Indian Spice Box & it’s Health Benefits

This Spice box is probably one of the best accessory in my kitchen that I cannot live without. I always reach out for this spice box for everyday cooking. It is convenient to have all spices in one box. It is a big stainless steel container with 7 small bowls and a glass lid, which can be purchased on Amazon. As you all know it is absolutely impossible to cook Indian cuisines without these aromatic spices. They brings out the color and add flavors and nutrition to any dish.

Basic Indian Spices

Indian spices are not only flavorful when used in cooking, but it also has many other health benefits.

• Turmeric Powder (Haldi) – It belongs to the family of ginger. Turmeric has a very pungent smell. It adds to yellow color in any dish. Be careful it can stain your clothes. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. I usually add a pinch of turmeric to half glass of milk and drink it right before bedtime. This will help with cold and cough. 

• Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirchi) – Chili powder is combination of one or more type of chilis that are crushed together. It adds bright red color and spicy flavors to any dish. This spice is known for improving cognitive functioning. It boosts energy and also cleanse nasal congestion. 

• Coriander Powder (Dhaniya) – Coriander powder is prepared from coriander seeds. Seeds are dry roasted and then blended into fine powder. This too has many health benefits. It  helps with digestion, lowers cholesterol and also blood sugar. 

• Cumin Seeds (Jeera) – Cumin is used in most of the Indian cooking. It has a nutty and earthy flavor, that helps with digestion, weight loss and is rich source of iron. Cumin powder that is ground form of cumin is also used in variety of cooking.

• Fenugreek Seeds (Methi) – Fenugreek seeds is somewhat bitter in taste, but when cooked it has sweet nutty taste. Fresh fenugreek leaves or dried leaves (kasuri methi) adds a great flavors to curries. It is very beneficial for lactating mothers, as it helps with milk production. 

• Carom Seeds (Ajwain) – Carom Seeds looks similar to cumin seeds, but compare to cumin it has a bitter taste. Just like any other spice, it helps with indigestion. It also helps fights cold and asthma. 

You may also checkout the Indian Pantry Must have Essentials. Print the list and take it with you the next time you go for grocery shopping or order it Online.