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Monday, April 1, 2013

Unfold the History of Herbs and Spices

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Before discovering the rich history of Indian herbs and spices, it is necessary to understand the terms herbs and spices in a more concise manner. Let us begin with the dictionary meaning of herbs - an herb is "a flowering plant whose stem above ground does not become woody." In addition, spices can be defined as - "any of a variety of dried seeds, pungent or aromatic substances of vegetable origin, as pepper, cinnamon, or cloves, used as seasoning, preservatives, etc."

The history of spices has revolved around South Asia and Middle East countries and their trade practices, which dates back to about 1550 B.C. The use of plants as herbs has been important to all tribes or cultures since long before history was recorded. Formerly, spices were imported from Asia and Africa and consequently they were quite expensive as compared to the present prices. In India, hundreds of tribal cultures have used wild and cultivated herbs for medicinal and food purposes since 15th century. Herbs are talked about in Genesis, the first chapter of the Bible, and throughout its content. As civilizations evolved so did the knowledge for the use of herbs. These days, it has been widely used in Ayurveda medicines, home remedies, and recipes.

Food seasonings around the world: Different cooking techniques have adopted world widely, therefore herbs are used in variations to fulfill versatile tastes of people of different countries. Nevertheless, well-practiced use of herbs and spices will do wonders for your cooking. So, it is suggested to know the diverse flavors and properties of seasonings.

• India: The majorly used spices are Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric, Fenugreek, Ginger, which are used as an integral ingredient in almost all the vegetable or non-vegetable Indian curries.

• Chinese: In Chinese cooking methods, Fennel, Cloves, Cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorns, and Star anise are the most used food seasonings.

• Mexican: Mexicans are well known for the world's best pizzas; hence, they use Oregano, Cumin, Chili powder, Cilantro, Coriander in almost all recipes.

• Thai: Thai cuisine has become well known since 1960s. Coriander, Chili powder, Lemongrass, Turmeric, and Ginger are the most popularly used spices in Thai cuisine.

• Greek: Basil, Sage, Cumin, Cinnamon, and Dill have gained unambiguous place in Greek cuisine.
All these spices have long tradition and value in culinary arts of different traditions, regions or countries. PRS spices offers blended Indian spices of high quality and emerged as one of the prime cumin, turmeric, Fenugreek suppliers in Indian market.

PRS Spices is a leading spice & herbs supplier that offers range of good quality spices seasonings, cumin powder, chat masala etc. We offer valued spices to meet all cookery needs globally. Herbs and Spices | Fenugreek suppliers
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaditya_Nagarwal

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