Article 5 – Indian Spices

• What is a Spice?

A Spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or flower of a plant or a herb, used in small quantity for flavor, color or as a preservative. Many of these substances are also used in traditional medicines. Globalization has made these spices easily available, and has increased their popularity.

• Role of Spices in History, Mythology and Rituals.

Early documentation suggests that hunters and gatherers rapped meat in the leaves of bushes, accidently discovering that this process enhanced the taste of the meat ,as did certain nuts, seeds, berries and bark which are called spices. Over the years, spices and herbs were used for  medicinal purposes. Spices and Herbs were also used as a way to mask unpleasant taste and odors of food, and later, to keep food fresh.Early on, spices were used as a source of trading. During the Ancient Empire, trading largely came from Egypt, China, Mesopotamia (Iran), Greece and Rome, Arabia and Europe. Traders supplied Cassia, Cinnamon, Garlic, Saffron, Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Sesame, Dill, and other more spices.

• Unique spice of my state and its uses.

Karnataka is the leading pepper producer in India, ahead of Kerala. 45% of pepper grown in India comes from Karnataka. Pepper is grown in several parts of Karnataka, mainly in Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Madikeri and Kodagu. The states plantation growers have adopted the spice as an economically profitable alternative to areca (palm), coffee, rubber and coconut.

Pepper is perhaps the best-loved and most widely used spice in the world, adding both heat and depth of flavor to nearly any dish.

• My visit to Spice farm.

Sahakari Spice Farm is situated amidst lush green surroundings at Curti. The taluka of Ponda in which it is located, is extremely popular amongst tourists for its rich cultural heritage and magnificently designed places of worship. This Spice Farm adds to the variety of tourist destinations that Ponda has to boasts to.

As it was near Goa, there was a beach to play and enjoy, it was a big opportunity for me to see so many spices in such a large amount, the spices I saw were chilies, peppercorns, nutmeg and cardamom, and a myriad more.

• A Delicious dish made with my favourite spice and its recipe.

My favourite spice is Cardamom, using cardamom, cardamom power or cardamom seeds, we can prepare many sweets or deserts such as Santra in Basundi, Badam Besan ke Ladoo, Khubani ka Meetha, Motichoor Ladoo, Kalakand, Strawberry Cheese Cake and many more.But my favourite sweetdish is Badami Besan ke Ladoo.

The recipe to prepare them are:-

Ingredients:-

1. Gram Flour (besan)……………4 Cups
2. …………………………20-25
3. ………………………………2 Cups
4. Green Cardamom power………1/2 tsp
5. Powdered sugar………………….2 Cups

Method of Preparation

1. Heat Ghee in a Kadai and add Green Cardamom power.
2. Add Gram Flour and roast on low heat for approximately Ten minutes.
3. Crush Almonds.
4. Transfer roasted Gram Flour to a bowl and add crushed almonds and mix.
5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding Powder Sugar.
6. Add Sugar and mix. Roll into even sized ladoos. Cool and Store.

And the recipe is ready ,Serve it with lots of Cashew Nuts and love.

                    About Indian Masala

   There is no taste in Indian food without Masala!

Masala is so important cooking and every Indian household uses various spices that form masala in various ways for cooking. Masala is nothing but a blend of fregent Indian spices in dry or paste form used to flavor many traditional foods and beverages throughout the region. Several different variations of the mixture exist, each with its unique spice blend and specific use. Indian cooking is incomplete and tasteless without masala.The word masala can be seen can be found on the menus of many restaurants, both in the Eastern world as well as the West. While most Indian restaurants carry dishes by this name, many non-Indian venues may also carry a signature dish of this type. These spicy blends can also be used to flavor dishes when cooking at home. We even roast the herbal mixtures or paste for richer taste.

By

Ashbanaaz R. Shaikh , VI B

love Dale Central School