INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF SPICES:
Spices are as old as human civilization. In ancient as well as medieval times spices were among the most valuable items while trading. During 3500 BC Egyptians used various spices for flavor, cosmetics, and for embalming their dead. The Arab middlemen were the ones who controlled the spice trade for 5000 years until the European explorers discovered a sea route to India and other spice-producing countries in the east. In the 1600s the Dutch introduced The East India Company which became the most renowned and powerful trading company.
Some Of the oldest spices during the spice trade were black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. It does not only make a man rich in those days but also because of the trade many explorers found new lands. In 1492 John Cabot from England and 1492 Christopher Columbus from Spain were unsuccessful in discovering the spice lands, although Columbus returned with new fruits and vegetables including Chile Peppers.
The Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama 1497 started the voyage from the Southern tip of Africa and eventually reached Kozhikode in the Southwest part of India in 1498. He returned with the cargo of nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns. In 1502 under the command of Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese expedition was the first to introduce spices from India to Europe by way of the cape of good hope. In the 16h century, Portugal went on to dominate naval trade.
In Europe, spices were as valuable as gold and gems during the middle ages. It was one of the single and most significant forces driving the economy in that era. During those days, there was no method to refrigerate the food, and also because of lack of hygiene food spoiled very quickly. It was used to mask the flavor of food. People in the Renaissance discovered many new ways of using spices.
In today’s realm, where the world has been discovered, HAKIMI DISTRIBUTORS are now the biggest spice distributors in town. They have continued to add more flavor and piquancy to our lives.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPICES AND THEIR USES:
Imagine your food without any spice. Unimaginable right? Apart from adding color, flavor, and taste, the consumption of spices provides infinite health benefits. You can be more creative in the use of spices if you know how to use them better. Some may be a substitute for your costly beauty products and even medicines. Have a quick overview of the benefits of spices.
- Asafoetida (hing):
Uses:-
It is used for seasoning food especially snacks and has medicinal uses
- Bay leaf (Tej patta):
Uses:-
It is used in cooking to add a specific flavor to food. It also has some medical properties
- Cardamom (Elaichi):
Uses:
It is used in most sweet dishes to give a flavor and smell. It is also used widely in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Chilli (Lal Mirch):
Uses:
It is the main ingredient used for adding hot flavors to food.
- Cinnamon (Dalchini):
Uses:
It is used majorly for seasoning food and prepping masalas. It has medicinal advantages as well.
- Clove (laung);
Uses:
It is used as a cooking ingredient mainly for seasoning or preparing masalas.
- Coriander (Dhaniya):
Uses:
Coriander leaves as well as coriander seeds are used in cooking to garnish the meals to add flavor and enhance the look of the dish. It also has medicinal values
- Fenugreek (Methi):
Uses:
It is mainly used as a green leafy vegetable and seeds are used for seasoning and preparing Masalas. It also has medicinal uses
- Mustard (Rye):
Uses:
It is used for seasoning as well as a green leafy vegetable.
- Nutmeg (Jaiphal)
Uses:
It is used in powdered form for garnishing and also for masala preparation. It is used in soaps, perfume, and shampoo. It can also be used for medicinal purposes.
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF INCORPORATING SPICES INTO YOUR DIET:
Few things in the food cosmos evoke stranger opinions than spice. Fortunately for people who love spices, science is in your favor. Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and cumin as well as chili, host many health benefits.
If you are agnostic and simply don’t prefer heat, here are five compelling reasons to reconsider adding a little spice to your day.
1. Spicy food speeds up your metabolism
Data across numerous pieces of research signifies that several spices – like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, peppers, and chilies – can raise your metabolic resting rate and slow down your appetite.
The effect is mild, so putting cinnamon on your roll probably isn’t going to aid in weight loss. But if you’ve reached a plateau on your weight loss journey, spicing it up may be just the thing to try.
2. Spices combat inflammation
Curcumin, a compound in turmeric may reduce inflammation in the body. In Ayurvedic medicine, the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and garlic have been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and even headaches and nausea.
3. Spices may even help fight cancer cells
Capsaicin, an active component of chili peppers, has been shown to slow down and destroy cancer cells. A study found that capsaicin inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
THE ROLE OF SPICES IN ADDING FLAVOUR AND NUTRITION TO DISHES:
Spice up your taste buds and enjoy the numerous benefits of spices by incorporating HAKIMI DISTRIBUTOR’s healthy spices into your diet.
Spices not only just excite your taste buds but are naturally composed of an impressive list of phytonutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness. They have been an integral part of our food for centuries, and today, have become even more relevant for us.
WHY HAKIMI DISTRIBUTORS ARE THE MOST TRUSTED SPICE DISTRIBUTORS IN CANADA?
Working in the industry for so many years, becoming the most renowned spice distributor in Canada, and maintaining the position is no joke! HAKIMI DISTRIBUTORS go hand in hand with commitment and quality. Our prime focus is to provide you with organic products of the highest caliber.
FAQs:
- How can I incorporate more spices into my cooking?
- Sprinkle a little into your coffee for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over some frozen yogurt.
- Incorporate it into anything you’re baking.
- Add a little tomato sauce to make it richer.
- Swirl some into a fruit shake.
- What are some of the cultural significance of spices?
From the dawn of biblical times (17th century BC), spices were prized for a wide variety of uses including religious offerings, burial rituals, medicines, trade, and seasoning. Spices are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible.
- Where can I find authentic spice distributors in Canada?
If you’re in search of an authentic spice distributor in Canada, you have landed on the right page. Here at HAKIMI DISTRIBUTOR, you will have spices free from all chemicals and artificial preservatives which will not just enhance the taste of your dish but will also add medical value to your life.
CONCLUSION
As responsible citizens, we would also take this opportunity to state that although these spices provide innumerable benefits, they should be used sparingly. The excessive use of spices in food can cause harm to health. Try to make specific use of these. HAKIMI DISTRIBUTORS organic spices, if used in the correct proportion, will help you make optimal use of the resources provided by nature. Strike the right balance and add our organic, chemical-free spices to your life.