SPICE

A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root bark, or vegetative substance used in nutritionally insignificant quantities as a food additive, for flavor, color, or as a preservative that kills harmful bacteria or prevents their growth. Spices are distinguished from herbs which are parts of leafy green plants used for flavoring or garnishing. Many spices have antimicrobial properties Which may explain why spices are more commonly used in warmer climates with more infectious diseases than in cooler climates. The world of natural spices and herbs is vast and filled with flavor. From allspice to za’atar,  there are endless options to choose from to enhance your cooking. Allspice is a spice that is used in many savory dishes and is perfect for adding a bit of warmth to a dish. Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend used on meats, vegetables, or bread. It is perfect for adding a bit of flavor to any dish.

Natural Herbs And Spices For Cooking

Herbs and spices have been used in cooking for thousands of years. They are a great way to add flavor to food without adding calories. Herbs are the leaves of plants and can be fresh or dried. Spices are made from the seeds bark roots or flowers of plants. Both herbs and spices can be used to add flavor to food. There are many different herbs and spices that can be used in cooking and making a delicious everyday meal. Some common spices include basil, oregano rosemary, thyme, curry, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon. Herbs and spices can be used to add flavor to almost any dish. They can be used to season meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, seafood, soups, and sauces. In west Africa where I come from we have our staples commonly cooked every day which are soup and swallow, stew, either fish stew, beef, or chicken stew. Talk about all the orisirishi (different) kinds of proteins in a single pot of soup or stew. These have made people always be in search of what to use to enhance the taste of the proteins, as well as the entire dish. We have some indigenous herbs and spices like scent leaf,uziza (piper guineense) utazi leaf, ogiri (locust beans ), Uda (grains of Selim) Ehuru (calabash nutmeg) Ughiokirighio (Arden), and Atariko (negro pepper) Ose Oji (Alligator pepper ) Achi/Ukpo/Osu (Thickeners).

How To Use Spice And Herbs

There are many ways to use spices and herbs. The most common way is to add them to food while cooking,  this can be done by adding the spice to the pot while cooking or by adding them directly to the food. Another way to use spices and herbs is to make tea. This can be done by adding the spices and herbs to boiling water or by steeping them in cold water. There are many different spices and herbs that can be used in cooking to enhance the flavor of food. Some of the most common and versatile spices include salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and cumin. These spices can be used in a wide variety of dishes from simple home-cooked meals to more complex gourmet dishes. Herbs such as basil oregano and thyme are also commonly used in cooking. These herbs can add a fresh and flavorful touch to any dish. They can be used to season meats and vegetables or added to soups and sauces for an extra burst of flavor. Same as our indigenous herbs and spices which many of us are neglecting but they hold some unique flavor, highly nutritional and natural. Recently many nutritionists are preaching against store-bought seasoning cubes which are high in sodium and contain a lot of harmful properties to health. Yes, it’s a fact! one can cook without a seasoning cube and have a finger-licking meal, I Have been cooking for years now without them and the commercial package spices. The game-changer for your stew and jollof rice is Rosemary, all the way from your meat seasoning, not forgetting bay leaf too. Locust beans of all types are the best thing that happens to your pot of soups. (okpei, Dawa Dawa, ogiri, the seed itself for okra and vegetable soups) Onion is a great enhancer for your culinary; in all types of meat seasoning and to release a palatable flavor and aroma in your oil and food. All kinds of chilis have a way of flipping around your cooking, especially fresh chilis. Herbs and spices can be added to the beginning of cooking or at the end. Fresh herbs should be added at the end of cooking so they do not lose their flavor. Dried herbs can be added at the beginning of cooking so they have time to release their flavors.

Health Benefits Of Natural Spice And Herbs

There are many health benefits to using natural spices and herbs in your food. They can help boost your immune system, fight off infection,  improve your digestion and even help you lose weight. Spices and herbs are also a great way to add flavor to your food without adding calories and purchasing store-packed modified spices which contain high sodium, preservatives, sugar content, and many other health hazards. It is best to purchase spices and herbs in their wholesome and single content, then you may mix them personally all together for your all-in-one kind of spice. Except you trust the manufacturer and the label. Spices can help make even the blandest of foods taste great. So if you’re looking to cut down on calories but still want your food to taste good, spices and herbs are a great option. Choosing a good spice and the best flavor? homemade spices are the way to go. When spices are commercially packaged they can sit on store shelves for months or even years before being sold. This lengthy timeframe significantly diminishes the potency of the spice. In contrast, freshly ground spices offer bolder brighter flavors because they haven’t had a chance to lose their flavor and aroma. Another advantage of making your own spices is that you can control the ingredients. When you buy pre-made spices you don’t always know what’s in them. By grinding your own spices you can be sure that they’re free of any additives or preservatives. 

To get the most flavor out of your food you need to cook with pure herbs and spices. They are used to add flavor and aroma to food and When you cook with pure herbs and spices you know exactly what you are getting. There are no fillers or additives. Pure herbs and spices are also more potent than their processed counterparts. This means that you can use less of them to get the same flavor. I have a single bottle of wholesome herbs and spices mixed up together for my taste and need. They go well with vegetables, stews, fish, chicken, and beef. My one in allspice! here are the lists: White pepper, cinnamon, paprika (hot) curry (hot/mild) oregano, pepper flakes, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and onion flakes/dried, basil, parsley, and sage. I see Ehuru (calabash nutmeg)added to this to be a blast! Finishing most dishes with a sprinkle of the fresh herb will not only make you look like a professional chef but will add a bursting color and nutritional benefits. Eat Healthily!