Small grains, big effect: spices not only taste good, they also promote health and well-being. Rely on the healing power of turmeric, cinnamon and co. for more vitality in everyday life.
For thousands of years, spices have been considered an elixir of life: they not only enhance food, but also strengthen the body and mind with their essential oils, antioxidants and vitamins. From traditional Ayurvedic medicine to modern science – the health-promoting properties of ginger, cumin and other spices are valued worldwide. But which spices do you really need? What can they do? How do you store them and where do you buy the best ingredients?
The most important spices for your kitchen
They can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, aid digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels and provide the body with antioxidants. To benefit from the full range of health-promoting properties, you should regularly include these spices in your diet:
Turmeric: The yellow all-rounder has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the immune system. Perfect for curries, soups and smoothies.
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Cinnamon: Stabilizes blood sugar and provides a warm aroma in desserts, coffee or porridge.
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Ginger: Helps with digestive problems and strengthens the immune system – fresh, dried or as a powder.
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Cumin: Promotes digestion and gives oriental dishes their unmistakable flavor.
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Paprika: Whether mild or hot, paprika gives dishes an extra portion of antioxidants.
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Inspiration from around the world: typical oriental and Indian spices
Those who want to broaden their culinary horizons will find what they are looking for in oriental and Indian cuisine. These regions are known for their intense flavors and variety of spices, which also score as health boosters. Oriental spices are characterized by warm, aromatic notes, while Indian cuisine focuses on intense, complex flavours. Examples from both worlds are:
Cardamom: Perfect for tea and desserts with its sweet, slightly spicy flavor.
Saffron: A touch of luxury that gives rice dishes a special touch.
Sumac: Indispensable for salads and dips with a fruity-sour note.
Coriander: Fresh or ground, a must for curries and chutneys.
Fenugreek: Gives Indian dishes their typical flavor.
Garam masala: A spice blend that brings warmth and variety to any dish.
Healing spice combinations for every day
The true power of many spices often only unfolds in the right combination. Traditional medicine knows numerous tried and tested mixtures for various ailments:
For colds: A mixture of ginger, turmeric and a pinch of black pepper as a tea acts as a natural immune booster. The pepper increases the absorption of the valuable curcumin compounds from the turmeric by up to twenty times.
For digestion: fennel, caraway and cardamom are the dream team for a happy stomach. Brewed as a tea or used in cooking, they relieve flatulence and stimulate digestion.
To combat tiredness: cinnamon and ginger in your morning coffee or tea naturally get your circulation going. The essential oils have an invigorating and warming effect.
For more balance: Ayurvedic Golden Milk combines turmeric with black pepper, cinnamon and cardamom. This traditional mixture is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote sleep.
Healthy seasoning pastes for pre-cooking
Homemade spice pastes are also practical for everyday use. A basic paste made from grated ginger, garlic and turmeric will keep in the fridge for about a week and can be quickly stirred into dishes. Herbs such as basil or coriander can also be processed into an aromatic paste with a little olive oil, which refines dishes in no time at all and enriches them with valuable nutrients.
Correct storage and quality: how to keep spices aromatic for longer
The valuable ingredients and aromas of spices are best preserved if they are stored correctly. Always store your spices in a dry, cool and dark place in airtight containers. Whole spices retain their aroma longer than ground spices – so it is best to process them fresh before use.
When buying, you should always look for high quality! Organic spices from specialized retailers or specialist shops are usually more expensive than supermarket goods, but generally have a more intense aroma and higher purity. A small, well-stocked selection of spices that is used and renewed regularly makes more sense than a large stock that remains unused for a long time.
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