What are the benefits of organic spices?
Spices are since time immemorial used to enhance food flavor and organic spices, as you might have guessed, are very nutritious. The following are the benefits of organic spices in our diet.
Have no pesticides: Organic spices are free from chemicals, preservatives, and additives. They are farmed using natural methods such as crop rotation and natural fertilizers such as compost and manure. These practices make organic spices more nutritious.
Better taste: Organic spices taste much better because they have no harmful chemical residues or added preservatives and, therefore, their taste is not compromised.
Rich in nutrients: Organic spices have numerous essential nutrients because they are natural and preservative-free.
Increase immunity: Organic Spices such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, and cumin have several health benefits as they help in fighting diseases and heart problems.
Free from genetically modified organisms ( GMOs): Organic spices are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). What this means is that the spices are more nutritious and therefore good for consumption and environmentally friendly.
How does seasoning impact the preservation and storage of food?
Food can be preserved and stored in different ways such as pickling, canning, drying, freezing, smoking, or salting. Here are some ways seasoning impacts the preservation and storage of foods.
Salt: Salt was used as a preservative long ago even before refrigerators were invented. It is used to preserve meats, seafood, or even vegetables. Salt drain moisture from the foods being preserved which prevents the growth of bacteria that can cause food spoilage.
Spices: Spices such as black pepper, ginger, cumin, and mustard seeds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce the risk of spoilage.
Herbs: Herbs such as thyme and rosemary have natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria which leads to spoiling.
Vinegar: Vinegar creates an acidic environment where bacteria or other microorganisms cannot survive. Vinegar can preserve food by pickling, marinating, and many other ways.
What are the common organic spices used in cooking
There are different types of common organic spices which can be used in cooking. Some of the common organic spices include
Turmeric: Tumeric is a common organic spice that is bright yellow in color and contains antioxidants that help prevent chronic diseases. It is commonly used in rice dishes, marinades, and curries.
Cinamon: Cinamon is flavorful and warm. It is used in baking, fruit desserts, savory dishes, and breakfast dishes such as pancakes and beverages.
Ginger: Ginger has a pungent flavor, and it is used in Asian cuisines, including Thai. It is used in stir-fries, curries, and soups to add flavor.
Garlic: Garlic is a popular spice. it has a pungent savory flavor. It is used in Italian cuisines, Asian cuisines, soups, and stews.
Paprika: Paprika is made from dried peppers it has a red color. It has a sweet slightly smoky taste. It is used to flavor soups dishes, stews, and rice dishes.
Mustard seed powder: It has a nutty, hot, pungent, spicy taste. It can be used in salad dressings, baking curries, and stews.