SPICES

INTODUCTION

Spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring or preserving food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Many spices have antimicrobial properties, which may explain why spices are more prominent in cuisines originating in warmer climates, where food spoilage is more likely, and why the use of spices is more common with meat, which is particularly susceptible to spoiling. Spices are sometimes used in medicine, religious rituals cosmetics or perfume production.

India, known as the home of spices, boasts a long history of trading with the ancient civilisations of Rome and China. Today, Indian spices are the most sought-after globally, given their exquisite aroma, texture, taste and medicinal value. India has the largest domestic market for spices in the world. Traditionally, spices in India have been grown in small land holdings, with organic farming gaining prominence in recent times. India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices; the country produces about 75 of the 109 varieties  listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and accounts for half of the global trading in spices list by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and accounts for half of the global trading in spices.

HISTORY

Early history        

The spice trade developed throughout the Indian subcontinent and Middle East by at earliest 2000 BCE with cinnamon and black pepper, and in East Asia with herbs and pepper. The Egyptians used herbs for mummification and their demand for exotic spices and herbs helped stimulate world trade. The word spice comes from the Old French word spice.

Middle Ages         

Spices were among the most demanded and expensive products available in Europe in the Middle Ages, the most common being black pepper, cinnamon (and the cheaper alternative cassia), cumin, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Given medieval medicine's main theory of humorism, spices. 

 Early modern age         

Pain and Portugal were interested in seeking new routes to trade in spices and other valuable products from Asia. The control of trade routes and the spice-producing regions were the main reasons that Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama sailed to India in 1499. When Vasco da Gama discovered the pepper market in India, he was able to secure peppers for a much cheaper price than the ones demanded by Venice. 

LIST OF TOP TEN COUNTRIES PRODUCING SPICES

NUTRITIONS

Spices tend to have strong flavors and are used in small quantities, spices tend to add few calories to food, even though many spices, especially those made from seeds, contain high portions of fat, protein, and carbohydrate by weight. However, when used in larger quantity, spices can also contribute a substantial amount of minerals and other micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, calcium, and many others, to the diet. For example, a teaspoon of paprika contains about 1133 IU of Vitamin A, which is over 20% of the recommended daily allowance specified by the US FDA. Most herbs and spices have substantial antioxidant activity, owing primarily to phenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, which influence nutrition through many pathways, including affecting the absorption of other nutrients. One study found cumin and fresh ginger to be highest in antioxidant activity. 

ADVANTAGE 

• Helps in reducing your weight. 
• Turmeric acts like antibiotic which helps to fight against many diseases and builds your immunity system. 
• Cinnamon to Lower Blood Sugar.
• Ginger to Relieve Nausea
• Garlic to Boost Heart Health
• Cayenne to Ease Pain

DISADVANTAGE 

• Spicy foods cause disease acute gastritis or ulcer.
• Spicy foods cause damage to the stomach wall.
• lead to your headache attack of gastritis disease impact.
• It can damage your liver.
• Lead to loss motion.

DID YOU KNOW FACTS

• Black Pepper was immensely valuable in the 4th century BC. It was known as ‘black gold’.
•  It is believed that Vasco de Gama discovered India in 1492. He encountered pirates during spice importation from India to Portugal. This was the time when spices were more valuable than gold.
•  Over 5000 years ago, salt was produced in India. Once salt was paid as salary to Roman soldiers. This gave birth to term such as ‘worth his salt’.
•  Cumin is another famous Indian spice and belongs to the parsley family. The taste and aroma of cumin make it a popular ingredient of Indian cuisine.  
• Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Kashmir produces the highest amount of saffron. 

STORY

During the 14th century a person named Vasco da Gama sailed to India from Europe through the sea rout. He mainly came to India for the trade of spices and to know more about the spices. He got to know that spices are the main ingredients of the that gives taste, colour and spiciness to the food. He soon started trading on spices. He bought the spices from India in less cost and soled it in different places in high rate. Soon he gained control over hole India.

CONCLUTION 

I would conclude saying that spices are very important for us. We should not waste. It is very precious for us. We should not misuse the spices. They are also helped in curing cold, cough and etc.

 

MY SUGGESTIONS ARE 

• Do not waste food it contains spices  
• Add the spices in the food that you can consume  
• Do not waste the spices  
• The rate of spices should be reduced so that every one can afford it . 
• Spices should be consumed in less quantity.   
• Spices should be kept away from children. 

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