Important Facts to Know about Dried Spices

Spices and herbs are in abundant use in cooking around the world. For as long as cooks have been putting food to flames, herbs and spices have been there, adding flavors and aromas. In the Indian kitchen, you will surely find many of the spices in a kitchen cabinet, dried spices are one of them. Keeping dried spices on hand is an appropriate way to always be prepared for cooking.

Many people think that it's all spice and fire. But that's not true. No doubt they are spices, but it's not all chili. It's cumin, cinnamon, cardamom; fragrant spices, healthy ones, peppery ones. And they're used carefully and thoughtfully. Each has its own aroma and adds its own character to a dish. As the need to improve flavor in food products continue to increase, manufacturers in the food industry are increasingly focusing on using dried spices as an important ingredient.

Health Benefits Combined with Dried Spices

Spices available in India come in a larger variety. What is more, they not only add colors and flavors to your dishes but also score high on health benefits. The most common species include turmeric powder, chilies, bay leaves, black pepper, cloves, cumin powder, coriander powder, cloves, ginger, fennel seeds, saffron, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom etc. Most of them are called dry spices and available in both powdered and whole form. Some of them are as follows-

Cinnamon- Cinnamon has the highest antioxidant value of any spice. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar and blood triglyceride levels. Dried spices like cloves and black pepper all have high ORAC scores, which indicate antioxidant potential. A teaspoon of these spices is equivalent to a serving of blueberries or strawberries.

Turmeric- It contains Curcumin, a cancer-fighting compound. Many research suggests that curcumin may help ease pain and lower the chances of heart attacks, too.

Chili Peppers- Either dried or powdered, chilies will give your food a kick. They also may boost your metabolism and help keep blood vessels well.

Ginger- Ginger can be used either as a fresh root or as a dried powder, has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cumin- Cumin is naturally rich in iron. It has antimicrobial properties and has been used to reduce flatulence. Low in cholesterol and sodium, dried ginger is a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin B6, iron, potassium and Vitamin E.

Bound to various health-related benefits, demand for dried spices is growing steadily. One of the most important features of dried spices is that it helps in preventing cancer. As mentioned above, various spices are the powerhouses of antioxidants, increasing consumption of the dried spices reduces the risks related to prevalence of cancer and infections.