Tuesday, 15 April 2014

What Are The Health Benefits Of Kashmiri Chili Powder?

On SHU scale Kashmiri Chili powder scales up to 500 SHU, compared to Paprika which is at 2000 SHU and Cayenne pepper which is above 50,000 SHU this chili powder is mild and more like a natural red dye to color food items. These quality of Kashmiri Chili powder make them Chef's first choice and is widely used in top restaurants and food joints. Kashmiri chili is also used in ungrounded form; these are served along with many dishes as taste enhancer in raw form and roasted. This chili is grown in many parts of the world however its quality can vary according to climate and soil of different places. In India this form of chili powder has been used since a long time and even today it is a popular form of chili powder which is easily available.

Health Benefits Of Kashmiri ChiliPowder

Kashmiri Chilipowder is low on heat but not in health benefits. Regular use of this form of chili powder provides many health benefits.

Kashmiri Chilipowder is rich in Vitamin C which makes it a potent health improver. High content of this vitamin improves digestion and immunity. Vitamin C is also very useful for skin, health of blood vessels, organs and bones.

Kashmiri Chilipowder supplies dose of quality anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are vital for controlling free radicals and converting them without turning into free radicals themselves. Regular use of this spice keeps body's requirements of anti-oxidants fulfilled and help in keeping health protected.

Kashmiri Chili powder is also rich source of vital minerals like iron, potassium, manganese and magnesium. Iron is vital for improving number of red blood cells and also improves cells oxygen carrying capacity. Other minerals improve cell metabolism, keep heart and arteries healthy and improve bone health. This chilipowder aids digestion and control loss of bodily fluids.

Kashmiri Chilipowder is rich source of B complex group of vitamins like Niacin, Riboflavin and Thiamine. Vitamin B complex group is essential for energy production and is extremely beneficial for nervous system. These are digestive aids and also help in improving memory and focus by neutralizing harmful homocyestine which is dangerous for brain health. These vitamins are also great for hair, skin and nail health.

Ability to supplement vitamin A and flavanoids make it even more useful spice, its mild taste, attractive color and many health benefits make it deserving to be a necessary ingredient of kitchen. Its taste is relishing to kids and to those who do not like too much spicy and tangy food.

Read about Indian Spice Tea Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Organic Green Tea Loose Leaf.

What Are The Culinary Uses Of Kashmiri Chili Powder?

Kashmiri chili powder is very popular spice amongst all top chefs and cooking experts in the world, as this chilipowder is somewhat different than normal chili. Kashmiri Chilipowder has a unique property; it adds color to the cuisine and also the aroma but is not as hot as normal chili. This way it is relishing for most of those who may not like the hot and spicy taste of chili. Added to it, this powder without increasing heat provides vibrant red color to the dish to make it look spicier and savory.

Culinary Uses of Kashmiri ChiliPowder

Kashmiri chili is used in all sorts of salty dishes, it can be sprinkled over yoghurt, curd, butter milk etc along with meal to enhance their look and taste. It is not hot hence tastes smooth to most of the people. Those who want heat in the food can sprinkle normal chilipowder.

Kashmiri chili is also used in raw form, cut chili into small pieces and mix them with water. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it sit in a covered utensil till it cools off. Drain the water and use the remaining pieces of chili to decorate any dish as a sprinkle like curries or soups. These make the dish look smacking without making it tangy.

Kashmiri Chilipowder is commonly and liberally used in non-veggie cuisines, its paste with water is used as rub over chicken to make it look tangier. Roasted Chicken with a Kashmiri Chili rub and with few drops of lemon and raw leaves of mint make it a relishing cuisine.

This form of chili powder is also used in Rogan Josh; it gets mixed with oil evenly to give these dishes vibrant and unique red color. The thin gravy of these dishes looks much better and tastes even better when seasoned with Kashmiri Chili powder.

Kashmiri Chili powder infused oil is excellent as salad dressings, gravy tops and for making soups. It is not only smooth for elderly people but also for kids due to its low heat, Prepare chili infused oil and use it to season cuisines, or spread it over salad, one can also cover uncut raw onions with the paste and serve it with food.

Kashmiri Chili powder mixed and fried with purified butter along with other spices works as perfect seasoning for all type of Indian cuisines. Adding this powder to your food not only enhances color and aroma but also but also makes your food yummy for tummy.

Read about Indian Spice Tea Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Organic Green Tea Loose Leaf.

Indian Spices Serve Nutrition, Health, Taste And Aroma To Your Food

Indians are passionate eaters, they relish different taste and love to see variety on the table; homemakers in this country possess innate desire and culinary skills, they love to experiment and try different cuisines. On top of it, one can find all types of vegetables, fruits and grains in this country. This all has summed up to a huge variety of cuisines and utilization of different spices.

Indian spices were popular since the beginning but recently they have gained immense popularity outside the country. The major reason behind people choosing more and more Indian spices is that most of these spices are digestion friendly, in fact some can improve slow and sluggish digestive system. The anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of these spices, is another major advantage which increases their demand in the world market. These spices have longer shelf-life when grounded and stored properly hence do not need any preservative or other chemical. No added preservatives and synthetic material makes them pure and natural which is suitable for human system and free of side effects.

The effect of Indian spices is not limited to health only; these are potent preventive and curative remedies for various problems which deteriorate ones looks. Out of these spices some are excellent treatments for blemishes, skin rashes, sunburns, Acne, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, fine lines and dark spots. These spices improve blood flow, open-up clogged pores of skin, and fight-back bacteria present on the skin and purify blood. With all these benefits people get fresher, healthier and shinier skin. Millions of people spend huge sums of their hard earned money in salons to get better looks, Indian spices provide all these naturally and safely at the convenience of home without burdening wallet. Hair care is another major benefit which one gets by using Indian spices regularly; hair fall, premature graying and thinning of hair are all due to deficiencies, poor digestion and lack of absorption of nutrients in the body. Spices when mixed with food promote all these good processes and ensure much better hair he

alth.

Indian spices serve nutrition, health, taste and aroma on your table; this is why these are in increasing demand these days. These come fresh and without impurities, these are smooth and almost free of side effects as long as used within healthy limits. These spices go very well with vegan as well as non-vegan dishes which also makes them an easy choice. Adding spices to your food not only enhances the taste of your food but also offers several health benefits.

Read about Indian Spice Tea Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Organic Green Tea Loose Leaf.

Commonly Used Spices In India And Their Nutritional And Medicinal Properties

In India wide varieties of spices are used in cooking, the cooking tradition of the country is such that every dish has its own set of spices which are necessarily used to get proper taste. Wide variety of spices which are available in fresh form is largely due to the fact that India has diverse climate and soil. Almost all type of spices can grow in this country; different regions with different cultures have innovated their own style of cooking and have invented different cuisines suitable to the climate and eating habits of the people. This has added to the variety of dishes and also use of spices in these dishes. The list of spices very commonly used in India, almost in regular day to day cooking, is pretty long, in any normal Indian kitchen one can find numerous spices and herbs which are used in cooking.

Commonly used spices in India can be a challenge to memorize. Few out of the list are Aniseeds, Cumin seeds, Asafetida, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Coriander, Fennel, Caraway, Licorice, Red pepper, Black pepper, Green cardamom, Black Cardamom, Indian Bay leaf, Charoli, Celery, Cinnamon, Carom seeds, Curry leaf, Cubeb, Fenugreek, Cloves, Long pepper, Indian gooseberry, Black salt, Nigella seeds, Mustard seeds, Mango powder, Nutmeg, Holy Basil, Mace, Tamarind, Star Anise and many more. These spices improve the taste of food and provide nutrition in most palatable way. The use of spices is not just to satisfy taste, it also complies very well and logically with climatic conditions and type of nourishment person needs to survive healthily in the given climate.

Indian spices are well known for their nutritional as well as medicinal properties. These spices are good sources of nutrients like vitamins and minerals. These spices possess unmatchable nutritive properties like anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-anemic. These spices when mixed with food not only enhance its taste and aroma but also improve its nutritional value. Most of the spices are supportive for healthy digestion and improve excretion of waste matter. Although excessive use of spices is prohibited but intelligent and proper use of these in food can prevent minor to major illnesses easily. Some of the spices are boon for preventing serious diseases like Cancer, Alzheimer, Arthritis, Heart diseases, Kidney problems etc. Eight out of above mentioned spices are well known for their cancer fighting abilities, seven have been classified as wonder spices by food experts and spices like Asafetida and Turmeric are recommended as healthiest food on the planet by medical experts.

Read about Indian Spice Tea Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Organic Green Tea Loose Leaf.

What Are The Culinary Uses Of Dry Mango Powder?

Mango fruit is native to South Asia and is a fleshy fruit belonging to genus Mangifera, this fruit when ripe is very delicious but has very short shelf-life, dry mango powder is used for enjoying Mango's unique sweet and sour taste and it has longer shelf-life too.

Dry mango powder is used as substitute to Tamarind pulp in many dishes. This powder has sour taste of Tamarind and tenderizing qualities of Lemon juice. Dry mango powder is prepared by using unripe fruits of Mango; it provides sour taste and has many health benefits. This powder is used for seasoning food items with other commonly used spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin cardamom etc.

To prepare dry mangopowder take unripe and fresh dry mangoes, peel and cut them into thin stripes. Rub a coat of Turmeric powder and let them dry in the Sun. Turmeric will protect them from pest attack as this fruit only has its skin which protects it from external organisms. When these stripes are dry grind them to form a powder. Keep this powder in an airtight container away from moisture. There are many culinary uses of dry mangopowder; few most popular ones are as follows.

Dry mangopowder is used in preparing curries, soups, gravies, chutneys and marinades. It is mixed with other spices to make a mixture to coat Chicken pieces before cooking. Chicken marinated with dry mangopowder taste wonderful, famous Indian Chicken dish Butter Chicken is generally made after marinating chicken pieces with a paste prepared by using Dry mangopowder along with other spices.

Dry mangopowder is also used in making all Barbeque items like Paneer Tikka, Chicken Tikka, Kebabs, baked Fish etc. Just sprinkle a pinch of this powder before serving these dishes for better taste.

Use of Dry mango powder are many, one can use it for seasoning Lentils, vegetables and also mix it with stuffing of Pakora, Parantha and Kachori. This is necessarily used in Biryani and Dum Aloo to provide color and sweet/sour taste. Its paste works as perfect substitute for Tamarind Chutney.

Almost all type of pickles, jams and sauces contain Dry mango powder as ingredient, it adds to the sweet taste and also provides tingling sour taste to these taste enhancers. Aam Panna is a summer drink very popular in India, though ideally unripe fresh fruits of Mango are used to prepare this drink but in absence of these fruits Dry mango powder can also be used. This drink protects a person from heat stroke and dehydration during scorching summers.

Read about Indian Spice Tea Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Organic Green Tea Loose Leaf.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Dry Mango Powder?

Mango trees are tall and leafy, these are flowering plants which bear fruit once in a year, there are many species of Mangifera which produce fruit, and these fruits differ in color and taste. There are over 400 varieties of Mangoes grown all over the world. Most of these ripen in summer and take about 3-6 months to ripe. Mango plant bears orange or dark brown leaves when young which turn to dark green in color later, during season plant bears a bunch of small flowers which turn into rhizome and bear small dark green shaded fruits. Later when ripe these fruits become orange or orange/yellow/green in color.

Dry mango powder is not all for taste; it also has many health benefits too. Different species of Mango are eaten differently. Some types of Mangoes are considered as good to eat after cutting as they contain compact and juicy matter inside. But some type of Mangoes have thick, fibrous and paste like material which is considered good to eat by sucking or after making Mango shake with milk. Energy value of 100 gm of Mango is 60 Kcal. Not only fruit even the peel of this fruit contains many beneficial compounds and substances.

Dry mango powder contains high iron content, Mango is recommended to pregnant women and even to those who are anemic. Regular use of dry mango powder in food is also considered as good way of absorbing good benefits of this fruit.

Mango contains Phenols and Phenolic compounds and has powerful anti-oxidants. In researches this fruit have shown tremendous cancer fighting abilities.

People suffering with deficiency of vitamin E are recommended to eat Mango regularly. Vitamin E is vital for keeping blood vessels healthy and is also excellent for keeping skin smooth and tight. Dry mango powder shall be used by those who suffer from vitamin E deficiency. Washing skin with a mixture of lukewarm water and dry mango powder is good for preventing acne. This mixture helps in opening up blocked pores and prevents oil deposition beneath the pores.

Mango is good source of vitamin A necessary for eye health and their functioning.

Dry mango powder is good source of vitamin C and has been used since ages as an effective treatment for Scurvy. Rich sources of vitamin C make it a beneficial food for various reasons and its paste made by mixing two parts of mango powder and one part of jaggery is very effective treatment for Scurvy.

Read about Indian Spiced Tea Blend Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Loose Leaf Black Tea.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Dry Ginger Powder?

Ginger is potent Anti-Arthritic; its powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it a wonderful medicine for Arthritis patients. Daily consumption of decoction of dry ginger powder with water relieves arthritic pain and swollen joints.

It is wonderful medicine for treating common cold, running nose and chest congestion. Ginger tea several times in a day relieves congestion and also cures common cold. Its mixture with jaggery provides tremendous relief from running nose and its paste with Cloves and Black salt relieves chest congestion.

Dry gingerpowder with Sugarcane juice in the morning relieves stomach irritation; its mixture with water in the form of a paste can be applied topically on forehead and throat for relieving headache and throat pain. Dry ginger powder mixed with Coconut water and Sugar is good remedy for chest pain.

Dry gingerpowder is excellent for controlling weight, its potent metabolism boosting capabilities help the body to burn fat for energy production and keeps digestive and excretory system free of toxins. All these properties work as capable fat controller.

Mixture of Rosemary with a decoction of water and dry gingerpowder works very well as skin toner. Its rub every day before going to sleep with a cotton ball removes blemishes, improves skin tone and prevents formation of wrinkles and lines.

Dry gingerpowder is wonderful treatment for acne. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which keep skin clean and free of harmful bacteria and also opens-up blocked pores to prevent and cure acne. It is also used as an internal treatment as it prevents excessive fat formation and prevents oil deposition over skin pores.

Use dry ginger powder to get relief from stomach ache due to excessive gas formation. Dry ginger powder mixed with a pinch of asafetida, black salt and a glass of lukewarm water relieves gas. If one is suffering from chronic gas formation consume every morning and evening 1 gm of dried paste made by mixing Carom seeds, lemon juice and dry ginger powder. It regulates gas formation and keeps digestion healthy.

Dry ginger powder is also beneficial for treating Urinary infections, Migraines and for skin cleansing bath. It is good for keeping mouth clean and fresh, it has hot potency so shall be taken in controlled quantity during summers. To make dry ginger powder at home just cut any amount of Ginger in small pieces without peeling and let the pieces dry out in the Sun. When these are completely dry grind them to form a powder and store for regular use.

Read about Indian Spiced Tea Blend Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Loose Leaf Black Tea.

What Are The Culinary Uses Of Dry Ginger Powder?

Ginger has long been used as a spice, medicine and delicacy; its cultivation first started in South Asia but today it is grown all over the world, being an excellent spice, Dry ginger powder has become necessary ingredient of every kitchen. Ginger is botanical cousin of Turmeric, Cardamom and Galangal, as all of these belong to Zingiberaceae genus. Ginger is rhizome of plant Zingiber officinale which grows conveniently in tropical climate. This plant grows about 3-4 feet tall and has leafy stem. Once this plant sheds its leaves its rhizome is gathered and scalded, washed and scraped. Ginger has immense health benefits and amazing medicinal properties, its unique aroma and tingling taste makes it work as wonderful spice to improve taste of food. Dry ginger powder is used in almost every dish as spice along with other commonly used spices.

Dry ginger powder is used in various cuisines; few uses of it are as follows.

Prepare a cup of tea by using Dry ginger powder for exquisite taste, aroma and health benefits. Just use dry ginger powder in place of tea leaves and let the mixture come to a boil; you may or may not add milk and add honey for sweetness. This cup of tea will give many health benefits and will taste very good.

Dry ginger powder is used for seasoning practically every veggie dish whether with gravy or without one. It gels very well with other commonly used spices like Cumin, Fennel, Turmeric, Asafetida, Garlic etc. It is fit to be used with vegetable oil, butter or Ghee.

Dry ginger powder with Cardamom, Cloves, Cinnamon and Fennel makes a mixture for making brewed tea. It is also used to make masala for pickles.

Dry ginger powder is not just for savory dishes, it is traditionally used in India to make sweet balls after mixing Wheat flour, Gum, Raisin, Nuts, Ghee and Sugar. These sweet balls are given to expecting women and feeding mothers.

It is also used in making Gingerbreads, and in marinades, starters, soups and skews for taste and nutrition.

Ginger is extremely beneficial for health, its tea is recommended for treating various commonly affecting problems and this spice is necessary ingredient of many conventional medicines. Just drink a cup of tea in the morning to improve digestion and suppress excessive acid formation. It is potent medicine for flatulence, Ginger tea or its use in raw form as salad ingredient or spice is wonderful for keeping indigestion, constipation and gastrointestinal problems away.

Read about Indian Spiced Tea Blend Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Loose Leaf Black Tea.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Coriander Cumin Powder?

Coriander and Cumin powder is used in uncountable dishes all over the world. Coriander is obtained from fruit of Cilantro plant and is used in fresh and seed form, Cumin is used only in seed form coming from Cumin plant. Coriander has citrusy scent while Cumin has musky perfume. Use of these two is necessary in various dishes and these two together go very well with other commonly used spices like Turmeric, Red Chili, Fennel etc. Coriander Cumin powder is used in both vegan and non-vegan dishes to enhance taste and aroma.

Coriander and Cumin have been used in the diet due to their powerful medicinal and nutritional properties; these form some potent medicines for treating various problems. Coriander has hot potency and possesses powerful anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Coriander Cumin powder when made after mixing in equal quantities work as effective diuretic. It is recommended for people suffering with kidney problems and high blood pressure. One teaspoon of this powder with lukewarm warm water helps the body in flushing out toxins through urine.

Coriander has strong anti-diabetic properties; it is also good for dissolving excessive fat and enhances insulin production in the body. Coriander is excellent digestive aid and improves hunger. Cumin seeds are rich sources of vital minerals, this spice supply minerals like Iron, Manganese and Magnesium in substantial dosage. Cumin is very good for people suffering with stress, anxiety and debility.

Cumin seeds are known for improving secretion of pancreatic enzymes, this improves digestion and also helps in controlling level of blood sugar. This property of Cumin seeds makes it a good choice for people suffering with high blood sugar. Use of Coriander Cumin powder can play a vital role in reducing dangerous levels of glucose in the blood.

Vitamin C in Cumin seeds has been found very effective anti-oxidant. High quality of anti-oxidant present in this spice is helpful in controlling activity of free radicals and also fighting cancer. Cumin seeds are recommended to women suffering with menstrual problems, its gargles is helpful in treating laryngitis.

Cumin seeds like Coriander have negative effects on LDL which is harmful fat in the body. These two spices together reduce level of LDL and improve HDL. Regular use of this powder in the diet helps in improving immunity. Coriander Cumin powder is also beneficial for improving liver health; it also reduces pancreatic inflammation and is good for relieving side effects of Asthma.

Read about Indian Spiced Tea Blend Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Loose Leaf Black Tea.

What Are The Culinary Uses Of Coriander Cumin Powder?

Coriander and Cumin powder since ages have gone together like inseparables and they compliment each other in cuisines made all over the world be it Mexican, Indian, Cuban, Lebanese, Turkish and others. Readymade Coriander Cumin powder is also available in almost every grocery store, although making it at home is also very easy.

To make homemade Coriander CuminPowder just follow these steps. Take Coriander and Cumin seeds and dry roast them one by one. When these are completely roasted let them cool down and mix them in the ratio of 1:2 i.e. one part of Cumin seeds with 2 parts of Coriander seeds. Grind them to form a powder. Since it is very easy to make Coriander Cuminpowder at home it is advisable to make this powder just before cooking as Coriander after grounding looses its freshness and aroma very quickly. Store roasted Coriander and Cumin seeds in an airtight container and ground them as and when needed for excellent taste and aroma.

There are uncountable culinary uses of Coriander Cuminpowder. These are used in vegan and non-vegan dishes alike and also in various types of junk foods and sauces. These two are used in Garam Masala, famous Indian spicy powder which is used in cooking to render the dish hot and spicy taste.

These two together are also used in Chicken and Lamb dishes, the Coriander and Cuminpowder is excellent for seasoning gravy, this powder improves taste of other spices and adds unique fragrance to the cuisine.

Savory and spicy dishes called Chat in India necessarily contain Coriander Cumin powder, be it Pani Puri, Aloo Tikki, Dahi Bhalla, Papri Chat, Bhelpuri etc, this powder is present in one or the other form to provide exotic taste.

In daily cooking too Coriander Cumin powder is used for seasoning Lentils, Vegetables and improving taste of Curd, Raita, Yoghurt etc.

One can use them while making soups and as Salad dressing, even in fruit salad this powder tastes very good. Coriander Cumin powder is also used in Pulaav, Biryani, fried Rice, Pakora and all forms of stuffed Paranthas, this not only improves taste and aroma but also give unique color to the dishes.

Pickles are not possible without Coriander Cumin powder, in all type of pickles this powder is used to prepare mixture which renders a pickle its actual spicy and tangy taste. This powder is also a necessary ingredient for making delectable sauces, chutneys and other type of relishes.

Read about Indian Spiced Tea Blend Masala Chai. Also know Darjeeling Loose Leaf Black Tea.