| For centuries south asian region has been rich. | | | | ingredient. Curry powder sitting on the grocers |
| Rich with it's spices and food recipes. For years, | | | | shelf may be like saw dust when one compares it |
| the region lured various different crusaders to | | | | to the fine spices roasted, combined and dry |
| invade the region over centuries. Beginning from | | | | ground or wet ground in the traditional Indian |
| the 14th century, the moghuls invaded and ruled, | | | | traditions. Today one of the most famous |
| what is today the Indian subcontinent, for over | | | | entrée in the west consists of curry - a blend |
| three centuries. And then came the marvelous | | | | created mixing various different ground spices in |
| voyages of Christopher Columbus taking upon the | | | | right proportions with the water. However there |
| arduous long voyage and Vasco De Gama of | | | | are many delicacies in Indian recipes due to the |
| Portugal, all because of the lure of rich and vast | | | | inclusion of variety of spices. |
| variety of spices in the sub-continent. | | | | Fresh ground spices are the order of the day in |
| Vast fortunes have been made and squandered, | | | | an Indian home and will be chosen according to |
| powerful rulers seduced, ailments cured and | | | | the nature of the dish, season, individual and |
| nations have been discovered. All in the name of | | | | family. Some of the common Indian spices |
| spices. Spices have always cast a spell on our | | | | available are red chilli pepper, turmeric, black |
| imaginations. Spices flatter our senses; our sight | | | | pepper, nutmegs, cloves and many more. |
| with their vibrant colors, our smell with their | | | | Other then the usage of spices in culinary, they |
| enticing fragrances and our taste with their | | | | are also used as medicine. Ancient Ayurvedic |
| distinct unique flavors. | | | | texts prescribe the herbs and spices for curative |
| Today, India is one of the largest exporting nation | | | | and therapeutic functions. Ayurvedic scripts dating |
| of spices in the world. Vast variety of spices | | | | back to 3000 years, list the preventive and |
| grow due to natural conditions available in various | | | | curative properties of various spices. Looking at |
| parts of India. The major western, south-west, | | | | curative properties of some of the spices - |
| south and south-east is tropical in weather | | | | Ginger prevents dyspepsia, garlic reduces |
| conditions, north-west, north are dry with less | | | | cholesterol and hypertension and fenugreek is a |
| humidity and north-east and east have | | | | good resistance builder and with pepper often |
| pre-dominantly high-rainy seasons. | | | | serve as antihistamines, turmeric is used for |
| Due to the abundance in availability of spices in | | | | stomach ulcers and for glow of the skin. |
| India, Indian food is never bland. Most of the | | | | Spices have been used to make the food last |
| recipies originating from the Indian sub-continent | | | | longer in the days when refrigeration was absent. |
| contains spices in the list of ingredients. Spices in | | | | And even today in some remote parts of India |
| Indian food are not heavy and although Indian | | | | where electricity is not available, spices are used in |
| food is not bland, most Indian dishes are delicately | | | | food for preservation. |
| spiced to enhance the flavor of the main cooking | | | | |