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Aromatic Herbs & Spices
Spices and aromatic herbs are ingredients that are increasingly used in the kitchen, giving a unique flavor to their dishes. Sometimes it happens to confuse one with the other, even if they are different products, but their function is usually the same, that is to flavor the dishes, enhancing their flavor. The taste and benefits of aromatic herbs With the expression aromatic herbs, we generally refer to vegetables or herbs grown in pots and in the garden, but also available in the wild. There are several types, but among the best known products stand out bay laurel, basil, borage, oregano, parsley, thyme and sage. The aromatic herbs in the kitchen are used in many countries: for example pasta with tomato and basil is an indispensable must of Italian cuisine. The nutritional value of aromatic herbs is in itself rather poor, but these are very important ingredients because they vary the palatability of the foods and allow some useful substitutions for the body's well-being, such as spicy herbs as an alternative to salt. The aromatic herbs for sale on Natura d’Oriente are products of the highest quality, ideal for making your dishes tastier and to amaze your guests with unforgettable recipes. The taste and the benefits of aromatic spices The term spices indicate dry vegetable products that generally come from tropical countries or in any case from quite distant places, widely used since the past to preserve and flavor foods. Aromatic spices are obtained from different parts of the plants: cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and ginger stand out among the most appreciated. Spices and aromatic herbs can give any recipe a unique touch, whether it is a meat dish or a tasty side dish: the secret is to find the right balance!
Aleppo pepper is a fine spice with a fruity and slightly smoky flavor, with a medium spiciness and sweet notes similar to cumin and dried tomato. Used in Middle Eastern cuisine, it is perfect for seasoning meat, vegetables, sauces and spicy dishes.
The cumin plant is one of the oldest medicinal plants, it produces seeds that have a spicy flavor and a rich and singular aroma. In recent years, some research is also verifying its slimming power. The scientists involved compared the effects on overweight and blood sugar levels of the use of cumin extracts.
Tarragon also known as tarragon, is an herb considered digestive and purifying. Similar to anise and celery, it gives a slightly bitter and peppery flavour, suitable as a condiment for less tasty foods. In the kitchen, its fresh and strong taste is used to flavor sauces, meats, fish and eggs. Useful for counteracting meteorism and excess gastrointestinal gas, tarragon is also rich in antioxidants.
The beneficial properties of juniper berries were known from the time of the ancient Egyptians. They were in fact used for embalming and for disinfecting rooms. The numerous active ingredients contained in juniper berries give them important therapeutic benefits. Widely used in folk medicine to treat various ailments.
Oregano has been widely used in cooking since Roman times. However, oregano is used to flavor many dishes, salads, sauces and sauces, cooked and raw dishes. It is excellent with many vegetables, tomatoes and aubergines, and with fish. In case of cold and flu you can make an infusion, also useful to facilitate digestion.
Wild fennel flowers are the small inflorescences that form the umbrella of the plant, highly appreciated as a condiment in cooking. They are collected at the beginning of flowering, dried and then "shelled" in order to obtain this fragrant spice, with a complex and balanced taste. The fennel flower is particularly suitable for flavoring pork, mushrooms, aubergines, olives and typical dishes such as snails in a pan.
Thanks to its intense taste, ground rosemary is suitable to accompany fish, meat and many vegetables. It cannot be missing with roasted potatoes and is often used to brush meat and grilled fish with oil. It has a delicate aroma and can also be used in cooking.
The sage with a pungent and camphoric flavor can be used to flavor meat, vegetables, omelettes, soups and stews. In French recipes, sage is used for the preparation of soups and flavoring white meats and salami, while in Italy it is the protagonist of recipes such as tortelloni with butter and sage, Roman saltimbocca or in the scent of porchetta.
These small and aromatic seeds are known for their excellent properties, used both in cooking and for beneficial infusions. They give a very intense aroma and a slightly bitter taste to many recipes, appreciated in Asian, French and Cajun cuisines. Celery seeds are excellent for soups, broths, sauces, flavoring meat and the famous celery salt. They contain precious nutrients and antioxidants, useful for our well-being.
Thyme is a spice that makes many preparations pleasant. With an aromatic and slightly spicy taste, it can be easily used to flavor pasta dishes, roasted or grilled meat, fish and fillings. Excellent liqueurs and vinegars are also produced. Combined with wine, garlic, onion or brandy, it is used to prepare excellent sauces for meat dishes.
Savory, like many other aromatic herbs, is attributed a herbal use, in particular linked to the digestive system. This medicinal plant is said to have antispasmodic and stomachic properties. Very widespread in Italy, in the kitchen it is excellent for flavoring food but is also rich in beneficial properties, it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
Sumac is a spice with a fresh and slightly acidic flavor, excellent for seasoning first and second courses or for adding more flavor to drinks. Historically used in the Middle East and known in Sicily as Sommacco, this spice also has beneficial draining and digestive properties and is a powerful antioxidant.