What is spice and how many categories are it divided into?

Hundreds of spices are used around the world. persian spices are prepared from the bark, seeds, roots and buds of various plants. These materials may be stored and used fresh or dry.

In addition to flavoring food, culinary spices have been known as food preservatives since ancient times and were used in food because of their health-enhancing properties.

Some people add spices to the food so that the same food can be prepared with several different flavors. Therefore, spices can be divided into the following categories based on the taste they add to food:

• Spicy spices
• Mild spices
• Sweet spices
• hot spices
• Aromatic spices

Some examples of different classifications of spices include Indian, French, Italian, and Moroccan spices. In fact, some types of spices are used in large quantities in the cuisines of different parts of the world. For example, Indian cuisine is usually known for its hot taste of pepper and other hot spices.

All kinds of persian spices

In this section, you will get to know 10 types of Iranian spices:

Saffron – persian spices

Saffron, which is known as the most expensive spice in the world, is very unique because of its very distinct taste and its wonderful orange color.

The fact that saffron is used in most foods is one of the main reasons why saffron is more valuable in terms of its weight and cost. Saffron is basically the stigma of crocus flowers, which is usually picked by hand.

The best type of saffron is the one that has a beautiful and rich dark red color. In general, this special spice is produced in Iran, Spain and Kashmir.

In addition, its excessive use may cause nausea, dizziness, anxiety and dry mouth. For this reason, it is used in small amounts.

But saffron in small amounts is often used as a sedative as well as treating dry skin, improving menstrual symptoms and asthma. You can use saffron in many Iranian and even foreign dishes.

Thyme, one of the persian spices

Thyme is a plant that is famous in many countries and is used in many dishes. This spice is one of the aromatic spices and can change the taste of food completely.

To prepare thyme spice, you must first let its leaves dry and then grind them to turn into thyme powder. Then you can use it in all kinds of food and enjoy the aroma it gives to the food.

Thyme has medicinal properties and can relieve physical discomfort in some cases. Thyme oil is also used on the skin and is useful for it.

But excessive use of this spice may cause allergies, dizziness and upset stomach in addition to making the food bitter.

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angelica _ persian spices

This native Iranian spice is widely used because of its pleasant and unique smell. Angelica is mostly used to flavor pickles, stews and soups.

This spicy spice also gives an attractive flavor to Persian lentils. Angelica with vinegar is a tasty seasoning to flavor cooked beans.

Of course, if you eat angelica alone, you may not like its taste because it has a very sharp taste. But this spice is usually used in powdered form.

Also, this spice can act as a natural antibiotic and reduce inflammation in your body. This spice does not have many side effects, but it may cause skin sensitivity.

In fact, if this spice, which is included in the list of pungent spices, comes into contact with your sensitive skin, it may cause symptoms such as redness, allergies, itching, etc.

Turmeric _ persian spices

Turmeric is another very famous Iranian spice with a combination of bitter and spicy flavors. This spice is also known by other names such as Indian saffron and yellow ginger. Turmeric is easily recognizable due to its combination of bright yellow and orange colors.

Recently, turmeric has become very popular as a “golden spice” and is now used in drinks such as “Golden Latte”. This is primarily due to the numerous health benefits that this spice has.

For example, this spice has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent cancer. In addition, many people believe that it has the ability to treat depression and arthritis.

It also lowers blood sugar. But excessive use of this spice may also cause side effects such as iron deficiency, pregnancy problems, stomach problems, low blood pressure and nausea.
Therefore, it is better to use turmeric in moderate amounts in foods. You can use this spice in many Iranian and foreign dishes to give a golden and attractive color to the food and make it taste more delicious.

Cumin – persian spices

Cumin is one of the most common spices native to Iran and European and African countries. The properties of this spice and the flavor it gives to food have made it a very essential ingredient and one of the most famous types of spices around the world.

This is due to the special aroma and taste of cumin, which can completely change the taste of food. In fact, one of the most distinctive features of cumin is the intense aroma of its brown seeds.

Cumin can be used in granular or powdered form. In any case, using it creates an almost smoky and pleasant taste to the food and makes it very delicious.

Cumin is by far one of the most popular spices with many health benefits, helping with weight loss, cholesterol, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, and many other ailments.

Of course, excessive use of cumin also has its side effects and can cause liver damage, miscarriage, and heartburn.

sumac – persian spices

This incredible spice is very popular because of its beautiful purple color and spicy and sour taste that is like vinegar or lemon. Of course, the sour and lemony taste of sumac is not as good as lemon itself.

But this spice is used in many different types of food. Sumac is obtained from flowering plants belonging to Rhus and grows mainly in temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia, North America and Africa. It is for this reason that Iran is considered one of the producers of this spice.

Medicinal records of the Middle Ages that recorded the properties of various spices show ample evidence of its use as a remedy for many ailments such as intestinal ailments, headaches, asthma, colds, fevers, and flu.

It is for this reason that this spice is very popular among Iranians and is used in dishes such as kebabs. But excessive use of sumac can also have side effects such as poisoning. Also, cold-tempered people should use sumac with hot foods or spices because the nature of sumac is cold.

Omani lemon – persian spices

Omani lemon spice is made from dried lemon and is used in many regions of the Middle East such as Iran. In fact, the use of this spice is very important in Iranian cooking and it is added to food to create a sour taste and aroma.

This spice is earthy and somewhat smoky and lacks the sweetness of fresh lemon. This spice is used in fish stews around the Persian Gulf and in cooking beans and lentils.

Also, the use of Omani lemon spice in Qorme Sabzi can make this dish many times more delicious. You can also use this spice as a substitute for sumac.

Of course, note that you should not use Omani lemon properly in food. Because this causes absorption of harmful substances during cooking.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon should be known as one of the oldest types of spices, which is mostly used as a tasty and very aromatic seasoning in many foods and sweets.

This spice has a light brown color and dates back to 2000 BC. Cinnamon spice is also widely used in chocolate production.

It is also used to flavor cereals and various foods. The flavor of cinnamon is quite similar to cassia spice bark and usually has a spicy and sweet taste.

Cinnamon can help heal fungal infections, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and respiratory tract congestion. Also, this spice can increase sexual power and improve mental concentration and memory.

Of course, due to the hot nature of this spice, it may cause heart palpitations or insomnia. It may also cause complications such as depression. Therefore, it is better to use this spice in small amounts in food.

Coriander, one of the persian spices

Coriander, when ground, can be used as a spice and add a nice flavor, especially to dishes like chicken.

Coriander seeds are very popular in Iran and are even used in salads. This spice has an almost spicy and nutty taste and can be used raw.

Therefore, this spice is considered one of the most healing spices. Of course, those with high blood pressure should not overuse coriander. Because this spice may reduce blood sugar in the body. It may also cause allergies in sensitive people.

fennel

Fennel seeds are found in two main types. The first type is bitter fennel, which has a licorice-like aroma and a slightly sweet taste. Another type of fennel has a sweet and nutty taste.

Basically, fennel is a perennial and resistant plant that was very valuable in ancient times and was used in a variety of foods. This spice has many medicinal properties and is used to relieve muscle spasms and bloating.

It also strengthens hair and increases bone strength. Of course, fennel is also hot and not suitable for hot-tempered people. Also, high consumption of fennel is not recommended for people with asthma or allergies.

ginger – persian spices

This spice has a spicy taste that is used in many Iranian dishes. Ginger is very useful for treating digestive diseases due to its antioxidant properties. This spice is used to cook all kinds of fish and chicken.

Caraway

Black cumin is one of the spices that gives a unique flavor to Iranian food. This spice is mostly used in soups, ham and desserts. You can mix ground black cumin with cheese and eat it in the morning or in the evening with sweet tea.

push

Cardamom is used to prepare many desserts. Cardamom has a different taste, it is sweet and spicy at the same time. Among white, black and green cardamoms, green cardamom is the most widely used. This special spice is used in many foods, breads, desserts, sweets and jams.

Garlic powder

Adding the necessary amount of garlic powder to seafood to improve their taste is very useful and practical. In addition to its high nutritional value, this spice also acts as a blood pressure regulator.

Curry

This type of spice is a type of mixed spice whose ingredients are different in some regions. Curry spice is one of the delicious spices of Iranian food. The combination used in this type of spice includes cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, sweet pepper, coriander leaves, clover, chili powder and fennel. In addition to giving good taste to food, curry spice also reduces the unpleasant smell of meat, chicken and fish.

red pepper

Among the peppers, red pepper has a hotter character, which is usually used as a seasoning for flavoring food or preparing a variety of spicy sauces.

Black pepper

This spice has many nutrients. It is usually recommended to use it to maintain the health of the body. The use of spices in Iranian cuisine gives a pleasant taste and aroma to the food. One of the uses of black pepper is to decorate salads.

Salt

To complete a delicious dish, salt must be used without a doubt. Iodine in salt is very useful for maintaining body health, but excessive consumption increases blood pressure.

Pasta seasoning

Cooking pasta among Iranian families does not have specific instructions. Each person uses spices for cooking pasta according to his taste. In general, the spices of Iranian cuisine do not have a specific composition. Adding ingredients such as thyme, dry basil, red pepper and rosemary to pasta gives it a unique taste and aroma.

3 important combinations of pasta spices are as follows:

• Garlic, thyme, basil, rosemary, salt and pepper
• Cumin and thyme
• Parsley, oregano, basil, garlic, cinnamon, salt and pepper

Falafel spice

We also need mixed spices to cook falafel. Usually, 4 main spices such as mango powder, black pepper, nutmeg powder and turmeric are used to prepare falafel. To make your falafel taste more special, you can add coriander seed powder, ginger powder, black cumin powder, salt and red pepper to it.

Vegetable spice

Qorme Sabzi is one of the main Iranian dishes. Normally, there is a fixed composition for cooking Kormah Sabzi. However, you can prepare a tasty dish by adding or subtracting other ingredients to it.

The main ingredients of Qormah Sabzi include the following:

• Coriander and parsley
• dry fenugreek
• Turmeric
• Ghor powder or lemon powder
• Fennel powder
• Spinach and leeks
• Black pepper and salt

Pilavi spice

In order to improve the taste and smell of different types of pilaf, such as bean pilaf and bean pilaf, it is better to use mixed Iranian spices. Some of these spices are:

• cinnamon powder
• rose powder
• Black cumin powder
• ginger powder
• cardamom powder
• Clove powder
• Nutmeg powder

fish spice

To cook seafood such as various types of fish and shrimps, you can use compounds that, in addition to making them tasty, also help to reduce their smell. The types of these spices are as follows:

• Mustard powder
• Dried bell pepper
• ginger
• Clove powder
• Hair leaf powder
• Cardamom and cinnamon
• salt and pepper

Stuffing spice

You can use the following to cook a ghee:

• meat seasoning
• Omani lemon powder
• Turmeric
• Saffron
• Salt and black pepper

Broth seasoning

A flavorful broth that reminds you of rainy days and old houses with courtyards, needs a combination of Iranian spices. Some of these spices are as follows:

• Omani lemon powder
• Coriander seed powder
• Under black and green
• Turmeric
• cinnamon powder
• Black pepper and salt

Pounded barbecue spice

Kobideh kebab is one of the authentic Iranian dishes. This dish is considered one of the most famous Iranian dishes in the world. There is no need for special spices to cook pounded kebab. You can use saffron, black pepper and salt to cook this dish.

Stew spice

The use of spices in all kinds of stews is almost common. These compounds can even be used to prepare food. These compounds include the following:

• Turmeric
• Cumin and black
• Black and red pepper
• Nutmeg Hindi
• ginger powder
• green cardamom
• Coriander seed powder
• Cinnamon

Gheeme Nisar spice

This type of spice belongs to the city of Qazvin. In Qazvin market, packages of Qeima Nisar spices are sold separately. If you do not have access to this type of spice in a combination, you can make this combination yourself with the help of the following:

• Turmeric
• Saffron
• Cinnamon
• Cumin
• push
• salt and pepper

cajun spice

You can use Cajun spice to prepare a variety of meat and non-meat dishes. To prepare such a mixture, grind the following items and mix them together.

• Oregano and dried thyme
• Garlic and onion powder
• Red and black pepper powder
• paprika
• Salt

Wrench spice

This type of spice is one of the special and important combinations of spices in Sistan and Baluchistan province. Achar spice ingredients are made from the following:

• wheat, onion, coriander seed, dill seed, green and black cumin, turmeric, tomato, salt and pepper

Follow the steps below to combine and make this spice:

• First, wash the wheat.
• Cook them until they break under the teeth.
• Wash the onions carefully, grate them and place them in the container.
• Grind the remaining ingredients and then knead the mixture by hand until it becomes a paste.
• Shape the dough into small pieces and store them in the shade for 10 days.

 

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