Spices are very important for any dish. The correct spices can make any dish look and taste incredible. A spice can be a seed, root, bark, or fruit. They are also used for preserving various kinds of food items. Spices have been around since the ancient times and were often used back then too. They were used in rituals, medicines, cosmetics, or during perfume production.
One of the most famous spices is the five spice powder. This powder appears to be just a mixture of five or more spices. But, this spice powder is much more than that. It has unique flavours, uses, and a rich history. All those things are mentioned below.
The Uses
Five-spice powder has many uses. Some of those uses are mentioned below.
1.This powder is used in Chinese cuisine
2.This powder is also used frequently in various Taiwanese cuisines
3.This powder is also used in Arabic cuisines
4.This powder is used during the preparations of quite a few cocktails too
There are just a few out of the many regular uses of this powder.
The Constituents
This powder can be made by using various spices but, the most commonly used spices are mentioned below.
1.Star Anise
This spice is obtained from the fruit of the evergreen tree known as Illiciumverum. This spice is harvested just before the ripening of the fruit. This spice is used during cooking, to prepare perfumes, soaps, toothpaste, and many other common household items. This spice further has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
2.Cloves
This spice is the flower bud of the tree Syzygiumaromaticum. This spice is native to Marku Island. Cloves are one of the spices that are available throughout the year. This spice is the fourth most expensive spice in the world. Cloves are also used for their antioxidant properties. They are also used as pain relievers.
3.Chinese Cinnamon
This is a spice that is actually an aromatic bark of the evergreen tree Cinnamomum Cassia. These trees are widely grown in southern and eastern Asia. This is one of the most common types of cinnamons used. This spice contains very powerful antioxidants. It further has medical properties which allow it to fight cancer and reduce blood clots. This spice boosts memory and fights against various other diseases like diabetes. It also has antibacterial properties.
4.Sichuan Pepper
This is one of the most commonly used spices in Chinese cuisines. This spice has medical properties because of which it has been used as a type of medicine for a very long time. It is also widely used in India, Tibet, Nepal, and various other areas surrounding those countries.
5.Fennel Seeds
This is the last type of spice that is used in the Chinese spice powder. This spice has powerful antioxidant properties. It is rich in fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and foliate. It is known to increase the strength of the immune system. This spice also helps in fighting colon cancer and reduces blood pressure. Also, it can help in combating toxic effects of food additives. It further has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
This above-mentioned information tells about all that is present in the flavours of Chinese spice powder.
If you want to buy Five Spice Powder or Curry Leaves Substitute, the author of this article suggests The Spice People.