The Spice Box
Spice Box: turmeric powder, black peppercorns, ginger powder, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin powder, fenugreek seeds
I’ve always admired some of my teachers’ kitchen tools and utensils. The one that stands out is the Spice Box - aka masala box. It’s a gorgeous and colorful selection of spices and herbs ready to cook with, and even to use in your teas. I love the way it looks on the counter - an art piece in your very own kitchen. The spices are separated in stainless steel canisters. This is a traditional way to store spices in Ayurvedic cooking - very much like the spices in our tall glass canisters, but I must say this is so pretty, and comes with see-through covers which are easy to access.
All the small canisters are placed in a larger stainless steel and covered so that all the spices hold onto their flavor and aroma. Trust me, when you open the lid it will put a smile on your face. This canister holds seven spices - each one I encourage you to use in your kitchen on a regular basis. You’ll love it. All your essential tastes in one place! You can choose your own spices to add as well - but these spices rock, each with its own powerful benefits.
Turmeric Powder - referred to as the ‘golden goddess.’ For centuries turmeric has been used for medicinal purposes - well-known as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Modern science is now beginning to recognize the amazing healing qualities of turmeric. Turmeric supplements are available if needed for more intense ailments. Speak to your physician if you want to inquire more. PubMed has extensive research on this potent spice as well.
Black Peppercorn - I highly recommend fresh pepper when possible, just like they do in five-star restaurants. The benefits are profound. I sprinkle fresh pepper on everything I cook, except for baked goods. Pepper removes toxins, stimulates organs, and pairs well with turmeric. The two go hand-in-hand! It’s easy to digest even with a mildly hot and bitter taste. There’s more to salt and pepper than meets the eye - so get creative!
Ginger Powder or Root - promotes digestion. It’s one of the healthiest foods around. The flavor is wonderful and intense at the same time. I sometimes suck on a raw piece of ginger root before a meal to stimulate my digestive fire. I also start my day with a cup of grated ginger tea. It heats up the body which increases circulation - try it after being out in the cold. It helps with nausea, too. Dry ginger powder has different effects on the body. It helps with joint pain, abdominal pain, coughing, and asthma.
Coriander Powder or seeds - great for digestion, too. You can add the spice to lentils and vegetables as they are cooking, and even a few sprinkles in ghee (clarified butter), which is a treat. I love combining a few spices together to give your dish a plethora of tastes, aromas and health benefits. You can even make a tea using coriander to help digest and detox.
Fennel Powder or Seeds - here I go again - digestive spice. Fennel is wonderful for the gut. In India people often eat toasted fennel seeds after a meal to freshen their breath and support their digestion. Just chew on the seeds (they taste like licorice) and spit them out in the most polite way possible - your body will absorb the extracts. So try this: next time you feel bloated, chew a teaspoon of raw or lightly toasted fennel seeds or powder to your cooking. It pairs well with cumin and coriander.
Cumin Powder - you guessed it - a digestive powerhouse. I personally love the taste of cumin. Cumin also cleans toxins in the body. Here’s a ‘digestive lassi tea’ recipe: cumin, coriander, and ginger sprinkled in yogurt. It’s delicious, and high in probiotics, too.
Fenugreek Powder or Seeds - used to help none other than digestion - a very important reason why all of these spices are traditionally used in cooking and tea. It also helps with elimination. It pairs well with cumin, coriander, fennel, and ginger. Add fenugreek to soups, stews, and curries for a beautiful taste. The combination of these spices is five-star and the aroma will get you excited to eat your creation.
Ginger - chew before a meal for digestive ease
Recipe
ginger before a meal will improve sense of taste and digestion
ginger
salt
lemon or lime
Instructions
slice of fresh ginger
add a sprinkle of course salt - Himalayan. or Celtic
one squeeze of lemon or lime
chew one or two slices before a meal
have fun with this - serve at your next dinner party - your company will thank you and have much to talk about
Genia’s Spoon Me Tips:
I love having my most used spices and herbs at hands’ reach. It’s like creating a mise en place in advance and there’s no having to look for a spice in the pantry just to find out you don’t have it or it went rancid.
Having the spice box on my kitchen counter looks great and inspires me to use the spices. It also makes for a great conversation piece - and you know how I love talking health and wellness!
Much Love and Peace,
Genia