India offers a wide range of spices that are cultivated in different regions of the nation under diverse climatic circumstances, each with its own distinct flavour and scent. Without all of the spices we use in our regular recipes, Indian cooking would not be what it is.
In truth, spices are utilised for therapeutic purposes in a wide range of home cures, not simply food. We can't dispute those spices are an important part of everyday life, whether it's a hot glass of milk with a bit of turmeric and black pepper. To soothe your sore throat, try a hot glass of milk with a bit of turmeric and black pepper. Many spices have beneficial antibacterial qualities that increase their therapeutic benefits and enable disease resistance.
Few things compare to spending time with family and friends on a cold winter night, replete with mulled apple juice or handmade chai. The warm, cheerful emotions of happiness evoked by the winter spices in these mixtures are ideal for when you arrive home from a leaf-crunching ramble in the woods and want to snuggle up. The best part is that you can use them at any time of year when you need a pick-me-up!
Spices are also a healthy and natural way to keep warm throughout the winter months. Here's a list of winter spices you should be storing as we approach the colder months.
Spices for Winter
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Black Pepper
- Cloves
- Cardamon
- Cinnamon
- Tea Masala
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural addition to curries and soups because of the brilliant yellow colour it gives them. Its overtones of orange, ginger, and capsicum will shine in mustards and relishes. Turmeric's roots, or rhizomes, are used both fresh and dried in cuisines all over the world. Turmeric has a mild peppery heat, so a small amount goes a long way. Turmeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects, making it an excellent complement to any diet. Make a turmeric latte or tea, or turmeric, pineapple, banana, and mango smoothie.
Ginger
We adore ginger for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being its adaptability. It may be spicy or comforting, and it works well in both sweet and savoury foods. Fresh, ground, pickled, and crystallised varieties are also available. For a beautifully scented start to the day, add some ginger to overnight oats, throw it into stir-fries for dinner, and don't forget about all the great baked delicacies you can create with ginger, including, of course, gingerbread. Ginger may also be used in beverages, such as tea, ginger beer, and dry ginger ale. Ginger is well-known for its ability to alleviate nausea and digestive issues.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is high in minerals, including vitamin C, flavonoids, antioxidants, and antibacterial qualities, and it has a pungent fragrance that makes it a natural cough and cold cure. The finest traditional medication for preventing or treating winter-related chills is a cup of pepper tea in the morning or pepper with honey. If drunk with hot water, it also combats skin dryness, keeping your skin baby soft in the winter.
Cloves
While cloves are well known for their ability to alleviate issues with your teeth and gums, there are various other benefits to using this spice. Cloves are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich, making them useful for stiff winter joints, colds, coughs, and fevers. Cloves are also thought to be powerful expectorants, meaning they help loosen mucus in the throat and make it easier to cough up.
Cardamon
Cardamom, a spice native to India, is a staple in Indian cuisine, appearing in curries, sweets, and even tea! Adding a few pods to steamed or boiling rice infuses a warming flavour that can truly improve a dish, or make a cup of warming Kashmiri tea with cardamom, saffron, tea leaves, and sugar, instead!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is commonly used in baking and sweet recipes, but it also works well in savoury meals, adding a gentle sweet warmth. Use it in marinades or add it to chilli con carne to balance out the spice. Winter is a terrific season for comfort foods like puddings and baked goods, and cinnamon shines brightly in these dishes.
Tea Masala
What ingredients do we need to prepare a delicious masala chai? We're not talking about tea leaves, milk, or sugar; we're talking about the masalas, the hidden components. During the winter, masala tea might help protect your body from the cold. Not only that, but masala tea can help with colds and coughs. Tea masala improves metabolism, so you won't gain weight even if you eat a lot of food since your metabolism will burn more calories from everyday activities.
In the freezing season, eating winter spices may help you feel not only physically but also psychologically warm. As a result, we at Vasant Masala recommend including these potent spices in your winter cuisine. This winter, try experimenting to discover the balance that makes you feel comfortable and snug in the cold.