Spices came to Europe from the Orient and were a precious commodity in ancient times that only the richest could afford. Vanilla, allspice and paprika were still unknown in Europe until the discovery of America.
Today, an impressive variety of
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spices from around the world are commercially available. Most of them come from India, South America, the Middle East and the Mediterranean region.
Spices are indispensable for people who are passionate about cooking. Besides the fact that they enhance the taste of dishes, various spices are believed to have positive properties for health and mental well-being: Certain spices promote digestion, stimulate circulation, have antibacterial, blood sugar-lowering, anti-inflammatory or soothing effects on the soul. And those who spice things up need less salt.
Like herbs, spices should be stored in a dark, dry and cool place, tightly closed in cans or jars.
The dosage of spices is of course a matter of taste. But especially "beginners" should dose carefully, because spices can also mask the taste or even falsify it.
