SPICE FACTS
Did you know?
¤ Celery seeds are high in sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron.¤ Ginger, cumin, cardamom, rosemary, cinnamon, and turmeric can give your weight loss plan a boost.
¤ The most popular spices in the world are pepper, cumin, and mustard.
¤ Egyptian herbalist schools have existed since 3000 BC.
¤ In the Middle Ages, it was believed that cumin promoted fidelity, and the pink and white flowers were often used in wedding ceremonies.
¤ Red peppers are one of the highest sources of vitamin C. Paprika has more vitamin C than lemon juice when compared by weight.
¤ Clover, henbane, mistletoe, monkshood, pasqueflower, primrose and vervain are known as the seven holy herbs.
¤ According to historic documents sesame seeds were used in funeral cleansing rituals as a symbol of immortality. During wars, sesame seeds were rationed to soldiers needing strength to survive their strenuous tasks.
¤ Thyme has long been related to bravery, and its name comes from the Greek word for bravery, thymus.
¤ Coarse sumac powder is made from the sumac bush's dark red berries, which are endemic to the Middle East. In countries like Iran and Turkey people believe sumac helps digestion. In ancient Greek and Roman times, it was also used to dye wool and tan leather.
¤ It is not true that spicy foods such as chilli can cause stomach ulcers. In reality, spicy foods stimulate the protective lining of the stomach, helping to kill bacteria that cause ulcers.
¤ Ginger appears to be beneficial in treating gastrointestinal problems, particularly diarrhoea, and nausea induced by morning sickness during pregnancy.
How To Dry Green Herbs
If you want to dry your own herbs like parsley, sage, thyme, etc., and you want to keep their vibrant green colour, dry it in the microwave.Spread a layer between two paper towels, and give it repeated 1 minute bursts until the herbs are properly dried out. Store in an airtight container out of direct light.
To top
Masala?
People sometimes mention masala as a seasoning. In fact, masala translates to "spice"—so a masala blend can contain just about anything. "Garam Masala" is a warm, earthy blend, while "Chat Masala" is a tart spice blend.And "Masala Chai" is spiced black tea, often with milk ...
To top
Spices Can Be Expensive!
Despite being synonymous with blandness (NOT!), vanilla is one of the most complex spices in the world and the second most expensive, next to saffron. And cumin is currently racing up the charts due to climate-related issues!To top
Spices Can Kill
Saffron can be deadly. As little as 10 grams (3/4 tablespoon) can kill a human.
And beware of nutmeg as well! It is a psychotropic and in high enough doses causes hallucinations, delusions and an impending sense of doom.
To top
From Ancient Times
Peppercorns have been used to spice up foods for more than 4,000 years. Texts from the 4th century BC describe pepper being used as a seasoning for Indian feasts.Ancient Greeks and Romans thought basil would only grow if you screamed wild curses and shouted while sowing the seeds.
To top
Help For Hair
Make your own herbal hair tonic:For dark hair: use 1 tablespoon crumbled sage,
or 1 sprig chopped fresh rosemary,
or a mixture of 1 teaspoon allspice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
For blond hair: use 1 tablespoon chamomile.
METHOD: Pour 1 cup boiling water over the herb and spice mix, let it steep for 30 minutes, strain it through a coffee filter, and let it cool. Pour it repeatedly over your hair (use a dishpan to catch the runoff) as a final rinse after shampooing.
To top
Immortality?
In Taoist mythology, black garlic, a fermented Korean product, was associated with immortality. We're not sure it will help you live forever, but it will add richness and memorable flavor to eggs, dips and meats. Unlike white garlic, the black variation isn't at all harsh—it tastes almost like a savory version of a fig.To top
Turmeric
Multiple studies gave found that turmeric can assist in slowing down Alzheimer's simptoms.
To top
Hit me!
Mustard and wasabi aren't spicy until crushed. Only when the plant's cells are damaged can two otherwise harmless components mix and produce allyl isothiocyanate, the compound responsible for the familiar taste.So sorry to disappoint you, but most wasabi is a mix of horseradish and a few other things – real wasabi is prohibitively expensive, and are only grown in two places in the world. Even in Japan, it has been estimated, only 5% of the wasabi in restaurants is the real deal.
To top
Beware Of The Flu!
A chemical in star anise is a major component of Tamiflu. Shortages of the spice often leads to shortages of Tamifu and likewise, increased production of the drug can drive Star Anise prices up.To top
The Freaks Are Also Here...
Earthworms are 82% protein, rich in Omega 3, and are said to pair well with cumin and curry.Fenugreek makes sweat and urine smell like maple syrup, and also promotes lactation in nursing mothers.
Ants become confused by peppermint. Ants communicate by leaving chemical trails for their buddies following close behind, and peppermint is highly aromatic. If you sprinkle some chopped, crushed peppermint (or essential oil) near an ant trail, you can break the chemical trail and disband the army.
Sage can be used to prevent foot odour when placed in the shoe. A few crumbled leaves in the shoe help to kill the bacteria that causes odour.
To top