A Hint of Spice

Bay leaves have been known to add a varied taste to soups, stews and sauces. But the bounty of this herb does not stop here. Fresh bay leaves are stronger than the dried ones and can be found in specialty stores. The freshest are the bright green, pliable leaves and can be stored in the refrigerator for a week.


               The cooking times required for fresh and dried leaves vary. Fresh bay leaves should be added during the last 15 minutes of cooking but dry bay leaves require more cooking time to share the flavors with the other ingredients in the dish.
                                      Now comes the question …how to use this flavorful leaves. Use them while cooking grains, vegetables or meats. Throw in a bay leaf while making sauces. Remember to removes the leaves before serving your dishes.
You can make Bay leaf infused oil vinaigrette. For that heat oil for 2 minutes and add a bay leaf.
So go ahead,experiment with Bay leaves.Try Something new!!!!

Mace and Nutmeg

The nutmeg is a spice native to Indonesia.Mace and nutmeg are two different spices from the same fruit.Nutmeg is the dried seed and mace the "cage" that surrounds the seed.Nutmeg is more aromatic,sweeter and more delicate than mace.
Key Benefits of Nutmeg and Mace are-
  1.Nutmeg relieves diarhhea and colic.
  2.Ground mace is used a s a remedy for rheumatism.

Saffron








Did you know it takes 750,000 crocus flowers to produce one pund of saffron starnds.Ayurvedic doctors use saffron to treat all types of ailments such as fevers,melancholia etc.
Key Benefits of Saffron are-
  1.Antibacterial and used to treat digestive disorders.
  2.Effective in the treatment of liver,urinary and uterine dysfunction.
  3.Aphrodisiac

Star Anise










Star Anise has been used in Chinese and Indian medecine and cooking for centuries.Star anise is usually used together with ginger and clove to treat nausea and vomiting.It is also soothing to the stomach and is often used in cough medecines.
Key Benefits of Star Anise are-
  1.Aids digestion
  2.The oil is believed to relieve rheumatism
  3.Freshens the breath

I know,I know,I know.....Hiatus is the wrong word .Normally I would use "Hiatus" for a short break or gap and this was a long long one.I was MIA from blogging world for almost 3 and 1/2 months.Many of my friends had mailed or asked what I was up to?Is everything OK?
Well friends,I think I had writers block( or cooking block...for lack of better word).I did not want to try any new recipe or to write about the already tried and tasted recipes.Also I was working on my craft pieces like crazy.Would share them with you all soon in my blog Craft Diva.
But I promise I will be more regular in my posts here.Hoping to hear from all of you.

Benjamin Franklin said "Much Virtue in Herbs, little in Men.”
If you had been following my preceding posts about Indian Spices and their healing properties,you will have known the benefits of each of them.In this post I will give you information about Dill,Fennel and Ginger.

Dill

Dill seeds play a specific role in medicine.Dill seeds are often eaten after a meal,since they enhance the secretion of digestive juices,cleanse the mouth,and reduce flatulence.
The key benefits of Dill are-
  1.An infusion of seeds and water relieves colic and hiccups.
  2.Dill seeds soothe the stomach by enhancing the secretion of digestive juices.
  3.Relieves colds and flu.

Fennel Seed










Fennel is part of every Indian household's medicine chest.There are several varieties of fennel in India.The seeds when infused in water are given to infants to relieve wheezing,asthma,and colic,and to adults to reduce fevers and indigestion.Fennel seeds are also taken after meals as they act as breath freshener.
The key benefits are-
  1.It combats diseases of the chest,spleen and kidney.
  2.It reduces heat in the body.
  3.It provides an excellent remedy for stomach and intestinal disorders.

Ginger













This flavorful root has been used for centuries in Indian cuisine and medicine.Ginger has a hot,vibrant flavor and is an excellent aphrodisiac and digestive.It is good for rheumatism and relieves nausea.Chewing fresh ginger relieves sore throat and hoarseness.
The Key Benefits of ginger are-
  1.Combats cardiac disorders,since it has anti coagulant and anti cholestrol properties.
  2.Chewing fresh ginger cleanses the throat and tongue.
  3.Ginger tea warms the body and soothes fevers,motion sickness and nausea.