• SPICES

Hulu Nicoleta-Roxana
T. P. P. A – 580
ANUL II
What are
spices?
In the culinary field, spices are all that are obtained by drying
different parts of a plant, except the leaves - they are used to
flavor various dishes, they are not used as a main ingredient.
 Because most of the world’s spices come from Southeast Asia, the spice
trade has contributed to the development of the global economy since the
Middle Ages.
The Silk Road was a dangerous and long trade route, but one that allowed
Europeans to taste the wonders of India and China.

Spices and Navigation has helped speed up the shipment of spices around the world.
In search of a faster route to India, Christopher Columbus chose to sail

herbs in history east, discovering North America. It is believed that this continental mistake
is the reason why Native Americans were mistakenly called „Indians.”
But all these fragrant wonders are even older than the state – they have
been known since ancient times, when they were used mainly for pasta.
 The power of preservation is best represented in ancient Egypt, where
cinnamon, cassia and myrrh are used in a mixture to embalm the
inanimate bodies of the pharaohs.
 Many herbs have also been used to mask odors in public areas or
homes in the Mediterranean area of ​the Roman Empire. Until the
18th century, people even tied rosemary or thyme to the heat
sources to mask the smell of the animals they shared a home with.

Churches also use incense from ancient times to purify and

Spices and sanctify.

herbs in history Equally important in history were various rituals and ceremonies
in which herbs were constantly used – many people offered them
as offerings to the gods.
 Also ceremonially, the Roman emperor wore a wreath of laurel
leaves, and when the Roman troops returned victorious from
the wars, the people threw saffron at them.
 Spices and dry spices are used to enhance the natural aroma of the
dish and they can be complementary to a wide range of recipes,
dishes and dishes.

Soups and broths, sauces and marinades, steaks or salads use

spices and condiments, herbs or spice mixes to enhance flavor and
Why are spices and condiments important?
flavor. However, it is recommended to avoid excessive use of
spices, as they can alter the taste of the dishes.

Use of spices and condiments in modern cuisine.

 Spices and spices are mostly used in dry form. They can be
found in whole, seed or ground form.
The benefits of spices

 According to studies, it is recommended to introduce spices in

the diet not only for the unmatched taste it gives to food, but
especially for the many benefits it brings to the health of the
body. Cinnamon, turmeric, oregano, paprika, saffron, sesame,
etc. Are among the most appreciated.
 Pepper, one of the most used spices, has special effects for people suffering from hypotension, it helps to raise
blood pressure levels. It also has an antidepressant effect and stimulates cognitive function, inhibits the
development of adipose tissue cells, helps control body weight and last but not least helps increase intestinal
absorption and boost immunity.

Ginger is very rich in antioxidants, it helps to relax blood vessels, stimulate circulation and soothe pain, also
reduces bloating, soothes spasms and is an excellent treatment for nausea caused by pregnancy or nausea and
hangover. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is recommended to be consumed to prevent and treat
cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and arthritis.

Oregano has special antibacterial and antiviral properties, due to thymol and carvacol, two of its most important

The medical
components. It helps to destroy the bodies that contribute to infections, helps to treat itching and skin irritations,
is effective in treating gingivitis and can also be used to treat sinusitis. Oregano contains a considerable amount
of vitamins and minerals, being a rich source of magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, fatty acids and

benefits of spices omega-3.

Cinnamon is an excellent antimicrobial, which stops the growth and development of bacteria, has anti-
inflammatory, anticoagulant properties and reduces platelet aggregation. Cinnamon is also very beneficial for
people with diabetes, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, while lowering triglycerides and cholesterol. Another
beneficial aspect that it has on our body is that it helps to improve memory, by stimulating brain functions,
prevents the formation of blood clots and blocks capillaries.

Salvia helps improve memory due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage. It
can also be used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis.
 Turmeric or Indian saffron has a special role in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease,
ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis or cystic fibrosis. It can also be used to prevent liver, digestive or
cardiovascular diseases. Due to its richness in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs, it has been found to
be particularly beneficial in the fight against cancer, the prevention of Alzheimer’s and joint inflammation.
 The most expensive spice in the world is considered to be saffron. One kilogram of this
spice can reach the price of 4000 dollars, far exceeding this amount if it is of a better
quality. But it is not used in large quantities in food, given that it is overly strong.

The luxury products of Europe during the Middle Ages were cinnamon, black pepper,
ginger and cloves. They were special especially because they were brought from Africa
or Asia, very rarely and very expensive to transport.

Venice or Portugal are states that have developed in the current economy through the

Did you know

sale of spices since the Middle Ages. Venice was the first to excel in the spice market,
especially in the Middle East, which is why Vasco da Gama’s expedition was born.

that? The first trades of all time were made with spices, especially pepper and cinnamon.

The spices are also certified by anukite ISO standards.

Who do you think produces the most spices? Here is the answer, it is about India, the
country that produces in total 86% of the spices from all over the planet, so about
1,600,000 tons of spices. In second place is China, followed by Bangladesh.

The most marketed spice is pepper.

 The largest salt producer in the world is the USA.
Thanks for the attention! 😊