World Cuisine: Indian Food - Myth or Fact

Do you like Indian food? I do! Although must admit, had to acquire a taste for it. My first time trying a so-called authentic Indian dish was at one of those American mall-type food courts, where there are all kinds of restaurants for you to choose from. That probably wasn't the best place for me to get my first taste. Was taken aback by some sort of flavor or spice that my palette was clearly not expecting. It threw me off!

Later on, when cooking channels became so popular on television, started learning how to prepare Indian dishes. There was the one lady who referred to herself as a “spice goddess”.  Because really it comes to cooking, Indians do know their spices.  No argument.  Her recipes always seemed so simple, easy to prepare, and she explained the herbs and spices she used for flavoring and showed you how to incorporate them into the recipes.  Crush these seeds.  Warm this spice in the pan.  Sprinkle these herbs.  Decided to try Indian food again and was very pleased with the tasting tests.

Below is a link to a blog post that eliminates common myths about Indian food. Didn't know there were myths but good to know they can be ignored. What were some of the myths?

• All Indian food is spicy.
• All Indian food is vegetarian.
• All Indian food is overloaded with curry.

Discover the Truth behind the Indian Food Myths

* * *

Content first published Mar 21, 2015 via Persona Paper

5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food

5 Things You Thought You Knew about Indian Food

By Petrina Verma Sarkar Come on, be honest. What are the first things that come to your mind when you think of Indian food? Hot, spicy, oily, rich, fatty, bad for you, difficult and time-consuming to cook, curry powder....

15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know

15 Interesting Facts Related To Indian Food You Should Know

Facts that will blow your taste buds

20 unbelievable facts about Indian food

20 unbelievable facts about Indian food

Before it turned into an art that involved culinary expertise, food in India was about rasas and doshas. Taste or rasa in Sanskrit guides the tongue and it is a balance or misbalance of these rasas that cause or correct the doashas in body.

Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking

Known and unknown facts about Indian cooking

It is about experimenting with different spices and ingredients and to come up with your own secret recipes. Then just go for it, Visit Masala Fry! Enjoy!

Indian ladies: glitter-graphics.com

Spices – History and Mystery (Pt 2 of 2)

Mystery of the Spice Islands Revealed

(Continuing from Part 1).

• The East India Company Ltd – reborn and renewed The East India Company today is reborn as a vibrant, inspiring company that acknowledges its heritage to never stop exploring and pioneering, to discover the world’s finest foods, products, and services.  The products they sell include teas, coffees, chocolates, and other fine foods.
• Manas: History and Politics, East India Company Read more about the History and Politics of the East India Company; its humble rise to good fortune and its decline from political and economic power into dissolution by the Crown.

After being fought over for years, in 1814 the Dutch traders finally beat out the Spanish, Portuguese and the British for the monopoly of the spice trade and these islands came under Dutch control. The Spice Islands, along with other territories in the area now governed by the Dutch were all consolidated under one name: Dutch East Indies. They were under Dutch government from 1814 to 1942. During World War II, the Japanese conquered the Dutch West Indies and occupied them from 1942 - 1945. In 1945, Indonesia was proclaimed a republic, and the islands which were formerly known as the Spice Islands are now known as the Maluku Islands (also called the Moluccas or Moluccan Islands). The Moluccas are included with a group of islands between Southeast Asia and North Australia, that comprise the Malay Archipelago.

But you don't have to travel to Indonesia or circumnavigate the globe and risk death to go on an exotic spice adventure. Just follow the spice trails at Everyday Exotic Spices.

* India Tree Pepper Mélange is a premium blend, containing Tellicherry black, Madagascar green, Malaysian white and allspice berries; use the same way as black pepper.

** Kefta spice blend is an authentic Moroccan recipe which includes: Coriander, Cumin, Spearmint, Paprika, Cayenne, Marjoram, Garlic, and other spices.

*** Sumac is a very popular condiment in Turkey and Iran, where the ground fruits are liberally sprinkled over rice. Mixed with freshly cut onions, it is frequently eaten as an appetizer.

[ Content first published at Blogjob May 2017. ]

Spices – History and Mystery (Pt 1 of 2)

Europeans embarked upon voyages around the world.

~ Hundreds of years ago, Europeans sailed all over the globe to bring back various spices from the East. Spices were not just used to flavor food, but were for medicinal purposes and enjoyed also because of their exotic aromas. As such, they were highly valued commodities.

~ To trace the spice trails taken by the Europeans, track backwards from the Greco-Roman world to Egypt then Africa, and travel through Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) until you reach India. 

Image Credit: Bowls of Spices from Above, Agra, India ~ Bill Bachmann ~ Allposters.com

“The economically important Silk Road (red) and spice trade routes (blue) blocked by the Ottoman Empire ca. 1453 with the fall of the Byzantine Empire, spurring exploration motivated initially by the finding of a sea route around Africa and triggering the Age of Discovery.”

[Image Source: By Whole_world_-_land_and_oceans_12000.jpg: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Centerderivative work:Splettederivative work:Bongan - Whole_world_-_land_and_oceans_12000.jpgSilk_route.jpg, Public DomainWikimedia Commons]

The Year is 1608

The original spice routes started in India.

As is usually the case with precious commodities, nations sought to control the spice trade. The British fought the Dutch and the Portuguese. Fast forward through history to the year 1608; ships belonging to the East India Company arrived in India, at the port of Surat. This company had been given monopoly privileges on all trade with the East Indies by the British parliament, but their control did not last forever. In 1857-8, there was a rebellion which led to the end of the East India Company.

The dissolution of the East India Company had no impact on the integral role of India in the global spice trade. Though India is not the only country that exports spices to Europe and the United States, this "land of spices" does continue to be a major exporter of spices to Europe, the USA and various other parts of the world.

Based on the substantial growth of spices exports during the last five years and particularly during the period 2010-2011, the SPICES BOARD INDIA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India reported: " India can now boast as the monopoly supplier of spice oils and oleoresins (naturally occurring mixtures of an oil and a resin) the world over. In the case of curry powders, spice powders, spice mixtures and spices in consumer packs, India is in a formidable position."

Spices introduced by India include cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, turmeric, and many more. Cardamon is even referred to as the "queen of spices". (Saffron is known as the "king of spices". FYI.) These everyday exotic spices are an important contribution to the quality of our daily living.

Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet 

with Everyday Exotic Spices

[ Content first published at BlogJob May 2017). ]

Salt is Beautiful

Salt is so commonplace that we tend to take it for granted. It is much more than just a food seasoning. People have very interesting ways in which they use it. Despite the fact that many say it’s bad for your health, it’s not really all that bad.

This seasoning is invaluable to our daily lives and it has amazing health benefits. It also has a spiritual application. Jesus likened His disciples to “the salt of the earth”.

No doubt in my mind. Salt is beautiful.

#1 Salt in History

The history and future of salt: from food and health, to culture, to geopolitics 📻 http://t.co/ZEPH0KxMv6 pic.twitter.com/U5SYKQHjLX

— BBC World Service (@bbcworldservice) August 18, 2015

#2 Salt in Peaceful Protest

The 24-day Salt March in 1930 was a milestone in Mahatma Gandhi's nonviolent method of protest that finally won #India’s independence from British rule in 1947.https://t.co/TLvooCtw6k

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 20, 2020

#3 Salt in Health

● Health: Salt is not the Enemy - Express Yourself! - Medium
Learn about the Benefits of #Celtic #SeaSalt and #HimalayanSalt https://t.co/h99Jfz5PBx #foodhistory #healthandwellness #healthbenefits #foodanddrink #cooking pic.twitter.com/tiif2NE3Lr

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) August 13, 2019

#4 Too Much Salt is Not Good

No sodium, no problem! With these three seasonings, learn how you can lower your daily salt intake and still make tasty meals: https://t.co/epQmQvfs6O

— Consumer Reports (@ConsumerReports) September 3, 2018

#5 Salt Sampler

The Spice Lab ~ #Gourmet Salt Sampler Collection No. 1 – Grilling Gifts for Men & Women - 11 Pyrex Tubes - All Natural #Kosher Salts #GiftSet - Salt Samples from Around the World - Premium #Cooking #Gift https://t.co/miV0sxqnTT via @amazon #wishlist @goshoppingbees pic.twitter.com/uiwGGcEEC8

— Everyday Exotic Spices Presents Food Ways (@EverydaySpices) February 23, 2024

#6 Salt Shakers

Premium Salt and Pepper Grinder Set of 3 - Salt and Pepper Shakers Mill, Stainless Steel Adjustable Coarseness Great #GiftSet - (7.5 inches tall - Set of 3) by Gold Armour (link: https://t.co/FS11SepZ28) #saltshakers #kitchenanddining #cooking pic.twitter.com/exnP3XEevM

— EverydayExoticSpices (@EverydaySpices) August 13, 2019

Click to continue viewing “More Salt LUV” 

#7 Jada Chicken Salt is Becoming Popular
#8 Salt in Therapy
#9 Salt Lamps Make Great Gifts

#10 Vegan Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream

10 Best Spices For Healthy Cooking by Matthew Kaplan (Guest Post)

Matthew Kaplan is an Editor for FaveDiets.com (now called RecipeLion), a popular online resource for healthy recipes and healthy cooking tips. 

FaveDiets.com is now called FaveHealthyRecipes and it is still a fantastic place for lots of healthy cooking recipes to help you!  The article presented below is available for publication and use by anyone.

**Salt didn't make the list.  But we were so happy to see black pepper among the chosen ones.  :)   Everyday Exotic Spices follows FaveHealthy Recipes on Pinterest.

How To Use Spices:
The 10 Best Spices for Healthy Cooking

For an easy and guilt-free way to add flavor to any recipe, use food spices. Even the largest amount of the top spice of your choice in a dish transforms a recipe from blah to ta-da! Let this spice list show you how to use the best spices to add tons of flavor without adding calories.


(1)  Black Pepper - Crisp, slightly spicy and unbelievably versatile, it is no large wonder that black pepper is the most common spice in the world. Black pepper is a great way to add a touch of heat and a bright aroma to just about any sort of savory application, from eggs and salads to rice and beef. To get the most flavor out of black pepper, freshly grind whole peppercorns using a pepper mill.

XQXQ Wood Salt & Pepper Mill Set, Pepper Grinders, Salt Shakers with Adjustable Ceramic Rotor- 8 in -Pack of 2

(2)  Cinnamon - Cinnamon is one of the best spices around because of its surprising versatility. One of the more potent of the essential spices, only a little cinnamon is needed to bring its trademark dense and rich flavor to a dish. Classically associated with the list of spices used in dessert, cinnamon is a great addition to savory rice and Indian dishes.


(3)  Cumin - Another popular food spice, cumin has a rich smoky flavor that works well in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and Indian recipes. Cumin is one of the best spices for cooking because it can be added to a wide variety of recipes.


(4)  Coriander - Coriander is one of the most unique spices in that when this seed is planted, it becomes the herb cilantro. However, considering coriander brings a bright, warm, almost citrus flavor to a dish, the seed tastes nothing like the herb. Coriander works best in a recipe as a contrast to the heavier smokey flavor of cumin or as a compliment to orange and lemon flavors.


(5)  Cloves - Extremely aromatic and slightly sweet, cloves are the top spice that contributes to the distinctive smell of Indian food. Cloves, whether whole or crushed, have a strong flavor and are best used in large amounts. Sprinkle a pinch of crushed cloves in your coffee or tea to add a bright chai flavor.


(6)  Cayenne Pepper - If you want to add a lot of intense spicy heat to a recipe, cayenne pepper is the top spice of choice. A tiny bit goes a long way, making cayenne pepper one of the best spices for transforming the flavor of a dish. Great in a whole host of recipes where you want a spicy kick, try mixing it up by adding a touch of cayenne pepper to your sweet chocolate recipes.


(7)  Turmeric - While traditionally used in curries and Indian-style recipes, turmeric is one of the best spices for adding color and aroma to a dish. Add turmeric to your spice list next time you make rice or soup. Plus, turmeric has a whole host of medicinal benefits, including as an anti-inflammatory.


(8)  Paprika - Essentially just dried and crushed red bell peppers, paprika is one of the essential spices for Hungarian and many Eastern European recipes. Ranging from sweet to slightly spicy, paprika adds a pungent, bright and colorful element to any recipe.


(9)  Mustard Seed - Found on the essential spice list of cooks from Western Europe to South Asia, the mustard seed is an aromatic spice with a touch of heat, perfect for complimenting the stronger flavors found in heavy meat dishes and pickles. Think of the flavor of the mustard seed as a less intense version of horseradish or wasabi.


(10)  Ginger - Slightly spicy and pungent, but with just enough sweetness and aroma, ginger should be on the spices list of every home cook. Whether for adding a bright pungency to Chinese and Japanese recipes or for adding a touch of the spice of cookies and sweet drinks, ginger is one of the most unique spices because of its versatility. Plus, ginger is great for digestion issues such as nausea and diarrhea.


This article was made available for republication via: articlebase,com

Food Blurb: Basil, the Sacred Herb

Basil has a revered status in various cultures, and some refer to it as “the sacred herb”. It serves as a symbol of spirituality, protection, and even divinity. References to basil's sacred nature are found in religious texts, historical manuscripts, and cultural literature.

Image credit: Basil Kitchen Herb Watercolor Wall Art

For example:

• In Hinduism, basil is considered sacred to the god Vishnu.

• In Greek Orthodox Christianity, basil is used to prepare holy water during the Feast of the Epiphany, symbolizing the blessing of the waters.

• In medieval European folklore and superstitions, basil was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

In traditional medicine, basil is praised for its potential health benefits. It is rich in essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. People who prefer holistic herbal remedies use basil to treat address ailments such as, digestive issues and respiratory conditions,

Last, but not least, basil is a culinary delight. Its leaves are very aromatic leaves and the herb has a distinctive flavor. Basil's popularity extends to many countries and culinary traditions:

• Italy and Greece: Basil is a fundamental herb in the Mediterranean diet. It is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and complements the Mediterranean flavors commonly found in Greek food.

• India: Basil, known as tulsi in Hindi, is used in Indian cuisine, as well as, religious rituals and Ayurvedic medicine.

• Thailand and Vietnam: Thai cuisine incorporates basil in dishes such as Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow Gai) and green curry. The herb is also common in Vietnamese cuisine, and featured in dishes like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup).

That short list includes just a few examples. But is it any wonder that basil is found in spice cabinets and herb gardens all over the world? 

Just a few quick notes about the mythology behind the wonderful herb basil.

~ Basil comes from the Greek word "basilikos", which means "herb worthy of a king". 

~ Hindus regard basil as a sacred plant. Historians say basil originated in India and was brought to the West. 

~ Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were aware of this plant's medicinal qualities and as a flavoring for food. 

~ Pliny, a famous Roman citizen, friend to the emperor, a writer, philosopher, and a naturalist, was convinced that basil was a powerful aphrodisiac. Consequently, basil became a symbol for love and lovers. 

~ In the Middles Ages, in Europe, basil was used for exorcism, to drive out devils. But the Italians eventually figured out it made a great pesto! 

~ Napoleon Bonaparte believed the scent of basil made him smarter, so he would sniff it before preparing plans for battle. Interesting huh? 

REF: Sacred Plant of Eternal Love and Healing: The Mythology and Magic of Basil | Ancient Origins ~ www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/sacred-plant-eternal-love-and-healing-mythology-and-magic-basil-009395

7 Natural Aphrodisiacs to Spice Up Your Sex Life! by Melisa Marzett (Guest Post)

Spices are a real treasure. They excite the taste buds, add an interesting taste to food, and remind us of other worlds, and the existence of miracles and beauty. Many spices are known for their stimulating effect. It is difficult to explain the nature and origin of this effect, but it exists. Spices are very strong natural aphrodisiacs. They are able to awaken desire and passion. Use spices and color your sexual life!

• Saffron. This spice adds new flavors and colors in dishes cooked from rice. Saffron is very expensive as it is difficult to collect and ship this precious spice. However, you will need just a tiny bit of this spice, two or three stamens will be enough in order to make your dish incredibly delicious! Excessive use of saffron can actually ruin the dish. Scientists say that even a tiny amount of this spice increases sexual desire. In addition, saffron contains zinc, selenium, potassium, magnesium, and has antioxidant properties.

♦♦♦

SPICE Spotlight: Saffron

Everyday spices for everyday cooking. Use of the right herbs and spices can turn a bland meal into a sumptuous dining experience.

• Fenugreek. Fenugreek seeds are popular in eastern ethnic cuisines. It is impossible to imagine many Indian dishes without this spice with intriguing flavor. Recent research showed that fenugreek is an aphrodisiac, thus, it is able to increase sexual desire in men with low libido. In addition, fenugreek contains elements that help to reduce sugar levels in blood and to enhance lactation.

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Fenugreek Leaves

• Fennel. This plant looks a bit like celery, but the taste is quite different. Fennel successfully helps to cope with digestive problems, stimulates lactation and helps to clean bronchial passages of mucus. Many people do not like fennel because of its specific flavor and sweetish taste, but maybe you will risk to try it if you take into account the fact that the ancient Egyptians used the fennel to increase women’s libido. (Fennel for women.  Fennel for men.)  Try to grind fennel seeds and add them to your food, its active chemicals that increase sexual desire are found in the seeds of this plant.

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SPICE Spotlight: Fennel

Use of the right herbs and spices can turn a bland meal into a sumptuous dining experience. Shop for exotic herbs and spices online 24/7.

• Cloves. This slightly sweet spice increases blood flow to organs and slightly raises the body temperature. Eastern medicine claims that cloves can increase the body's energy, and its flavor cleans breath. The strong and sensual fragrance is the feature which brightens sexual life.

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Organic Cloves 

• Garlic. Not many people will appreciate "garlic" breath which can ruin the whole date. Nevertheless, regardless of the fact that garlic makes your breath unfresh, it contains a lot of allicin, a substance that enforces blood flow in the genitals, this quality actually makes garlic an aphrodisiac. And parsley easily eliminates the smell of garlic breath.

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SPICE SPOTLIGHT: Garlic

Everyday spices for everyday cooking. Use of the right herbs and spices can turn a bland meal into a sumptuous dining experience.

• Nutmeg. Fragrant nutmeg has long been used in India as a natural aphrodisiac, in Africa it is also known as "Viagra for women". Studies have shown that it really affects people's sexual behavior.

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Spice Farming in Zanzibar

Mzee Foum Garu is a descendant of slaves and comes from a long line of spice farmers. He is the founder of Zanzibar Organic Spice Products; a small plantation, three acres that yields cardamom, vanilla, betel nut, turmeric, cinnamon and two very potent spices - curry leaves and nutmeg.

• Basil. This plant has a sweet taste and aroma, and that is what is known to be the simplest means to stimulate the libido. In fact, the Italians call basil the grass of kisses, and ancient Greeks fed stallions with basil before the "date". Try to add some basil to the salad wait for a pleasant surprise!

♦♦♦

Large Leaf Italian Basil Heirloom Seeds

Yes, spices have many useful qualities. Use them and enjoy nights (or days) full of passion and romance!

About the author:
Melisa Marzett is a well-known blogger and talented writer. Melisa works on such topics as healthy lifestyle, cooking and psychology, and writes for essaywritingservice-reviews.com. 

* (Information above is general and not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.)

English: Spices in Mapusa Market, Goa, India. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Natural aphrodisiacs for women

Natural aphrodisiacs for men

Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon

I can smell nutmeg, apples and cinnamon.

I can sprinkle a little powdered pumpkin spice or a dash of plain old cinnamon in my morning cup of coffee.

For an evening meal, I can enjoy a hearty bowl of butternut squash soup or cook up a stew chocked full of root vegetables and meat, made with that special secret ingredient:  cinnamon.


In the USA people associate cinnamon with the autumn seasons and/or the Christmas holidays.  But for me, any time is a get time to enjoy cinnamon.

😍  


Shining the spotlight on one of my favorite warming feel good spices.  Cinnamon!

Did you know:

- There is a mythological creature called the Cinnamon Bird?
- In Ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used in the embalming process?

There's probably lots of other things you didn't know about cinnamon as well.

If you're curious, read more:  20 Facts about Cinnamon.

Community Post: 35 Crazy-Good Ways To Indulge On Cinnamon This Fall: Because it is the best of all the fall spices!

Links to a sampling of recipes using cinnamon that reflect world cuisine and global tastes: Snickerdoodles, Pumpkin Soup, Apple Pie, Coffee Cake, Baklava, Biriyani, Chicken Mole, Roast Duck.

Kunafeh, the Middle East's Favorite Cheese Delight!

Kunafeh, the Middle East's Favorite Cheese Delight!

It's about time to share with you one of my favorite recipes ever. It´s not only delicious but also has a special place in my heart. Sometimes we feel strongly towards a dish or a dessert not just because it tastes great but because it brings back memories we cherish.

Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com

Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com

This was published in a Fine Cooking magazine a couple of years ago. I was so excited to have found a relatively easy yet very flavorful noodle soup for my family. My husband (the ultimate food critic) loves this and doesnt mind eating it for days.

A Taste of South Africa - Tomato Bredie (One stick of cinnamon required.)

A Taste of South Africa - Tomato Bredie

This Tomato Bredie photo was featured in Brazilian Magazine blog, Verdemar - Copa de Sabores: África do Sul One of my favorite book series is the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series writted by Alexander McCall Smith, a Zimbabwe born, Scottish writer.

Featured Products from SpiceCubed.

Spice Spotlight: Saffron, Cardamon, Curry and Turmeric

The spice trails taken by the Europeans can be traced backward from India to Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) to Africa to Egypt and all the way to the ancient Greco-Roman world. Wars were fought over precious spices and in the end … we all won! Because the end result of the wars and the global spice trade is that these days, exotic spices are readily available, either via online shopping or maybe even at your local grocery store. 

 If you would like to learn about the history of spices, here are a couple of links of interest.

• History and Politics, East India Company
• A Short History of Spices

India is not the only country that supplies herbs and spices to Europe and the USA, however, these days, it is a major exporter. The spices which were introduced to the West by way of India include, but are not limited to, cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, and turmeric.

Cardamon is referred to as the "queen of spices".
Do you know which spice is called the “king of spices”? Saffron!
(Although some say it's black pepper. Not me! I'm in the saffron camp.)

The origins of saffron are disputed. (History of Saffron.) But not its flavor, health benefits, or its recognition as the most valuable spice in the world.

Were I to recommend four (4) spices to turn my mundane everyday meals into extraordinary-everyday dining experiences, it would be:

1. saffron, 
2. cardamon, 
3. curry, and 
4. turmeric.

If I were thinking of a gourmet food gift for an aspiring chef or a friend or relative who wants to improve their cooking skills, it would be one or more of these delightful spices.

Related Links of Interest:
♦ Cardamom-And-Coriander-And-Turmeric Recipes
♦ 10 Best Saffron Curry Recipes
♦ 15 Recipes that Prove Cardamom Makes Everything Taste Better Recipe
♦ 20 Tasty Turmeric Recipes - Easy Ways to Cook with Turmeric
♦ Foodie Friday : Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon


Source: Webnuggetz.com

Beyond Turmeric: 5 Indian Spices You Need in Your Pantry Now | One Green Planet (Reblog)

So happy to be learning more and more about world cuisine; especially Indian food and the spices used in various dishes. Found this blog post and have to reblog. Wouldn't be right to keep this cooking wisdom to myself.  😊

The best thing is that I love all of these spices and they can be easily be purchased via my online spice shop or probably at your local grocery store, depending on where you live.

Beyond Turmeric: 5 Indian Spices You Need in Your Pantry Now | One Green Planet

OGP specializes in vegan recipes.

 More from One Green Planet.

Tips and Tricks to Use Turmeric in the Kitchen

Turmeric is potent stuff, and it has made a recent bang on the "Let food by thy medicine" scene. It's no wonder really, as the bright orange spice has serious anti-inflammatory properties that have garnered it attention as a natural preventative and/or treatment for things like arthritis, assorted cancers and Alzheimer's, to name but a few.

Peach Jalebi: Indian Funnel Cake [Vegan] - Made with Saffron and Cardamon

1 cups sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup peach juice; 4-5 saffron strands; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; A pinch of orange food coloring (optional) ...

Spicing It Up with Cumin: Health Benefits, Tips, and Recipes

Cumin, an oblong seed with ridges and a yellow-brown color, has been used since ancient times in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. It originated in Egypt and belongs to the same family as caraway, parsley, and dill.

Why Ginger-fication of our Food Is a Good Thing

Ginger is a wonderful thing. It's highly medicinal, known to combat stomach ailments of all kinds and has anti-inflammatory properties said to rival any non-steroidal drug in its treatment of muscle and joint pain.

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Food Blurb: Herbs and Spices: Za-atar Spice Blend on Flatbread

I just recently discovered Za'atar. My friends from the Middle East say it's very common in their cuisine.

Image credit

Here is a fun fact for foodies.

It is said that evidence of flatbreads has been found at ancient sites in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and the Indus civilization. Also there are historical records that indicate Persian soldiers baked a flatbread on their shields and covered it cheese and dates.

Baked it on their shields? Now that's genius survival skills!

• This food blurb was inspired by a wonderful article published by food blogger, Rana Madanat titled Best Za’atar Manakeesh.

“This manakish with za’atar is a soft, fluffy flatbread topped with a blend of traditional Middle Eastern spices called Za’atar. Za’atar on manakish is a classic combination. The aromatic spices are slightly subdued and perfectly…” — Rana Madanat https://t.co/30LYI0YgID pic.twitter.com/0yfzNyDjrb

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) September 30, 2022

Za'atar (Zatar/Zaatar/Zahtar) Seasoning Blend/Recipe

Buy Za'atar on Amazon

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Exotic Fruit: CUCAMELON