Hii everyone. 

Here is my new blog with some facts about spices and herbs. Our past and present is filled with full of intresting facts.

 As we are living in India we have lot of varieties of spices and herbs available over here in our country.

Many herbs have symbolic meaning that goes back to centuries. For example,   In England, rosemary was called “Rose of Mary” in memory of the Virgin Mary.

Lets see some facts  about how spices and herbs were used in earlier days

TURMERIC

People have been using turmeric as early as 3000 B.C. and it was  used as a fabric dye and considered as a poor man's saffron.

It is evolved from a ginger family.

It has 34 essential oils in it.

CINNAMON

The benefits of cinnamon were explored in 2700 B.C. 

Cinnamon was an important part of mummification in ancient greece.

It is used to reduce irritability and keeps depression at bay by using scented candles and air freshners.

MINT

Ancient greeks used to rub mint on tables to honour their guests and mint tea is offered for welcome drink for guests.

Mint has over 600 different varieties.

Mint leaf powder was used as teeth whitening in middle ages.

FENUGREEK

Fenugreek promotes lactation in nursing mothers. It makes sweat and urine smell like maple syrup.

SAFFRON

During ancient Egyptian and Roman times, it was used medicinally,  later valued as a spice and dye.

Iran produces 95% of the worlds saffron.

To preserve its aroma stigmas of saffron are picked only at dawn before its flowers open.

The deadly dose of saffron is as little as 10 grams (3/4 tablespoon)

RED PEPPER

Red peppers are  rich in vitamin C, and that paprika is made from them which retains more vitamin C by weight. It even retains more vitamin C than lemon juice. Paprika is also high in other antioxidants.

It contains more vitamins than fruits.

STAR ANISE

Ancient Romans used to hung anise plants near their pillows in order to avoid bad dreams.

90% of the world’s star anise crop is used for extraction of shikimic acid.

BAY LEAF

Ancient Romans used to offer wreaths of bay leaf as a symbol of triumph and peace. In earlier days bay leaf was thought to be sacred for the Greeks and it is used as  a protector from disease, witchcraft and lightning.

CILANTRO

In the earlier days Romans used it to flavor bread.The taste of cilantro is described as lemony, tart and citrusy. There are some small portion of people in this world who think cilantro tastes like soap.

This information is only about few herbs and spices. We will see more in my coming blogs.