A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring or coloring food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Spice and herb, are parts of various plants cultivated for their aromatic, pungent, or otherwise desirable substances. Spices and herbs consist of rhizomes, bulbs, barks, flower buds, stigmas, fruits, seeds, and leaves. They are commonly divided into the categories of spices, spice seeds, and herbs. Spices are sometimes used in medicine, religious rituals, cosmetics, or perfume production. Buy high-quality spices online from Spice Munnar.

A spice may be available in several forms: fresh, whole dried, or pre-ground dried. Generally, spices are dried. Spices may be ground into powder for convenience. A whole dried spice has the longest shelf life, so it can be purchased and stored in larger amounts, making it cheaper on a per-serving basis. A fresh spice, such as ginger, is usually more flavorful than its dried form, but fresh spices are more expensive and have a much shorter shelf life. Some spices are not always available either fresh or whole, for example, turmeric, and often must be purchased in ground form. Small seeds, such as fennel and mustard seeds, are often used both whole and in powder form. Many of the world’s highly prized spices—such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and pepper—are fragrant or pungent plant products cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions.

The spice trade developed throughout the Indian subcontinent by at the earliest 2000 BCE with cinnamon and black pepper, and in East Asia with herbs and pepper. The Egyptians used herbs for mummification and their demand for exotic spices and herbs helped stimulate world trade. By 1000 BCE, medical systems based upon herbs could be found in China, Korea, and India. Early uses were connected with magic, medicine, religion, tradition, and preservation.

Spice up your taste buds with healthy spices in your diet! Spices not only just excite your taste buds but are composed of an impressive list of Phyto-nutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness. Spices have been an integral part of our food for centuries, and today, even become more relevant to us. Thanks to the Arab and European explorers, whose contributions in spreading them from their place of origin to the rest of the planet have immensely broadened their use and popularity all over the world! 

Spices contain an impressive list of plant-derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health-promoting properties. They have been in use since ancient times for their anti-inflammatory, carminative, and anti-flatulent properties. The active principles in the spices may help in smooth digestion through augmenting intestinal tract motility as well as increasing the digestion power by stimulating the excessive secretion of gastro-intestinal enzymes inside the gut. Decoction of certain healthy spices is taken by mouth for the treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers, indigestion, stomach upset, and painful menstruation. 

The essential volatile oils in certain spices (cloves, peppers, etc.) may work as a rubefacient (soothes skin around the site of application and improves the local blood circulation), increasing the flow of blood to make the skin feel warmer. They are being applied as a popular home remedy for arthritis and sore muscles and used either as a poultice or in hot baths. Spice’s essential oils are being used in aromatherapy as well as deodorants in the perfume industry. 

Spices contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps in controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme. Spices are being used in the preparation of season soups, barbecue sauces, pickling, and as the main ingredient in a variety of curry powders. Spices along with some seasonal herbs are being used to enhance the flavor and taste of vegetable, chicken, fish, and meat dishes. Some healthy spices like cloves, cardamom, coriander…etc., are also been used in flavor drinks. Order spices online from Spice Munnar.