Category: Culinary spices

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a tolerable daily intake for coumarin exists, a compound found in high amounts in common Cassia cinnamon. But is it safe to eat 1 teaspoon of cinnamon a day? The answer hinges on knowing your spice and your personal health circumstances.

Lovage seeds were historically used since Roman times, prized for both their culinary and medicinal properties. So, what do lovage seeds taste like, and why might this potent spice be the secret ingredient you're missing in your kitchen?

According to Ayurveda, fenugreek (or methi) is considered a warming and stimulating herb, a classification that helps determine its use for balancing the body's doshas. This ancient perspective addresses the question, "Is fenugreek garam?" and provides a nuanced answer that depends on how the herb is prepared and consumed. While its core properties are hot, certain preparations can yield a cooling effect.

India is the world's leading producer of fenugreek, responsible for cultivating over 80% of the global supply. However, this annual herb, a staple in many cuisines and traditional medicines, has a long history and diverse cultivation practices that extend far beyond its primary production region.

According to research, annatto-based ingredients account for an estimated 70% of natural food colors used commercially today. The main purpose of annatto seeds is to impart a vibrant yellow-orange hue to a wide range of foods, while also adding a subtle, peppery flavor that enhances dishes.

Cardamom, an aromatic spice, is known for its distinctive flavor and potential health benefits. The amount to use daily depends on the intended purpose.

Used for millennia in traditional medicine across Asia and the Middle East, black caraway—also known as kalonji or nigella—is revered as a "miracle herb". It is valued for its broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits, which are now being validated by modern scientific research.

In 2003, the U.S. FDA issued a warning to consumers about the potential dangers of star anise tea due to reports of severe side effects, predominantly linked to contamination with poisonous Japanese star anise. The question of does star anise have side effects is therefore critical for anyone using this spice, whether for culinary or medicinal purposes, and understanding the real risks is essential for safety.

Known historically as the 'singer's plant,' the hedge mustard (*Sisymbrium officinale*) has been a valued traditional remedy for treating hoarseness and vocal disability for centuries. This versatile plant, with its small, potent seeds, has applications that extend beyond its famed herbal uses, lending its distinctive flavor to various culinary dishes.

Galangal root has been a staple in traditional Asian medicine for centuries and is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine. However, while typically considered safe in culinary quantities, its safety profile in larger supplemental doses is less clear.