Jackfruit, (Artocarpus heterophyllus), evergreen tree (family Moraceae) native to tropical Asia and widely grown throughout the wetland tropics for its large fruits and durable wood. The greenish unripe fruit is cooked as a vegetable, and the brown ripened fruit is eaten fresh for the sweetly acid but insipid pulp surrounding the seeds. The seeds are cooked and eaten locally. Jackfruit is considered a staple food crop in Sri Lanka and other areas in South and Southeast Asia. Canned or processed jackfruit has gained popularity as a meat substitute in some places.
Mango, (Mangifera indica), member of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae) and one of the most important and widely cultivated fruits of the tropical world. The mango tree is considered indigenous to southern Asia, especially Myanmar and Assam state of India, and numerous cultivars have been developed. Mangoes are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and D. The mango is inextricably connected with the folklore and religious ceremonies of India. Buddha himself was presented with a mango grove that he might find repose in its grateful shade.
Papaya, (Carica papaya), also called papaw or pawpaw, succulent fruit of a large plant of the family Caricaceae. Though its origin is rather obscure, the papaya may represent the fusion of two or more species of Carica native to Mexico and Central America. Today it is cultivated throughout the tropical world and into the warmest parts of the subtropics. It has been a popular breakfast fruit for many countries and is also used in salads, pies, sherbets, juices, and confections. The unripe fruit can be cooked like squash.
Cinnamon refers to Cinnamomum Verum or true cinnamon which is an endemic plant of Sri Lanka Every other cinnamon except Sri Lanka is from related species of plants and is called cassia Cinnamon is a spice derived by making shavings also known as quills of the inner bark of the cinnamon tree Cinnamon trade has a very long history and records show cinnamon in the spice trade of Egypt as early as 2000BC Cinnamon is often used to spice up chocolates deserts and beverages but also for alcohol flavoring and medicine Around 90 of the true cinnamon traded around the world is originated from Sri Lanka
Pineapple, (Ananas comosus), perennial plant of the family Bromeliaceae and its edible fruit. Pineapple is native to tropical and subtropical America and has been introduced elsewhere. The fruit has become a characteristic ingredient in the meat, vegetable, fish, and rice dishes of what is loosely termed Pan-Asian cuisine. The Portuguese were apparently responsible for early dissemination of the pineapple. They introduced it to Saint Helena shortly after they discovered that island in 1502. Soon after, they carried it to Africa and, by about 1550, to India.
Pepper generally refers to black, white and green pepper. Black pepper is the unripe fruit of the pepper plant, piper nigrum, cooked and dried. Green pepper refers to the dried, but uncooked, unripe fruit of the pepper plant. White pepper, on the other hand, is the seeds from ripe pepper fruits. Pepper is the spice that is most traded in the world. It is used for its strong aroma and for its spiciness as a better substitute for chilli. In addition to its use as a spice it has medical purposes and is also used for massages (pepper oil). Pepper is native to South and Southeast Asia.
Pepper generally refers to black, white and green pepper. Black pepper is the unripe fruit of the pepper plant, piper nigrum, cooked and dried. Green pepper refers to the dried, but uncooked, unripe fruit of the pepper plant. White pepper, on the other hand, is the seeds from ripe pepper fruits. Pepper is the spice that is most traded in the world. It is used for its strong aroma and for its spiciness as a better substitute for chilli. In addition to its use as a spice it has medical purposes and is also used for massages (pepper oil). Pepper is native to South and Southeast Asia.
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Cloves are mainly used as a spice, but also used for medicine, fragrance (pomander) and clove cigars. Cloves are harvested and traded mainly in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Tanzania and Zanzibar. When it comes to culinary purposes cloves are used in Asian, African, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are most often used to add depth to meats, curries, and marinades.
Cardamom, is a small spindle shaped seedpod with black seeds inside. The covers are thin and pale green (Elettaria) or dark brown (Amomum). Cardamom is the third on the list of the world�?�?�?�¢??s most expensive spices, right behind vanilla and saffron. Cardamom is used as a cooking spice as well as flavoring (mainly for tea and coffee). It is also used in medicine. Cardamom is native to India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangaladesh. Only a few other countries, like Sri Lanka, have also taken up cultivation.
Nutmeg is the seed of a type of evergreen tree (Myristica fragrans). Nutmeg is used as a flavoring for many sweet dishes from the cuisines of various countries, and as a spice in many savory dishes. Nutmeg is also an essential ingredient in many Christmas favorites such as mulled cider, mulled wine and eggnog. Nutmeg is also used for perfume and medicine. The common nutmeg is native to the Banda islands of Indonesia. The plant was a lucrative trade spice throughout history. Therefore after the Napoleonic war it was transplanted by the British to Sri Lanka, Penang, Bencoolen and Singapore. However records show that the plant existed in Sri Lanka even before this.
Mace is the reddish netlike covering surrounding the nutmeg seed. Mace is used as a flavoring for many sweet dishes from the cuisines of various countries, and as a spice in many savory dishes. Mace is used for pain, stomach problems, and many other conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Mace contains chemicals that might affect the central nervous system. Mace might also kill bacteria and fungi.
Turmeric known as Circuma longa, once processed from the rhizomes, is a deep organist yellow powder. It is used mainly to color foods. When it comes to flavor, the spice tastes slightly bitter and peppery with undertones of earthy flavor. Though used mainly as a powder, turmeric is also used fresh in its rhizome form in certain regions of the world. Turmeric is grown in Southeast Asian countries due to their tropical climes but is native to southwest India.
Ginger known as Zingiber officinale is the root of flowering plant. It is used as a spice for food, flavoring for beverages or in folk medicine. Ginger originated in South China and later spread all over Asia followed by the African continent. The spice was introduced to Europe from India in the 1st century AD. Today it is a very commonly used spice globally.
Curry leaves known as Murraya koenigii are the shiny, dark green, aromatic leaves of a tree from the citrus fruit family that release a deliciously nutty aroma when fried in hot oil. The spice blend is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and consuming it may help reduce oxidative stress, boost heart health, and improve blood sugar levels, among other potential benefits. The best part is that curry powder makes an excellent addition to a wide array of recipes.
Vanilla Beans are the long, greenish-yellow seed pods of the tropical orchid plant, Vanilla planifolia. Before the plant flowers, the pods are picked, unripe, and cured until they re dark brown. The process takes up to six months. To obtain Pure Vanilla Extract, cured Vanilla Beans are steeped in alcohol. Vanilla contains chemicals that are high in flavor and fragrance. Vanilla bean extract is used a flavoring in confectionery and baking. Essential oils extracted from the plant are also used in the perfume industry.
Moringa known as Moringa oleifera is a small deciduous tree native to tropical Asia but also naturalized in Africa and tropical America. Flowers, pods, leaves, and even twigs are cooked and eaten. The leaves, which can also be eaten raw when young, are especially nutritious and are high in iron, potassium, and vitamin C. As an antioxidant, it seems to help protect cells from damage. Moringa might also help decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
Sesame oil is a cooking oil made from sesame seeds that's popular in Asian cooking. There are a few varieties made with pressed plain seeds or toasted seeds, and they are used in different ways in Chinese, Japanese, South Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Light sesame oil is typically used as a neutral cooking oil, while toasted sesame oil is used as a flavoring in sauces, soups, and other dishes. Toasted sesame oil is also known as dark, black, or Asian sesame oil. The light brown to dark reddish-brown oil is made with toasted sesame seeds and has a strong aroma and flavor. A little goes a long way; sesame oil is often used as a finishing oil, adding nutty, toasty flavor to a hot or cold dish. Typically, the darker the toasted sesame oil, the stronger the flavor. Light sesame oil, also called white or plain sesame oil, is light in color. It's made using raw sesame seeds, resulting in high-heat, low-flavor oil.
Tahini is a paste of crushed sesame seeds that is highly used in Middle Eastern cooking. Tahini mixed with garlic, lemon juice, and salt and thinned with water constitutes taratoor, a sauce that is eaten as a dip with Arabic bread as part of a selection of meze, or hors oeuvres. Taratoor is mixed with ground chickpeas for hummus bi tahini, another hors oeuvre dip. Tahini is also used as a sauce ingredient for fish and vegetable dishes.
Coconut flour is a unique alternative to wheat flour. It's well known among low carb enthusiasts and those who have gluten-related disorders. It incorporates a delicate, powdery texture and white color, as well as a distinct flavor and aroma of coconut. In addition to its amazing nourishment profile, coconut flour may offer a few benefits when used as a portion of a healthy diet. These include improvements in blood sugar stability, digestion, and heart health.
Creamed Coconut which is diverse from Coconut Cream, is made from unsweetened dehydrated fresh coconut meat, that has been ground and pureed in to pieces. Creamed coconut is an amazing alternative fixing to dairy and palm oil for dairy free chocolate and baked products. It is also a extraordinary substitution for dairy creams and butters, it is especially utilized in Indian, Oriental and Caribbean cooking but is equally scrumptious and nutritious when utilized to naturally thicken and add a creamy surface to soups, casseroles or sauces. Creamed Coconut is also vegan, natural, raw, and free from dairy, gluten and preservatives. eating dessert.
