Spices are those that come from the roots of plants. Some of the most popular spices include cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, turmeric and pepper, among others.
Cinnamon - a spicy flavour for sweet and savoury dishes
Famed for its intense, spicy aroma,cinnamon is suitable not only for cakes, pastries, ice cream and desserts, but also for dry dishes (especially those containing fruit such as apples, pears and plums). Cinnamon not only improves the flavour of dishes, but also gives them an interesting, slightly brown colour - which can work well in cakes and pancakes. Cinnamon is also a natural way to regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion - which is why more and more of us are choosing to include it in our cooking!
Cloves - a versatile spice with a rich flavour
Although some of us may associate cloves with an addition to festive, traditional dishes - we can use them successfully at different times of the year. Cloves can be used as a flavouring in drinks (such as coffee or tea), a spice for soups, sauces and meats, as well as a natural painkiller with local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Cloves also relieve flatulence and improve digestion - making them a good choice for those who want to improve their health in a natural and tasty way!
Cardamom - a spicy note for many dishes
Cardamom is an indispensable ingredient in, among other things, Indian cuisine - lending a spicy, characteristic aroma to dishes. Like cinnamon, cardamom is perfect for seasoning both sweet and savoury dishes (soups, curries, sauces and meats, among others). Cardamom is also added to rice-based dishes and many baked goods and desserts - making it one of the most versatile spices.
Spices have been in great demand since time immemorial - providing us not only with an improvement in the taste of many dishes, but also with specific health-promoting benefits.