| For centuries south Asian region has been rich. Rich | | | | grocers shelf may be like saw dust when one |
| with it's spices and food recipes. For years, the region | | | | compares it to the fine spices roasted, combined and |
| lured various different crusaders to invade the region | | | | dry ground or wet ground in the traditional Indian |
| over centuries. Beginning from the 14th century, the | | | | traditions. Today one of the most famous |
| moghuls invaded and ruled, what is today the Indian | | | | entrée in the west consists of curry - a blend |
| subcontinent, for over three centuries. And then came | | | | created mixing various different ground spices in right |
| the marvelous voyages of Christopher Columbus | | | | proportions with the water. However there are many |
| taking upon the arduous long voyage and Vasco De | | | | delicacies in Indian recipes due to the inclusion of |
| Gama of Portugal, all because of the lure of rich and | | | | variety of spices. |
| vast variety of spices in the sub-continent. | | | | Fresh ground spices are the order of the day in an |
| Vast fortunes have been made and squandered, | | | | Indian home and will be chosen according to the nature |
| powerful rulers seduced, ailments cured and nations | | | | of the dish, season, individual and family. Some of the |
| have been discovered. All in the name of spices. | | | | common Indian spices available are red chilli pepper, |
| Spices have always cast a spell on our imaginations. | | | | turmeric, black pepper, nutmegs, cloves and many |
| Spices flatter our senses; our sight with their vibrant | | | | more. |
| colors, our smell with their enticing fragrances and our | | | | Other then the usage of spices in culinary, they are |
| taste with their distinct unique flavors. | | | | also used as medicine. Ancient Ayurvedic texts |
| Today, India is one of the largest exporting nation of | | | | prescribe the herbs and spices for curative and |
| spices in the world. Vast variety of spices grow due to | | | | therapeutic functions. Ayurvedic scripts dating back to |
| natural conditions available in various parts of India. The | | | | 3000 years, list the preventive and curative properties |
| major western, south-west, south and south-east is | | | | of various spices. Looking at curative properties of |
| tropical in weather conditions, north-west, north are dry | | | | some of the spices - Ginger prevents dyspepsia, garlic |
| with less humidity and north-east and east have | | | | reduces cholesterol and hypertension and fenugreek is |
| pre-dominantly high-rainy seasons. | | | | a good resistance builder and with pepper often serve |
| Due to the abundance in availability of spices in India, | | | | as antihistamines, turmeric is used for stomach ulcers |
| Indian food is never bland. Most of the recipies | | | | and for glow of the skin. |
| originating from the Indian sub-continent contains spices | | | | Spices have been used to make the food last longer |
| in the list of ingredients. Spices in Indian food are not | | | | in the days when refrigeration was absent. And even |
| heavy and although Indian food is not bland, most Indian | | | | today in some remote parts of India where electricity |
| dishes are delicately spiced to enhance the flavor of | | | | is not available, spices are used in food for |
| the main cooking ingredient. Curry powder sitting on the | | | | preservation. |