Kerala with its variety of spices continues to be the spice capital of the world. Pepper, vanilla, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and turmeric the flavour of these spices lingers long in one’s tongue and even longer in one’s memory.
The warm, humid climate of central Kerala that in Munnar and neighbouring villages, the hazy hill stations with their loamy soil rich in organic matter and Intermittent rain and sun contribute to the production of spices in Kerala. Munnar the spices occupy a special place in providing a unique flavour long in one’s tongue.
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most used spices in the world and comes in numerous forms, including fresh, dried, preserved, powdered ect. It is one of the earliest spices grown in Kerala, it has a typical strong smell. Both in India and the Subcontinent, Ginger is added to tea for its special flavour. Besides, it is rich in minerals and vitamin C. Root of the pant is used, It is applied as small amount directly.
2. Pepper
Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice, and is one of the most common spices added to cuisines around the world. Pepper, also known as black gold, is known as the king of spices. It is the oldest and most popular spice in the world and is an important cash crop in Kerala. Black pepper is a flowering vine, cultivated for its fruit, known as a peppercorn, which is usually dried and used as a spice. Pepper cultivated in Munnar and neighboring villages of Kerala posses a special quality due its regional advantage.
3. Cardamom
Cardamom recognized by their small seed pods, Species used are native throughout tropical and subtropical Asia. Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic, resinous fragrance. Cardamom has a distinctly more smoky, though not bitter, aroma, with a coolness some consider similar to mint. Flavors of cardamom that stack up to the aromatic complexity. Cardamom is a spice in the ginger family and a prominent ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is mainly cultivated in Munnar and neighboring places of Idukki district in Kerala
4. Corinder
Coriander seeds can be used whole or powdered. They are generally toasted before being ground to bring out their full flavour. Coriander seed is used in making curry powders. It is a key ingredient of garam masala and used for pickling, in Indian dishes, for baking etc. Coriander enhances the taste of fish and meat dishes in combination with other spices to marinate fish and meat for frying.
5. Cloves
Cloves can be used whole or ground. People add ground cloves in spice mixes and whole cloves in recipes to add depth and flavor to a wide variety of foods. It is used to spice up curries, season meats, enrich sauces and even flavor spiced baked goods. Quality spices are cultivated in Munnar high-rages in Kerala,
the soil and climate are conducive to such cultivation
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice extracted from the bark. It’s used in cooking and baking in cakes, cookies, and desserts , savory chicken and meat dishes etc, and added to many foods, fruit and cereal dishes it sprinkled on toast and lattes. The leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of the cinnamon tree have also been used in traditional medicine.
7. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a common spice, The first thing of nutmeg about cooking with nutmeg is that a little does a lot, you don’t need much. It complements meat well and great with vegetables. You can use it when making soups or stews. And nutmeg is important in baking as it is for cooking. It’s a key ingredient in many desserts. It is easily available in grocery store. Nutmeg also produces the spice mace, it is the covering of nutmeg.
8. Tea
Tea is extract from the tea leaves and is consumed in various forms, namely, black, green, leafy, powdered etc depending on its chemical components and harvesting procedures. Tea is refreshing beverage, easy to prepare, and rejuvenating. The flavonoids and the antioxidant in thee tea can decrease certain health risk factors. The nutrient content of tea powders includes minerals, and vitamins. Tea powder comes in different flavours, such as ginger, cardamom, mint, or tulsi. The soil and climate of the hills in Kerala are very suitable for tea gardens. Munnar has some of the best tea estates in India.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric has many health benefits and its use goes beyond the kitchen.
Turmeric is used in many spice blends, such as basic curry powder, where it is always on the ingredient list. When the blend has a yellow color, it is most often due to turmeric. It is anti-inflammatory, useful for rheumatic & arthritic conditions that feel better when heat is applied. Helps warm & energize the body. It is very helpful In colds & flu when chills & congestion conditions, it alleviate upset stomach, nausea & vomiting etc
10 Coffee
Coffee is a beverage consumed all over the world today. The hillsides of Kerala are the best coffee growing areas. Coffee powder, is a beverage derived from brewed coffee beans that help to prepare coffee by adding hot water or milk to the powder. Preparing the best coffee powder involves choosing a variety with a pleasing flavor. The coff beans grown in Kerala especially in the high ranges of Idukki, Munnar are best in quality due the climate and nature of that place. Buy Fresh and natural spices from the high ranges of Kerala
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