns, cumin, turmeric, mustard seeds, ginger, coriander seeds, cinnamon, cloves, fenugreek, fennel seeds, cardamom and chiles. Curry doesn’t have to be limited to Indian dishes and can be use in any vegetable or meat recipe. It is also great for hot and cold soups and sauces.

If you want to reach refreshing taste of your cooking, ginger is a spice for you. Ginger comes in three forms: fresh, dried, and crystallized. Fresh ginger is usually used in soups and dressings. Dried and crystallized ginger can be used in baking and desserts. Some other spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, are necessity for desert, but also can be used in savory dishes, like lamb, steamed spinach or braised cabbage.

Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, adds exotic flavor to soups and fish dishes. However can be used in any gourmet cooking, just be creative. If you are really into food or cooking, you have to use spices. Just buy right ones and in right places, to ensure freshness and quality. Keep spices well sealed, in a cool, dry, dark place. Whole spice can keep its quality up to two years, however ground spices only up to six month.