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The world of spices is vast and diverse, encompassing countless types of herbs, spices, blends and flavourings used in kitchens around the world. Although it is difficult to give an exact number of spices, some estimates suggest that there are more than 300 commonly used herbs and spices.
Who produces the most spices in the world?
India produces the most spices - it is the producer of turmeric, pepper, ginger and cinnamon, among others. It is the country that is famous for producing the largest amount of spices - influenced by India's warm and humid climate. Today, the oriental flavours characteristic of the area are popular all over the world - not only in the form of individual spices, but also in mixtures typical of Indian cuisine.
The variety of spices - how do we divide them up?
Due to the enormous variety of spices - we can divide them into several groups for easy classification:
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Botanical - this division is based on the plant origin of the spices, distinguishing between leaves (herbs), seeds, roots, rhizomes, flowers, fruits, and stems. This allows a precise understanding of the origin of the flavour and the best methods to extract it
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Medicinal - focuses on the active ingredients that define the aroma, flavour and, above all, the medicinal properties of spices. This classification takes into account spices rich in essential oils, phenolic compounds, alkaloids or terpenes, facilitating the selection of spices with the desired sensory and health properties
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Culinary - a classification based on culinary use, distinguishing spices on the basis of their effect on taste (sweet, savoury, bitter, sour) and their use in different types of dishes (meat, vegetables, desserts). This allows a conscious composition of flavours according to the needs of the dish.
Spices are growing in popularity worldwide - due to their ability to quickly improve flavour and their numerous health-promoting properties.
