3 exotic spices you have to try now
19 Sep 2018
If you're a fan of international cuisine and enjoy trying new flavors that surprise you, these three spices will whet your appetite.
1. Kala Jeera or black cumin
Also known as "blessed seed," this is an exquisite condiment that has been considered a luxury for centuries; in fact, the Egyptian pharaohs consumed it. It is currently very popular in northern Indian cuisine and has a nutty flavor, with a slight herbal note. It is often used in bread making and as a condiment for pasta and rice dishes. In addition to its distinctive flavor, it contains more than 100 health-promoting chemical compounds; studies indicate that it helps control blood glucose levels and improves pancreatic function.
2. Malagueta pepper or sweet pepper or Jamaican pepper or "guayabita"
[caption id="attachment_6910" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo: cilantroperonotanto.wordpress.com / @LuisaGonzalez[/caption]
This variety of pepper has countless names, perhaps the most seductive being "grain of paradise." It is native to Africa. It has the character of other types of pepper, but a sweet note that some people associate with camphor. It can be eaten ground directly onto a plate or used to season meats; simply grind a few grains of this pepper with garlic and vinegar to give a delicious touch to red and white meats.
3. Galangal or galanga
This plant is from the same family as ginger but with a completely different aroma and flavor. It's virtually unknown in this part of the world, but is very common in the typical cuisine of Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. It has a slightly sweet and slightly spicy flavor, especially when eaten fresh and raw. It's used in soups and in curries and spice blends.
Do you know any other exotic spices? Which one is your favorite? Tell us!
Fountain
Source 2
Source 3
1. Kala Jeera or black cumin
Also known as "blessed seed," this is an exquisite condiment that has been considered a luxury for centuries; in fact, the Egyptian pharaohs consumed it. It is currently very popular in northern Indian cuisine and has a nutty flavor, with a slight herbal note. It is often used in bread making and as a condiment for pasta and rice dishes. In addition to its distinctive flavor, it contains more than 100 health-promoting chemical compounds; studies indicate that it helps control blood glucose levels and improves pancreatic function.
2. Malagueta pepper or sweet pepper or Jamaican pepper or "guayabita"
[caption id="attachment_6910" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo: cilantroperonotanto.wordpress.com / @LuisaGonzalez[/caption]This variety of pepper has countless names, perhaps the most seductive being "grain of paradise." It is native to Africa. It has the character of other types of pepper, but a sweet note that some people associate with camphor. It can be eaten ground directly onto a plate or used to season meats; simply grind a few grains of this pepper with garlic and vinegar to give a delicious touch to red and white meats.
3. Galangal or galanga
This plant is from the same family as ginger but with a completely different aroma and flavor. It's virtually unknown in this part of the world, but is very common in the typical cuisine of Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. It has a slightly sweet and slightly spicy flavor, especially when eaten fresh and raw. It's used in soups and in curries and spice blends.
Do you know any other exotic spices? Which one is your favorite? Tell us!
Fountain
Source 2
Source 3