Herbs, Spices and Condiments
Spices and herbs are both natural plant products that are utilized in the seasoning of foods. Herbs comprise the green leafy parts of a plant while spices are obtained from any part of the plant including roots, seeds, stems, buds, barks, flowers etc.
Certain plants qualify as both a spice and herb. For instance, dill whose leaves comprise the herb while its seeds are utilized as a spice. Others such as paprika consist of a combination of spices i.e. bell peppers and chilli peppers.
Spices and herbs are mainly used in seasoning foods or for medicinal functions. Further, the quantities of phenolic compounds constituted in them are contributory to their anti-microbial effects as natural food preservatives.
Condiments are also used in seasoning food though they are not natural products – are mainly produced by the food industry.
Uses Of Herbs, Spices And Condiments
Spices and herbs are utilized for both medicinal and culinary functions. They can be used in whole form or ground to powder. They preserve a food’s organoleptic properties by enhancing its aroma, flavour and colour, and also ensure protection against certain conditions.
They have health benefits as they possess anti-oxidant attributes that protect against inflammation, phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and contain minerals such as iron , calcium , magnesium etc and vitamins. They also enhance the process of digestion,
Herbs tend to impose a delicate subtle flavour on food whereas spices tend to evoke a more concentrated flavour. Typically, use them while fresh to maximize their flavour and aromatic properties.
How To Store Herbs, Spices And Condiments
Proper storage is crucial for their ability to retain their flavour and freshness-store them in cool dry places. Condiments will provide storage directions on their food labels.
Examples Of Spices
- Bay leaves
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Coriander
- Chillies
- Nutmeg
- Pepper
- Poppy seeds
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Curry leaves
- Cumin
- Mustard seeds
- Cloves
Examples of herbs
- St John’s-wort
- Mint
- Oregano
- Dill
- Basil
- Thyme
- Sage
Examples Of Condiments
- Sauces
- Relish
- Mayonnaise
- Vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Mustard
Do Spices, Herbs And Condiments Contain Calories?
Yes, all these products contain calories; however, herbs and spices contain minute amounts of calories whilst condiments have high calorie content. Moreover, condiments may contain added sugars, sodium and other preservatives that may pose undesirable outcomes for your health.
Effects Of Consuming Excess Amounts Of Herbs, Spices And Condiments
Of course, they all have to be consumed in moderation. Eating too much spices and herbs can trigger stomach discomfort and pain. The consumption of excess amounts of condiments can cause health implications due to their high quantities of added sugars, sodium and calories.
In Conclusion
It should be noted that individuals with acidity may be required to limit the intake of spices to manage the symptoms of the condition. Although they are not causal factors of acidity.
Spices and herbs are natural products while condiments are not. You can use spices, herbs and condiments to enhance the flavour of your food, to enhance its aroma or impart it with a distinct taste. Spices and herbs are especially important for their associated health benefits in addtio to how they improve digestion. Spices and herbs are not only applied for culinary uses but are also utilized for medicinal purposes.