SPICES
WHY Spice
Historically, the allure of Spice had led to wars and expeditions; even today’s chefs continue to dig deeper into spice boxes across continents to add a touch of exclusivity to their signature dishes. It is not just about restaurants; average household consumption of spices has increased dramatically during recent times with scientific validation of their therapeutic powers.No matter where you are, spices, often used interchangeably, though distinctly apart, are today an integral part of every cuisine. The distinct aroma, myriad flavors, and a riot of colors that they impart to cuisines have redefined tastes and changed food landscapes.
CEYLON CINNAMON
True Cinnamon is usually labeled “Ceylon Cinnamon” and comes principally from Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean. Cinnamomum verum, also called true Cinnamon or Ceylon Cinnamon, is a more expensive and rare Cinnamon variety.
WHITE PEPPER
White pepper grows in tropical Asian countries such as Sri Lanka. White pepper and black pepper are both a spice produced from the dried fruit of the pepper plant.
BLACK PEPPER
Black Pepper is the most widely used spice in the world and known as “King of the Spices”. Peppercorns were a much-prized trade good often referred to also as “black gold” and used by as a form of commodity money.
CLOVE
Cloves are the unopened flower buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family. The evergreen tree is called Eugenia caryophyllus. The clove tree is of medium size and has a smooth bark.
NUTMEG
Nutmeg is an Evergreen tree, which grows to a height of 60 feet. The tree yields Two Spices – the Dark Colored Nutmeg and the Bright Red Mace that covers it.
MACE
Native to the Spice Islands (Moluccas), mace grows along with nutmeg on the same tall tropical tree that produces both. The tree produces a pale yellow peach like fruit, which contains a black nut-like nutmeg wrapped in the bright red coloured net-like cover which also named as a aril web.
CARDAMOM
Cardamom is the spices that are seed pods of the cardamom plant. Cardamom, a close relative to ginger and turmeric is grown in Sri Lanka and exported to world. The pods take a triangle-shape that contains spindle-shaped seed clusters inside. Often used in sweet or savoury dishes, Cardamom is a popular spice in many parts of the world.