Sri Lankan Spices
It is undeniable that Sri Lanka is blessed with an abundance of herbs and spices among many other invaluable plants. These aromatic herbs and spices have been present in our cuisine for a long period of time making an identity for Sri Lankan food specialities stemming from the quality of spices. Today, these herbs and spices transcend from mere ingredients of a dish to realising their true medicinal value in leading a healthy life.
Sri Lanka is gaining the lead in the world spice market producing high quality spices such as cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cardamoms, nutmeg, mace and vanilla, to name a few. As the Sri Lanka Export Development board claims, our spice exports account for 50% of the agricultural exports and it seems to only grow upwards spreading the Sri Lankan aromas in cuisines around the world.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a favourite household spice which has been used throughout the world for ages. It has large number of antioxidants which protects body from body diseases and is known to be anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon forms a part of many exotic dishes and is currently trending because of its ability to reduce a tummy bloat.
‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ is world-famous for its unique flavour, colour and aroma. It has been a major spice in Sri Lanka culture for years as a food preservative and later for its natural flavouring properties.
Uses & Health Benefits
- commonly found in bakery products
- flavoured teas or meat preservation
- treat chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer
- contains some anti-inflammatory properties
Black Pepper:
Obtained from Piper Nigrum vines, this spice, also known as the king of spices, is easily recognizable for its sharp aroma and mildly spicy flavour that often let it substitute for chillies.
Uses & Health Benefits
- promotes weight loss
- helps relieve cold and cough
- improves digestion
- boosts metabolism
- treats many skin problems
- used in massages or other natural treatment methods
Clove:
Cloves are antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic. They are a powerhouse of antioxidants and are rich sources of minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and vitamins and minerals. Clove oil is one of the richest sources of antioxidants.
Uses & Health Benefits
- dental applications and relieving toothaches
- aid with digestion difficulties
- processed to form cosmetics such as perfume, soap and toothpaste
- used to flavour and aromatize meat or rice-based dishes
Cardamom:
Also known as the queen of spices, cardamom hails from Sri Lanka, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Indonesia. It is the world's third most expensive spice. A rich source of vitamin A and vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Uses & Health Benefits
- promotes heart health
- helps in digestion
- enhances oral health
- helps in diabetes
- helps fight depression and asthma
- prevents blood clots
Nutmeg:
It is a popular spice used in cooking across the world and it is also famous for its health benefits. In ancient times, nutmegs were used for numerous remedies to improve health.
Uses & Health Benefits
- improves bad breath
- helps detox the liver
- helps you to sleep well
- known to improve the texture of your skin
- applications in desserts such as cakes and pies
- savoury applications such as sausages or stews
- essential ingredient for beverages like eggnog
Vanilla:
Natural vanilla extract is made from the pods of the vanilla plant, commonly found in tropical areas of the world, and is one of the most expensive spices in the world because it is so labour-intensive to produce. Vanilla plant flowers are hand-pollinated, and the bean pods are ripened, dried, and conditioned to create their distinctive flavour and aroma.
Uses & Health Benefits
- provides a calming effect
- helps curb sugar intake
- eases toothache
- used to flavour foods and beverages
- used in medicines and fragrances
Chili:
These fiery capsicums vary in terms of colour, size and most importantly hotness. Sri Lanka is popular for several varieties of chillies that are widely used in cuisine ranging from the famous red chillies that is used powdered, sliced or even dried for preservation and crunchy green chillies which are known to be even hotter. Chili peppers are healthy for you and provide you with various health benefits, apart from a spicy kick to your food.
Uses & Health Benefits
- a good source of vitamin C
- aids weight loss
- lowers blood pressure
- relieves congestion
Cumin:
Cumin is a spice that is made from the harvested seed of Cuminum Cyminum plants. Cumin is one of the most prominent spices around the world. This seed has a bitter taste which is an essential part to Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines.
Uses & Health Benefits
- aid against digestive difficulties, blood cholesterol or diabetes
- improve immunity
- treat skin disorders, insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis and anaemia
Coriander:
Coriander comes packed with essential health benefits. It is not only beneficial when consumed fresh, adding coriander seeds to your daily food can also be very healthy. Coriander seeds have anti-oxidant properties and dietary fibre.
Uses & Health Benefits
- ingredient in Sri Lankan Curry powder
- both the seeds and leaves are used against upset stomachs, nausea, bacterial infections
- Coriander leaves are utilized as a garnish
- facilitate the procedure of digestion
- advance the healthy working of the liver and facilitate bowel moments
Ginger:
The spice is extracted from the thick gnarly roots of the ginger plant. Ginger is known to have originated in China and has a place in many Chinese traditional therapies. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold.
Uses & Health Benefits
- Antioxidant and alleviate digestion difficulties and nausea
- reduce muscle pains and inflammation
- ginger extract supports cardiovascular health
