Indian spices add a unique flavor and aroma to food, making it more delicious and enjoyable. Indian spices offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. The production and export of Indian spices have been an essential source of income for the country, with India being the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices in the world. Here are some basic spices that you should buy from an Indian grocery store.
Coriander
This popular spice is also known as dhania in most Indian supermarkets. Coriander is an herb commonly used in cooking, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley. It has a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor and is often used in dishes from various cuisines, such as Mexican, Indian, and Thai. Coriander seeds are the dried seeds of the coriander plant and are often used in cooking to add depth and complexity to dishes. They are a common ingredient in many spice blends, such as curry powder and garam masala, and are also used to flavor marinades, soups, stews, and baked goods.
Cumin
Cumin is a spice that is widely used in many cuisines around the world. It has a warm, earthy flavor and is used to add depth and complexity to dishes. Cumin seeds are small, oblong, and slightly curved, with a light brown color. They are often used whole or ground into a powder and are key ingredients in spice blends such as chili powder and curry powder. Cumin is also a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mexican cooking, where it is used to flavor dishes such as stews, soups, rice, and vegetables. If you are ordering your groceries online, you can get the best quality cumin anywhere in UAE.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a plant that is commonly used as a spice and herb in cooking, as well as in traditional medicine. The leaves and seeds of the fenugreek plant are used in cooking and have a slightly bitter and nutty flavor. The seeds are small, yellow brown in color, and are often used whole or ground into a powder. Fenugreek seeds are commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisine, where they are used to flavor dishes such as curries, stews, and bread.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice that is widely used in cooking, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines. It has a strong, sweet, and pungent aroma, with a hint of citrus and a floral undertone. The spice is available in two varieties: green and black.
Green cardamom is more commonly used and has a fresh, herbal flavor. The small, green pods contain tiny black seeds that are used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes, such as rice dishes, curries, chai tea, and baked goods. The pods can also be ground into a powder and added to spice blends. Black cardamom has a smokier and more intense flavor and is often used in savory dishes such as stews, soups, and meat rubs. The large, dark brown pods contain small, sticky seeds that are also used for their medicinal properties. You can always get free delivery if you are ordering cardamom in bulk from online grocery stores.
Mustard
Mustard is used to add flavor and heat to a variety of dishes, such as sauces, dressings, marinades, and pickles. It is also a popular condiment for sandwiches, hot dogs, and hamburgers.
There are many different types of mustard available in online grocery stores including yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and whole-grain mustard. Yellow mustard is the mildest and Dijon mustard is a stronger, more flavorful variety that is popular in French cuisine. Whole grain mustard contains whole mustard seeds and has a coarser texture and stronger flavor than other types of mustard.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a popular spice made from dried and ground peppercorns. It is commonly used in cooking to add flavor and is also believed to have various health benefits. Black pepper has a pungent, spicy, and slightly woody flavor with a subtle sweetness. Its flavor profile can vary depending on factors such as the type of peppercorns, how they were processed, and how they are used in a recipe.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another spice made from the inner bark of trees from the genus Cinnamomum that can be found in any online Asian supermarket. It is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes and is known for its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.
Historically, Indian spices were used to preserve food and prevent spoilage, allowing people to store and consume food over long periods. Indian spices are an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture, with each spice having its unique cultural significance and historical importance.
