subject: What Are The Different Uses Of Indian Spices? [print this page] India has been consistent as one of the worlds largest producers and exporters of spices. The credit goes to the naturally favorable conditions that lead to a good production of various Indian whole spices. In India and in various other countries, the Indian produced spices are used for different purposes. Here are some of the common uses of these vibrantly colored and enticingly fragrant spices from India.
Enhancing the Food Flavor
The most common use of the Indian cooking spices is to enhance the flavor and aroma of the food. These spices lend their color, aroma and taste to a variety of cuisines. In fact, most of the cuisines made in the Indian sub-continent contain one or more spices. The western countries too have adopted the use of these spices in food preparations. Home and restaurant food preparations are highly reliant upon the whole as well as powdered spices like red chilly powder, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric and so on.
Health Benefits of Indian Spices
The Indian whole spices and Powdered Spices are used in food preparations as well as in Ayurvedic medicines as they have great capabilities to treat different health issues. Here are some examples:
Cumin is a spice with health benefits for patients suffering from diarrhea and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Cloves have antibacterial and antifungal properties and they help in detoxification.
Fenugreek controls the level of blood glucose and cholesterol and it assists in treating reproductive and hormonal disorders.
Cardamom increases digestion and improves breathing.
Saffron is good in treating kidney and liver disorders and is good for obtaining healthy skin.
Asafetida is good for treating whooping cough, asthma and flatulence.
Cinnamon is good for healthy heart and keeps the diabetes in control.
Ginger is preferred in food for treating stomach problems, ulcers, common cold and acidity.
Turmeric has great application in treating internal injuries and fighting issues like bladder infections and Alzheimer's disease.
Other Uses
Some of the Indian cooking spices are used to preserve food for long days even if the food is not stored in refrigerators.
Cardamom, cloves and other whole spices are used as after dinner mint in India and as other countries as well.
A masala manufacturer mixes various spices to prepare commercially sold masala (mixture of spices).
Also, these spices are used for the preparation of moth fresheners.
Indian spices have gained immense popularity in the world. So, they are counted among the most popular export items from India to other countries.
