Spices
Spices
Spices (/ˈspaɪsɪz/) are plant substances primarily used for flavoring, coloring or preserving food. They are usually distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish.
Etymology
The word "spice" comes from the Old French word espice, which became epice, and which came from the Latin root spec, the noun referring to "appearance, sort, kind".
Types of Spices
There are numerous types of spices used in various cuisines around the world. Some of the most common include:
- Black pepper: Often referred to as the "king of spices," it comes from the berries of the Piper nigrum plant.
- Cinnamon: This spice comes from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.
- Cumin: Cumin seeds are used in the cuisines of many different cultures, in both whole and ground form.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a bright yellow spice powder made from dried turmeric rhizomes.
- Cardamom: Cardamom is a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family.
- Cloves: Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum.
Uses
Spices are used in different forms - whole, chopped, ground, roasted, sautéed, fried, and as topping. They can be used to flavor both savory and sweet dishes. In addition to their culinary uses, some spices also have medicinal properties. For example, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cinnamon is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Related Terms
- Herbs: While spices come from the root, stem, bulb, bark, or seeds of a plant, herbs are derived from the leafy green parts of a plant.
- Seasoning: This is a substance added to food to enhance the flavor. It can be a single ingredient or a blend of several. Spices are often used in seasonings.
- Condiment: A condiment is a sauce, spice, or preparation that is added to food after cooking to impart a specific flavor, to enhance the flavor, or to complement the dish.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spices
- Wikipedia's article - Spices
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