Hindi name: Elayachi
Type: green and black
Health benefits: freshen bad breath, stimulate digestion
Goes with: tea, desserts like rice pudding and most Indian dishes
Indigenous to the land of the Malabar Coast in India, this spice belongs to the ginger family of spices and is the third most expensive spice in the world, mainly because it is hand-harvested and requires a lot of manual work. While the green cardamom has a mild and light eucalyptus note to it, the black cardamom is spicy, smoky and generally used only for its seeds. The most significant use of cardamom is to enhance the flavor of tea and puddings.
Turmeric
Hindi name: Haldi
Type: ground or whole
Health benefits: improves metabolism, acts as an antiseptic
Goes with: all Indian dishes and curries
Another spice belonging to the ginger family, turmeric is probably the most commonly used spice in
India. The usage of turmeric was predominantly as a dye and in Siddha medicine for thousands of years. Derived from the roots of
Curcuma Longa, a leafy plant native to India, turmeric has an earthy pungency, and a warm aroma and taste. Mainly used for its flavor and color, turmeric also has an antiseptic quality, thereby used for its health benefits, as well. And don’t be surprised if you find turmeric paste applied to bride and groom during marriage, as turmeric apparently also helps the skin glow.
Saffron
Hindi name: Kesar
Type: whole threads or powdered
Health benefits: protection against cold and memory retention
Goes with: used in milk based desserts like lassi or pudding. Goes well with rice
The most labor-intensive spice and definitely a favorite, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Originating in Kashmir, derived from the stigma of crocus flowers, saffron is believed to be more valuable than gold by weight. The most striking feature of this spice is its pungent honey flavored aroma that gives out a unique fragrance. The deeper the color of saffron the purer it is. It is often used after being soaked in water or milk, which softens its strong aroma and taste. Hailing from Kashmir, this is definitely one of the most delightful of all spices.
Cumin Seeds
Hindi name: Jeera
Type: seed or powdered
Health benefits: treat insomnia, improve immune system
Goes with: used in all Indian curries
Cumin seed derives from the parsley family and is widely used to add a smoky note and a robust aroma to most Indian curries and vegetables. Fried in its dry form and roasted before use, cumin seed is usually the first spice added while cooking Indian dishes. It is also dry roasted and converted to powder before being added to dishes like pudding and buttermilk. It is used to flavor rice, stuffed vegetables, many savory dishes and curries. Since it burns easily and can become overpowering, it is cautiously used while cooking.
Asafoetida
Hindi Name: Hing
Type: powdered
Health benefits: rich in antioxidants, it helps to treat various stomach problems
Goes with: fish, beans and rasam.
Derived from the resin taken from parsley family plants, asafoetida is usually added to hot oil before all other ingredients. It is prized for its truffle-like flavor and roasted garlic aroma, and is used as a condiment and flavoring agent in Indian food. It is famously used as a main ingredient in the Indian snack, chewer. It also gives a unique flavor to the South Indian curries,sambar and rasam. Grown predominantly in Kashmir and some parts of Punjab, asafoetida is very useful for its anti-flatulence properties.
Cinnamon
Hindi name: Dalchini
Type: powder or stick form
Health benefits: treat diarrhea, vomiting and muscle spasm
Goes with: chicken, biryani and Indian curries
Cinnamon, widely used in Hyderabadi
Biryani, is a sweet tasting spice with a warm and woody aroma. These properties pair well with cakes, apple pies and more. Apart from adding to the flavor of the food, cinnamon also has various health benefits, such as blood sugar control and cancer prevention. It is predominantly grown along the Western Ghats of
Kerelaand Tamil Nadu. While the origins of this spice can be traced back to India, it is also native to
Sri Lanka.
Coriander
Hindi name: Dhaniya
Types: ground or seeds
Health benefits: improves metabolism, rich in vitamin C
Goes with: green vegetables and fish
Coriander is a member of the parsley family, and the seeds are oval in shape, ridged, and turn from bright green to beige when ripe. This spice tastes sweet and tangy, with a slightly citrus flavor. This omnipresent spice is probably the oldest in the world and is widely grown in the states of
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Widely used, coriander seeds are also used as an alternative for salt.
Mustard Seeds
Hindi name: Rai
Types: brown or black
Health benefits: rich in calcium and vitamin A. Works as a dietary fiber
Goes with: vegetables, beans, and pick
Red Chili Powder
Hindi Name: Lal Mirch
Type: powdered or whole
Health benefits: rich source of vitamin A and C
Goes with: vegetables, pickles and all spicy Indian curries.
Red chili powder is made from the seeds of red chilies. Being the hottest part of the chili, the powder is exceptionally strong and used in small quantities. Originated in the Americas, the powder was introduced to India by the Portuguese and has ever since become an integral part of Indian cooking. It is also used in its whole form in various South Indian curries. The heavy usage of this spice proves that Indians love their food hot and spicy.les
In Indian cooking, brown mustard seeds are more commonly used than the black mustard seeds. These seeds can be fried whole in order to flavor oil that is then used for cooking raw food. This favored oil can also be used as a garnish. While the seeds are native to
Rome, the earliest reference to their use are in stories of Buddha, where he uses these seeds to save a boy’s life.
Built in 1939, Laxman or Lakshamana Jhula is a suspension bridge in Rishikesh With a length of 450 feet and at a height of around 70 feet from the river. According to Hindu mythology, this bridge is built in the same place, where Lakshamana once crossed the river Ganges on a jute rope, thus making this another important pilgrim attraction.
