Quick Guide to The World of Spices & Herbs

Turmeric (fresh or powdered) – the queen of spices, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects thanks to the main active ingredient called curcumin. Turmeric adds a particular taste to dishes and paints them into the beautiful golden color (just like this Creamy Golden Polenta);

Ceylon Cinnamon – did you know that most commercial cinnamon is made from Cinnamon Cassia, a less nutritious sibling of so-called True Cinnamon? Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, is the super-spice that can help fight inflammation, act as an antioxidant, and has an antimicrobial effect. Cinnamon is an excellent addition to anything sweet, in my opinion! It’s remarkable in porridges with berries, cookies, or basically on any fruit (ripe bananas, juicy oranges, peaches, or anything else that comes to mind!);

Ginger (fresh or powdered) – some benefits of ginger include the ability to reduce inflammation, bloating, and improve digestion and relieve pain. Ginger goes into smoothies, Indian-style meals, and into our teas!

Whole Black Pepper (freshly ground) – helps absorb the active ingredient in turmeric (curcumin), when combined in the same dish. Besides, black pepper is an essential staple used for most sour meals;

Cayenne Pepper or/and Chili Flakes – spicy meals are welcomed in our household at all times: in tofu scramble or on toast for breakfast, in lentil dhal for lunch, and topped onto a bowl of pumpkin cream soup for dinner;

Smoked Paprika – naturally obtained smoky flavor incredibly enriches every meal this spice is added to. We love it as a part of a spice blend for baked potato wedges, in our chickpea omelets, and on top of our hummus dips;

Mustard & Coriander Seeds – an essential part of one of our favorite meals – Indian Red Lentil Dhal – mustard and coriander seeds are central ingredients of many oriental dishes. Besides, coriander seeds can help lower blood sugar, boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and promote healthy digestion. In contrast, mustard seeds have an anti-inflammatory effect, eliminate intestinal parasites, and promote healthy blood circulation;

Cumin – irreplaceable part of hummus recipe, this spice has lots of health benefits too: from helping with respiratory issues to improving blood cholesterol to promoting weight loss and fat reduction;

Cardamom – this spice is usually found in chai latte and Indian meals. But it’s much more than just a flavor booster in the oriental dishes. By adding cardamom to your meals, you may help your metabolism, improve oral health, and fight certain bacteria and fungi;

Cloves – besides being high in antioxidants, cloves can help regulate blood sugar and promote bone health. This spice is not only great in your mulled wine or gingerbread but also can be used to spice up your arabica coffee, to flavor boiled rice, or you can simply add it to curries, cauliflower, broccoli or cabbage dishes.