Tuesday, 15 April 2014

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.