Spices bring flavour, they add colour and there’s no question about the health properties to be gained from turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and a host of other delicious spices. When it comes to buying them, maybe it’s time to think about going organic.
What’s the difference?
Spices travel a long way to reach your table: grown in faraway places, they’re exotic for a reason. Mass cultivation, storage, transport means that they’re exposed to contamination all along the way. With organic, you’re guaranteeing that your purchase is free of most harmful chemicals and additions. Here’s why:
Traditionally grown spices, like most fresh produce, are exposed to agents such as fungicides, pesticides and herbicides, all containing harmful chemicals. Spices exposed to chemicals from pesticides, or from being irradiated to clean them, carry the threat of tainting the food they’re used with. This can cancel out their health benefits.
Organically cultivated spices use eco-friendly farming techniques that prevent the use of dangerous contaminants. Also, when it comes to sanitising produce, organic growers use a safer alternative to radiation: they sterilise their produce with steam heat instead. Organic standards specify the use of saturated steam under high pressure to kill microorganisms without bruising the plant. And it means the spices taste better! Because the process doesn’t affect the favour of the produce, growers don’t need to add any fillers or additives.
Best ways to buy and use spices
You’re probably used to them dried, but spices are best when purchased whole and ground up or grated when you prepare your meal. Don’t be tempted to stockpile a lot of spices as they lose flavour and most expire after 12 months. Opt for smaller portions to be used while they’re still fresh and full of their healthy properties. Use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder (like a pepper mill) to grind up fresh spice, and it’s easy to grate ginger!
Bring out all the flavour
Most spices need to be lightly cooked before use to heighten their flavour. Whole spices can be prepared by spreading them over a tray and dry roasted in a hot oven for a few minutes. Grind the lightly toasted spices up or add them whole to your dish. For grinding, spices are best gently toasted in a dry frying pan for up to sixty seconds.
Look up reputable sources that stock organic spices – it will mean that you get all the goodness without any of the harm. Considering the wonderful properties of spices like turmeric, cinnamon and so many more, switching to organic is an easy choice.
Source: https://feedingmykid.com/thetruth-about-organic-spices