This mixture is an aromatic blend of Indian spices. Garam masala is better when made with whole spices that have been roasted and ground.
Garam means "hot" while masala means "spices," but it's not necessarily hot and spicy â?? the name refers to the warm flavors of its ingredients, such as cinnamon and cumin.
Garam masala is usually added toward the end of cooking so that it seasons the dish and adds its aroma, it is used in dishes like Chicken Biryani, Indian Butter Chicken (Makhani Chicken), Palak Paneer Curry.
It looks similar to fennel and cumin seeds and is highly fragrant, smelling like thyme. Its taste, however, is more like oregano and anise due to the bitter notes and strong flavor. Because of its pungency, a little goes a long way. Grown in India and Iran, ajwain, also known as carom seeds or bishop's seed.
Ajwain Seeds provides Instant Relief from Acidity and Indigestion. It also helps to cure common cold and can be crushed and applied on the skin to treat infections or cuts.
Tamarind is a hardwood tree that produces bean-like pods filled with seeds surrounded by a fibrous pulp. The pulp of the young fruit is green and sour. As it ripens, the juicy pulp becomes paste-like and more sweet-sour. Interestingly, Tamarind is sometimes referred to as the "date of India." Exported as Whole / Seedless or Grounded.
In foods and beverages, tamarind is used as flavoring. It is also widely used in Asian cooking for chutneys and curries.
Fenugreek is a robust herb and has light green leaves. The plant produces slender, beaked pods, each pod contains about 10 to 12 small, hard yellowish-brown seeds. The seed is produced as a spice. Fenugreek grows best in well-drained loamy soil in mild climates. The crop matures in about 3 â?? 4 months after sowing.
Fenugreek Seeds help to improve insulin function and reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is beneficial in treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Fenugreek Seeds, if soaked in water overnight and consumed, help to reduce belly fat and improve overall digestion system by cleaning body toxins.
Fennel is widely used in Asian, European, Italian and Mediterranean dishes. In India fennel is widely used in meat and seafood dishes and also with pickles and vinegar for a special flavor. Fennel has an anise like flavor but is more aromatic, sweeter and less pungent.
Fennel Seeds helps in Regulating Blood Pressure, Reduce Asthma Symptoms & Improves Eyesight.
Coriander Seed (Dhania in Hindi) used for flavoring and garnishing curries and soups. It is an important ingredient in the food flavorings, in bakery products, meat products, soda & syrups, puddings, candy preserves, and liquors.
Coriander Seeds help to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar levels & anxiety and improves digestion system. Green color seed considered Best (Double/Single Parrot) & Light Green color considered medium Quality (Eagle, Scooter).
Seeds of Cumin is a tiny dried fruit that comes from a small Umbelliferae plant. Native to the Mediterranean region and Egypt, It is Primarily used in savory dishes and also as a seasoning. The volatile oil content makes cumin seed a strong flavoured spice and sets a distinct aroma among other spices.
Cumin Seeds magically intensify the food it is used in by Taste, Aroma and by Nutritional values, So it is highly likely that one gets easily spellbound by cumin seeds. According to Ayurveda lukewarm Cumin seed water restores & Strengthens our circulatory and digestive system.
The star anise tree comes into production in the sixth year and may continue bearing for 100 years. The fruits of the tree are 8-point star shaped and make up the spice when dried. Star Anise is available whole and ground.
The Bay leaf is an aromatic leaf commonly used in cooking. It can be used whole, either dried or fresh, in which case it is removed from the dish before consumption, or less commonly used in ground form.
Never substitute a European Bay leaf when Indian Bay leaves are specified in a recipe as the flavor is entirely different.
Cardamom is widely cultivated at various elevations in South Asia. It is ranked high among the world's most expensive spices by weight. These seeds contain the essential oil, which gives it its flavor and scent, with hints of mint and lemon.
Harvesting a little bit of cardamom requires a lot of work. Harvesters need to collect 6 kilograms of raw pods by hand to produce just 1 kilogram of green cardamom.
The aroma of cardamom can be used to instantly lift up your mood and brighten up your dull and tired skin!.
