When it comes to cooking healthy, flavorful dishes, herbs and spices are an excellent way to bring your recipes to the next level: not only are these ingredients antiviral, antibacterial, and high in vitamins and minerals, but they also taste great and can be used in a number of different uses. Moreover, once you have used these natural products in your own cooking, you will likely realize that seasonings make great gifts for friends, family and acquaintances. After all, cooking better, healthier food is a concept everyone can appreciate. But what herbs and seasonings make the best gift spices? Read on to find out!
Turmeric
Recently, turmeric received a lot of attention when a number of studies demonstrated a link between the spice and reduced risks of everything from Alzheimer’s to several different types of cancer. This is likely due to the herb’s powerful anti-inflammatory capabilities. However, turmeric is also a key ingredient in a number of different foods, particularly Southeast Asian dishes like curries, soups, rice dishes, chutneys and relishes. Give this gift spice to an adventurous cook in your life!
Smoked Serrano Chili Powder
Not for the faint of heart, serrano chili peppers are known for their bold, spicy, hot taste. However, the pepper also contain a substance called capsaicin, which research has showed may have positive effects on treatments for prostate cancer, migraines, and heart disease, and can also increase metabolism, helping the diner burn calories. This spice is therefore great in Mexican and Southwestern dishes like chili, egg dishes, and casseroles.
Fennel
Fennel is a perennial herb used in a variety of culinary and medicinal recipes. The bulb of this plant has been found to be high in Vitamin C and fiber, which can help promote a healthy immune system and reduce cholesterol levels respectively. While fennel comes in many forms, including fennel seeds, the most potent form of this spice is fennel pollen. Fennel pollen was first used in Tuscan cooking, where it was used in everything from breads and salads to meats and fish. Additionally, many people have created more good pollen recipes, including desserts, as the spice has become popular with American chefs. However, lots of people people are still unfamiliar with this product, making it one of the best gift spices available.
The idea of buying spices as gifts may seem like an odd choice, given that you don’t always know what type of recipes a person likes to prepare. However, with the wide array of flavors and health benefits spices can offer, gift spices can be the perfect present to help your loved ones change up their everyday cooking. Give them something to brag about at the next potluck dinner or family event: buy them spices.