There are three Middle Eastern spices commonly used to spice up some drinks popular in the region. These are cardamom, cinnamon, and anise. These spices are great additions that can augment coffees and teas that are also considered favorites in the Western cultures.
Drinking Down Middle Eastern Spices
Cardamom has a distinct flavor that is a favorite spice used in both Arabian and Ethiopian cuisine. It is usually paired together with turmeric, a moderately strong spice with a bitter taste. It is commonly used as a flavor enhancer to curry dishes. In the olden times, this same spice was a favorite for use as perfumes. The spice is commonly used to flavor hot teas and coffee for it is found to complement the flavor and can act as a sweetener. A popular Western drink, the chai tea (see recipe below), is tea mixed with milk and the spice. It can be added to alcoholic drinks making them richer and more flavorful. This spice has been found beneficial to those who are suffering from mild indigestion.
Cinnamon is one of the more popular spices in the world and is technically an Asian spice. However, it is a favorite spice added to drinks, meat dishes and sweet desserts. Again, the chai tea (see recipe below), very popular in Western cultures, is spiced with cinnamon. It has many medicinal benefits including the control of diabetes, regulation of high blood pressure and is a natural fat burner. Added along with cardamom, cloves and nutmeg to black tea, it can effectively control blood pressure.
A spice with a distinctive licorice flavor, anise is a popular drink spice, for both hot and cold teas. This is often used to sweeten and enhance the flavor of coffee. Arak, a popular Middle Eastern alcoholic beverage, makes full use of the spice and is usually taken as a digestive aid especially after a heavy meal.
Chai (Tea) Recipe
1. To make one pot of tea, place one cup of water in saucepan and add ½ star anise, 10 to 12 cloves, 6 allspice, 2 sticks cinnamon, 6 white peppercorns and 1 cardamom pod. Boil and remove from heat to steep the spices. The length of time steeping the spices will determine the strength of the flavor.
2. Add 5 cups of milk (whole, non-fat or low fat) into the spice mixture. Bring the mixture to a soft boil and then remove. Add 2 tablespoons of good quality black tea. At this point, sugar can be added, depending on the personal preference. Strain tea before serving hot or cold.
The spicy drinks like Chai Tea are a popular drink in the West, but really, this is one drink that is wholly Middle Eastern. There are many variations to the recipes like adding ginger to the spice. It all boils down to the quality of tea and spices. Only use quality spices and teas. Steeping the Middle Eastern spices in hot water for a long time can result to a highly spiced chai so it is best to keep tasting the mixture.
Middle Eastern Spices And Chai
Popular Asian Spices – Coriander
The coriander is considered as one of the most popular Asian spices used worldwide. It really is a native of the Mediterranean but, in ancient times, it reached Asia. It is a favorite spice used to augment the flavors of meats, grains and vegetables. It is known by several names: Chinese parsley and cilantro.
Asian Spices (Coriander) And Modern Medicine
For hundreds of years, people who became familiar with the spice learned quickly that its sweet and spicy but woody aroma had a peppery taste that complimented meats. To heighten the flavors of bland grains and not so flavorful vegetables, all they needed to do was sprinkle the ground spice over the dishes. However, as more and more people became familiar with the use of the spice, soon there were evidences that any who were experiencing migraines benefited from coriander-spiced foods. Those who had indigestion also benefited from this spice when sprinkled into their teas. Soon, the pharmaceutical world studied the medicinal benefits and discovered that it could be tapped to aid in common ailments like headaches and indigestion.
In the modern world, the coriander is still as popular as ever as a food flavoring but it is also a popular pharmaceutical ingredient used in the manufacture of medicines for, obviously, headaches, migraines, indigestion, flatulence, and rheumatism. Primarily, this spice flavors the medicines so it is more palatable. Compared to other compounds used for pharmaceutical preparations, it does not cause irritations.
For those who do want to use this spice as a natural remedy, all they need to do is chew on its seeds or make a tea out of the seeds. This is a good natural remedy for flatulence and mild stomach upset. For those who want to find natural relief for their rheumatism, the seeds can be pounded and combined with water as a tea preparation or the seed can be pounded into a paste and applied directly on the painful area. To add to the pasty consistency, a mixture of oatmeal and water can be made.
But the seeds are not the only ones with medicinal properties. The leaves contains fiber, magnesium and potassium. Regular consumption of the leaves steeped in hot water as tea is seen to be an immune booster and blood purifier. It can help in the stimulation of insulin and can help in the prevention and control of diabetes.
The leaves, just like the seeds, can be pound and made into a paste that can be applied directly on the forehead and temples to help alleviate headaches. It is best to rest when applying this paste. The leaves can also be chewed to help relieve mouth ulcers. A handful of leaves chewed in the mouth for several minutes can be done up to three times a day for several days.
As could be seen, spices may be primarily used as flavorings for food but these also have invaluable medicinal properties. Coriander is one of the most popular Asian spices used in meats, but its medicinal properties just made it even more popular and invaluable.
Mexican Spices That Add The Oomph To Those Mexican Dishes
Mexican spices are the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine. This is a style of food that originated from Mexico is well known worldwide for its colorful and highly flavorful dishes. The cuisine was evolved through thousands of years of influence from both the native people to the foreign elements, especially the Spanish culture. Thanks to this mixture of influence, Mexican dishes have a distinctive look and taste that, fortunately, can be mimicked inside the home.
Mexican Spices Found At Home
For many, garlic, onions, cinnamon, oregano, cumin and chili are the most familiar. These can either be fresh, dried or in powder form and are the very foundation of the many Mexican dishes that many are familiar with. Spanish rice, Tacos and salsa are traditionally Mexican but when eaten with regular European or American dishes, it adds a certain oomph that is irresistible.
Of course there are the more uncommon spices that many may not have even heard of. One such spice is the Epazote. When taken in great quantities, it can be poisonous but when taken in moderation, it can add a warm and flavorful taste to beans. Many who eat the Mexican beans often wonder why regular beans make them flatulent and yet the Mexican beans do not cause any stomach discomfort. The reason behind this is the sparingly added Epazote spice.
Many would not necessarily connect other familiar spices with Mexican dishes. One such spice is the cinnamon. This is technically an Asian spice but thanks to the Spice trade, this spice found its way into European, specifically Spanish cuisine. The Spanish made a huge impact on the Mexican culture and it extended to the influence on the food. This, along with two other spices, cloves and anise, can add a new property to the Mexican dishes and any dish for that matter.
Many are familiar with the Mexican Mole. This is a thick paste slathered over chicken. The mole, molli or mulli simply means concoction or sauce. This is a sauce that is very popular in the Mexican culture and is made combining onions, cocoa powder, cumin, coriander or dried cilantro, garlic, tomato soup and green or red chili peppers. There are many versions to the flavors and ingredients used in this sauce but the basic ingredients can be found in any home, no matter the culture. Simply slather the chicken with this thick sauce and experience that Mexican oomph.
Mexican dishes are very simple to make at home. In fact, many could just grill chicken or other meats and add mole or Mexican salsa. This can add another layer to the regular food that many would only find in Mexican restaurants. There are no rules that limit anyone to add these spices into the regular recipes.
For those who are curious about Mexican recipes, simply go online and go over the thousands of recipes readily available for printing or download. Numerous videos in file sharing sites where one can learn how to use the Mexican spices in simple foods created at home.
