Indian food is famous for its great taste, delicious aroma, unique appetizing colour and finger-licking flavour all over the world. All this together makes a perfect blend and can be found only in Indian foods. Have you ever thought about what makes Indian dishes so special? One of the main reasons is the spices that enrich the flavours and give a splendid taste. The spices and masala’s intermix are what gives the Indian cuisine its full magical flavours and make each dish different from the next. 

Most people believe that the use of spices in authentic Indian food is not to make it fiery hot, but also to add an intensity that gives the best taste with a good aroma. When coming to spices, the choices are vast and varied and are used for numerous purposes across different cultures. Every spice communicates its unique flavour. When they are used together for a particular dish, the combinations marry and flavour the dish. People use the Indian spices not only for getting a fabulous taste and good flavour, but also for considering the health benefits each spice has. 

Cooking Indian food can be frustrating sometimes as it has a vast array of spices used. It has both whole and ground, which are often blended into complex spice mixes. But cooking with these spices regularly, you can identify and understand the spices and you can find this cuisine is not as hard to make after all. 

Some of the essential spices used in Indian cooking are listed below:

• Mustard seeds

Mustard seeds come in different colours like yellow, black, or brown and are one of the main spices used interchangeably in Indian cooking. Usually, in Indian cooking, the mustard seeds are crushed or first cooked in the oil to release the flavour of the seeds. When they are cooked in oil, it gives a smoky, nutty flavour which is a staple in curries and curry powders. Also, you can get the mustard seed oil that is commonly used in the northern part of India.

• Cumin seeds

Cumin seeds are used frequently in Indian cooking. They come in whole and can be used in the same way. Also, they come in the spice mixes to give a characteristic smoky note to the Indian dishes. It can be easily identified with its distinct rigid brown colour and its intense fragrance. Most people sometimes confuse the cumin seeds with the fennel, caraway and anise seeds, but you can tell the difference by looking at their colour and taste.

In most parts of India, cumin is used freshly ground to experience the most intense flavour. While you dry roast it, this spice burns easily and it can even taste very bitter if it is burnt more and can be very noticeable in your dish.

• Fenugreek seed

Fenugreek is a spice that is commonly used in all south Indian dishes. It gives a very characteristic, earthy and different curry flavour and fragrance. These seeds come in yellow and look like tiny wheat kernels. The fenugreek leaves are also dried and are used as a spice that is commonly called Kasuri methi. When this spice is added it makes the dish very unique.

 The fenugreek seeds are strongly fragranced and this has to be used with caution like that of cloves. The fenugreek seeds are very famous for their traditional medicinal benefits and strangely enough to make fake maple syrup.

• Hing (asafoetida)

The asafoetida is nothing but the dried and powdered tree resin. It is an essential spice and is commonly used in most Indian dishes. This spice gives a great aroma when it is added to hot oil or ghee. Using this spice for your dish, you have to make sure you just use a pinch as it goes a long way. Usually, this contains wheat flour but you can also get the gluten-free versions.

• Turmeric

One of the common Indian spices is turmeric. This is grown as a rhizome; it can be used fresh like ginger or even after it is dried. It is mostly known for its wonderful health benefits and is also used in a lot of spice mixes and curries.  

It gives great colour to the dishes and makes sure you are careful with your clothes and utensils as it will also stain easily when you are using them. The flavour of the fresh turmeric can be slightly stronger than the dried one and it is one of the spices which has a pungent and earthy fragrance. While you are using it, use it in small quantities and get a beautiful golden colour.

• Red chilly powder

When it comes to the red chilly powder, different kinds of red chillies are used in Indian cuisine. Most people prefer using the Kashmiri red chilly powder over normal red chilli powder. The Kashmiri red chilly powder will give a bright red colour and this can be used if you want to get a bright red like colour for your dish. People normally use this whole and ground that has a brilliant red hue and comes with little heat.

• Garam masala

Garam masala is considered as the warm spice mix and it is an essential Indian spice blend. It gives depth warmth to the dishes and pairs perfectly with the red chillies to give an aromatic flavour. This specific mixture has simplified ingredients and this all together gives an authentic flavour. From region to region the combination of the garam masala spices varies. Usually, the garam masala is a simple mix of cardamom, clove, cinnamon, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds. These spices are roasted and are ground well and are then stored in glass jars.

• Coriander

This spice is a real workhorse of a spice. It gives a nutty, orange taste to the dishes. This is a dried fruit of the cilantro plant which is mild but comes with a packed full of flavour. This spice is used whole or ground and is a key spice in making garam masala.

• Cardamom

In Indian cooking, there are two types of cardamom used: green and black. The green is more commonly used for everything from spice mixes to Indian desserts. The flavour is very light and sometimes sweet with a mild eucalyptus taste. This spice can be used and is blended with the other ingredients when making the spice mixes like garam masala. When you are using them for desserts or sweets, just pop the pod open and lightly crush the black seeds that give more fragrance.

Also read: Why Eating Indian Food is Actually Healthy!

Do you love all these spices? It’s great! When you buy these spices make sure you buy the best quality authentic spices as it gives exotic flavours to the dishes.

Looking for the best place to buy high-quality Indian spices online in UK? You can buy it from JustHaat. From JustHaat you can buy a wide range of powdered as well as the whole Indian spices of the best quality at affordable prices. Visit justhaat.com now and start shopping for the finest Indian spices here in the UK.

A superfood is a nutrient-dense meal that is helpful to the body. We have all heard about the health benefits of tofu, broccoli, and avocados in our diet. However, a quick look inside a typical Indian home reveals the superfoods that we raise in our gardens or keep in our kitchens. They are nutrient-dense, plentiful, and essential to our health and weight-loss goals. The fact that they are inexpensive is a bonus. The health advantages linked with these superfoods will undoubtedly alter your opinion of them. You can easily buy all of these super healthy foods online in the UK from JustHaat.com the best online Indian grocery shopping destination. Here are 10 superfoods that are popular in Indian countries and have also garnered a lot of traction in international markets.

Must-Eat Indian Superfoods

An increasing number of people are using Indian superfoods to lose weight. Superfoods are good for our body and mind because of the micronutrients they contain. To enhance your health and eliminate toxins from your body, try the following Indian superfoods:

• Turmeric 

This spice is found in every Indian home and is used in almost every dish prepared in the kitchen. Turmeric's vibrant yellow colour adds a splash of colour to any dish. Turmeric has grown in popularity internationally in recent years due to its potential health benefits and capacity to reduce inflammation. It aids in promoting the cardiovascular system and can also fight some types of cancers when used regularly. This herb is used to cleanse the body. Turmeric is a natural antibacterial and antiseptic that can be used to treat illnesses. And in fact, mixing a pinch of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it before bedtime is a very efficient cure for the common cold.

• Ghee

In India, ghee has been used for ages. However, the rest of the world is now catching up and praising ghee for its wonderful benefits. Although ghee is heavy in fat, recent laboratory research has indicated that daily use of ghee in sufficient amounts can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Ghee is high in butyric acid, aids in the reduction of inflammation and the enhancement of immunity. It is high in antioxidants and helps absorb vitamins and minerals from other foods, so it is good for your digestion. Ghee has been in use in almost every dish in a variety of forms, especially in sweets. Also, read Health Benefits of Desi Ghee - The Soul of Indian Kitchen.

• Makhana 

Makhana, or popped lotus flower seeds, is a delicious as well as a healthy alternative to popcorn and other popular treats. Makhana is high in protein, carbs, fibre, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc, among other nutrients. They are particularly beneficial to patients suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity due to their magnesium content. Makhana also includes kaempferol, a natural flavonoid that functions as an anti-ageing agent and aids in preventing inflammation in the body.

• Daliya

Broken wheat is the most common name for Daliya. It is seen on the breakfast tables of most Indian households because it is practically fat-free and high in protein. Daliya comes in various varieties and has just the appropriate quantity of nutrients, and it is high in fibre, vitamin B, and manganese, among other nutrients.

• Amla

The Indian gooseberry is also known as amla. It has a transparent green colour and helps to enhance the immune system while battling the common cold. This fruit is high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and it has strong antioxidant effects. Amla has been shown to improve vision and relieve chronic diseases. It is also a fantastic pain reliever. This fruit not only benefits your hair, skin, and nails but also aids in blood sugar regulation. Because of its nutritional value and capacity to combat illnesses like anaemia and gestational diabetes, health professionals recommend consuming this Indian superfood throughout pregnancy. Also read: Ayurvedic Superfruit Amla- benefits and how to use it?

• Jackfruit

Choose a jackfruit for a more healthy energy boost. This superfood is considered a complete meal. It may be eaten instead of rice or Rotis because it is a fruit, nut, and carbohydrate. It is high in vitamins, fibre, and phytonutrients, all of which rapidly revitalise your body. It can also aid in weight loss, cholesterol reduction, and possibly the treatment of diabetes. It is also known as the Indian vegan meat alternative because of its meat-like softness.

• Ragi 

This super grain, also known as finger millet, is highly healthful and good for your health. Gluten-free and lactose-free, it is the preferred choice of persons intolerant to both gluten and lactose. It is regarded as one of the greatest Indian superfoods for diabetes due to its ability to control blood sugar levels. Ragi, which is high in iron and vitamin D, lowers the risk of stroke. Including ragi in your diet can also help you lose weight.

• Moringa 

Drumsticks are a common ingredient in South Indian meals like Sambhar and Avial. But did you know that this fibrous vegetable comes from the Moringa Oleifera tree, sometimes known as the "Tree of Life''? Yes, this tree's leaves and fruit are utilised for various medical applications, and both are high in nutrition. Potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, C, D, vital amino acids, fibre, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and flavonoids are abundant in drumsticks. Not only have that, but Moringa leaves are high in fibre and help lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

• Coconut 

Coconut can be eaten in a variety of ways. Ascorbic acid, vitamin B, and proteins are abundant in coconut water. Its fat-free nature makes it an excellent drink to consume throughout the day to help your body detox. Coconut oil is widely used in many homes for cooking and hair oiling. It is a fantastic natural moisturiser. Coconut can also be used in a variety of recipes.

• Jau (Barley)

To the outside world, Jau is commonly referred to as barley, and it can decrease cholesterol levels in the blood. Calcium and vitamin E are abundant in barley. It also contains a lot of protein. It helps to heal urinary tract infections as well as aid in bodily detoxification. Weight loss can be aided by drinking barley water. It can be consumed as cereals or flattened out as rotis.

Importance of Indian superfoods

These Indian superfoods have swept the globe because they are inexpensive and packed with nutrients and vitamins that are extremely good for your body. They will help you stay healthy and fit if you include these superfoods in your diet. Justhaat is one of the largest online grocery store in London, UK and you can buy all of the Indian groceries from Justhaat at a low price.

Wrapping it up   

The Indian superfoods are easy to incorporate into your diet and can significantly impact your mental, emotional, and physical health. Including some, or all, of the superfoods on this list as part of a well-balanced diet will help you maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases. Thus, it is time to switch to superfoods and include the whole family in the process.