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Spices hold a vital role in Indian cooking, but it's crucial to ensure their authenticity and quality. Many spice brand companies promise the best quality, natural oils, genuine taste, and sourcing from the best farms. However, it often feels like adding coloured powder to our food, lacking true flavour and health benefits. The unfortunate truth is that adulterants are frequently added to spices, compromising their nature, substance, and overall quality, posing potential health risks.
Common adulterants found in spices include sand, dirt, artificial colour, starch, chalk powder, bark, stones, sawdust, and even harmful substances like lead chromate. Prolonged consumption of adulterated spices can have adverse effects on our health, making it crucial to be aware of the risks.
Let's take a closer look at some commonly used spices and the adulterants associated with them:
Furthermore, certain additives are used to preserve flavour and enhance the taste and appearance of spices:
Silicon Dioxide: Artificially produced silicon dioxide is added as an anti-caking agent to prevent clustering caused by moisture absorption. However, with high-quality and fresh spices meeting health requirements, the need for such additives should be minimal.
Citric Acid: Although derived from natural sources like lemons, commercially produced citric acid is often artificially manufactured using sugar, beets, and corn. The necessity of adding citric acid to spices can be questioned when using the freshest and best-quality spices.
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In light of these concerns, it becomes imperative to opt for genuine, unadulterated spices. This is where GI-tagged Indian spices shine.
Let's explore why considering GI-tagged herbs is a wise choice and what sets them apart:
Authenticity and Purity:
GI tags ensure that spices are sourced from specific regions known for their unique flavours and production methods, guaranteeing their authenticity and purity.
Quality Control:
GI tags enforce strict quality control measures to maintain the highest standards, minimizing the risk of adulteration and ensuring a genuine taste experience.
Traceability:
GI-tagged spices can be traced back to their geographical origins, providing transparency and fostering trust among consumers.
Health Benefits:
GI-tagged spices are cultivated using traditional practices that prioritize the preservation of natural properties, resulting in healthier options free from harmful additives.
By choosing GI-tagged Indian spices, you can embrace the true essence of flavours while safeguarding your health. It's time to prioritize authenticity and savour these spices' remarkable benefits.
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GI-tagged spices refer to Geographical Indication of the origin of the spices. This means that the spices have been produced in a specific region and have certain characteristics that are unique to that region. For example, Tellicherry peppercorns are a type of pepper that is grown in the Malabar region of India. They are known for their large size, sharp flavour, and complex aroma.
GI-tagged spices can be a valuable asset to the economies of the regions where they are produced. They can help to boost tourism, create jobs, and protect the environment.
India is the heartland of spices, and our culinary heritage is rich and diverse. The use of spices in Indian cuisine dates back to ancient times, and each region has its own unique blend of spices. Some of the most popular spices used in Indian cuisine include turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, garlic, chilli peppers, and garam masala. These spices not only add flavour to food, but they also have several health benefits. For example, turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, while cumin can help to improve digestion. Ginger can help to soothe nausea and vomiting, and garlic has antibacterial properties. Chilli peppers can boost metabolism and help burn fat. Garam masala is a blend of spices that is said to have warming and invigorating properties.
The use of spices in Indian cuisine is more than just a way to add flavour to food. It is also a way to promote health and well-being. The next time you cook Indian food, take a moment to appreciate the complex flavours of the spices and the many benefits they offer.
Let me know, if you have ever thought about the advantage of using GI-tagged spices?
Will you now opt for GI-tagged spices to safeguard your family's health?
To know more about GI-tagged spices, subscribe to our podcast. A new episode will be added on 22 July 2023, highlighting the GI-tagged spices.
Stay tuned!
Happy Cooking,
Neerja Bhatnagar
Please follow me on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube |Twitter | Podcast
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