Spices have been known to people since ancient times. Since then, when a person realized that meat fried on a fire is much tastier than raw meat, he experimented with various additives to make the dish even more interesting.
Only the lazy did not talk about the benefits and harms of spices. Scientists, doctors and ordinary people break spears, defending their innocence. Some elevate any of them to the rank of a panacea, others make it the cause of terrible ailments ... As is often the case, the truth lies in the middle. Moderate use of quality additives allows you to improve the taste of ready-made dishes, and at the same time will not harm the body.
Content
The main task of these additives is to improve the taste of the dish, but this is not the only scope of their application. In ancient times, when keeping food fresh was a challenge, spices served to mask bad odors. Curry was the leader in this matter, with the help of which it was possible to make even frankly rotten food tolerable.
They were expensive, they were worth their weight in gold. They aroused such interest that for the sake of their prey even special expeditions were equipped, which, in addition to their main task, from time to time also discovered new lands.
Many species are excellent preservatives, so their use helps prolong the freshness of cooked foods and can protect against the unpleasant consequences of eating poor-quality food, such as indigestion or poisoning.
It is difficult to calculate the exact number of spices in the world. Every country, every nation has its favorite spices that are used in the preparation of national cuisine. Seasonings can be divided into several groups:
In addition, they can be divided into three groups:
Synthetic spices are not only harmful in themselves. In their composition, you can find dyes, flavors, preservatives, antioxidants, flavor enhancers and other unwanted additives. Spices of natural, vegetable origin are much tastier and healthier for the body than those obtained in chemical laboratories.
The use of spices, in addition to improving the taste and aroma of dishes, can have a beneficial effect on the body, which will be expressed in the following:
In order not to get the opposite effect instead of benefit, it is advisable not to exceed the daily dose of consumption of spices, which is 1-4 g per day.
Even when used in recommended quantities, a situation may arise in which spices will harm the body.First of all, it is an individual intolerance to one or another spice.
Do not forget that they are strong irritants, so for certain diseases (for example, with bronchial asthma or cystitis), it is better to exclude them from the diet. During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, you also need to be careful when using spices. Some spices are not compatible with drugs, for example, curry neutralizes the effect of drugs based on aspirin.
Artificial additives can cause harm to the body. Most often, in inexpensive sets under the names "Spices for meat", "Seasoning for chicken", "Set of spices for fish" the results of the activities of chemical laboratories are hidden. Therefore, it is better to refuse the use of such additives, replacing them with natural products.
There are many companies selling spices on the Russian market. The four largest are:
The four companies listed above together occupy about 35% of the Russian flavoring market.
The list includes sets of spices in different price categories, which are in steady demand and have positive feedback from consumers.
This list includes the most budget options that can be purchased for everyday use. Despite the fact that no exquisite products are presented here, using them will make ready-made dishes much tastier and more aromatic.
The average price is 290 rubles.
Despite the low cost, this product is suitable for both everyday use and festive dishes, and thanks to thoughtful interesting packaging, it can even be given as a small gift. Consists of four jars: seasoning for chicken, for beef, for fish (citrus mix) and for lamb. The composition contains only natural ingredients. For example, fish mix contains salt, starch, orange peel, sugar, fennel, garlic, mint, and white pepper. The weight of one jar is 75 grams, the weight with packaging is 330 grams.
The average price is 312 rubles.
This set of the Russian brand "Po Vkusku" contains something that no housewife can do without: black pepper, dried garlic, basil, natural edible sea salt and a universal seasoning based on garlic and pepper, which will perfectly complement meat dishes. Spices are packaged in five jars of 40 g each, total weight - 200 grams.
The average price is 334 rubles.
The set includes two jars of 30 grams: “Aromatic coffee” (nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger) and “Garam-masala for drinks” (comprising cinnamon, ginger, star anise, anise, cloves). The first mixture is used with both natural and instant coffee and gives it an invigorating rich taste. The second is added to black tea with milk, and thus the traditional Indian Masala tea is obtained.
The average price is 400 rubles.
This product has a unique Crimean flavor. Mixtures are selected for certain dishes: for fish soup, for barbecue, lamb, for fish on fire, for pilaf and Svan salt. Producer - "Tea of the Crimea". There are six polyethylene packages in a cardboard box, each weight is 50 grams. Shelf life - 1 year.
The average price is 410 rubles.
This set is suitable for classic hot mulled wine, and also complements such alcoholic drinks as absinthe, vodka, bitters, gin, whiskey. In the trade line of this manufacturer there is also a citrus-ginger mixture. Ingredients - coriander 20%, cumin 20%, pearl barley 60%.The set is sold as a mixture, in one package weighing 90 grams, which makes it easy to use.
This category presents products that optimally combine affordable price and high quality.
The average price is 500 rubles.
A versatile selection of natural products that will complement not only Italian cuisine, but also any other. Depending on the type of content, the weight of one jar ranges from 30 to 50 grams, there are eight in total in the set. The total weight is 315 grams. In the composition - oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, as well as French, Provencal, Italian and Mediterranean herbs.
The average price is 558 rubles.
This set contains six packages: seasoning for meat, for first courses, for pilaf, for fish, smoked paprika, a mixture of five peppers. The composition does not contain artificial additives and components. For example, the composition of the Five Peppers mixture includes white, black, allspice, green and pink varieties of pepper in equal proportions.
The average price is 656 rubles.
The six sets of spices included in this set will allow you to cook a variety of dishes, from light broth to juicy boiled pork. The meat mixture has a delicate spicy taste and aroma. A mixture of coarse black pepper and lemon zest is perfect for both fish and meat. Favorite by many, ground bay leaves are very convenient to use. Dried garlic is indispensable for cooking red meat. The Renaissance mixture is suitable for soups and stews. The fish mixture is used for frying, for complex fish dishes and as a base for salting. An interestingly designed box contains six plastic jars, each weighing 30 grams, the size of the box is 20x20x4 cm.
The average price is 750 rubles.
A set of 12 plastic jars from the Spices of the World brand, placed on a beautiful wooden shelf, will please any housewife, and can also be a wonderful gift. The mixtures are selected for Italian dishes: red chili pepper, ground black pepper, ground cinnamon, curry, dill, coriander, kebab mixture, parsley, chicken mixture, basil, rosemary, turmeric. Due to the different forms of processing (ground, crushed, grains, etc.), the weight of the jars is different and ranges from 10 to 50 grams. The total weight is 900 grams.
The average price is 822 rubles.
An outstandingly designed set from the NewStory brand will be an excellent gift by February 23rd. An interesting design will win the heart of any man and serve as an incentive to cook something unusual. Contains three flasks with screw-on "vodka" caps, 8-12 grams each: with chili pepper, white pepper and rosemary.
This category contains interesting options that will make any dish unforgettable, and can also serve as a great gift.
The average price is 1096 rubles.
The popular Russian brand Kooh offers a set of 24 types of spices that are suitable not only for any dish, but also for drinks. Ingredients - seasoning for minced meat, for grilling, ground black pepper, turmeric, spicy paprika, Svan salt, chili pepper, parsley, mustard, ground ginger, sweet paprika, dill, coriander, universal seasoning, basil, Provence herbs, seasoning for chicken , for pork, for fish, for potatoes, suneli hops, Mexican mixture, ground garlic. Shelf size - 29 x 28.5 x 11.7 cm. Weight - 2200 grams.
The average price is 1100 rubles.
Packed in an interesting craft box, this set will allow you to prepare fragrant warming drinks: traditional, fragrant, warming, cherry, berry mulled wine from white wine, as well as monastery sbiten. It can be used as an additive in tea, coffee and other drinks. The composition includes 6 plastic jars of 50 grams each.
The average price is 1155 rubles.
The premium set includes seasonings for fish, chicken, pork, potatoes, pilaf, minced meat, grill, Mexican mix, Provence herbs, suneli hops, garlic, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, ground red chili pepper. The weight of one jar ranges from 31 to 82 grams, there are fourteen of them in total.
The average price is 1590 rubles.
A gift set of 12 reusable glass jars-mills from Ekom-company will please any housewife and will be a great addition to the kitchen. The durable metal from which the cutting parts of the mills are made will cope with even the hardest mixtures. A practical stand will allow you to place spices in a convenient place. The set includes a mixture of five peppers, black peppercorns, a universal mixture, a mixture for salads and soups, smoked salt (on alder), seasoning for meat and steak, for chicken and turkey, for grilling, Mexican, for pilaf, for potatoes, Provencal herbs.
The average price is 7999 rubles.
Stylish, compact, but rather weighty packaging (weight with a stand is 6300 grams) will be a wonderful gift for connoisseurs of gourmet dishes. The set includes 40 flasks with various spices: azhgon, anise, star anise, basil, barberry, cloves, mustard, ginger, kalinji, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, sesame, turmeric, marjoram, nutmeg, poppy, mint, oregano, fenugreek, paprika, smoked paprika, parsnip, white pepper, allspice, green pepper, pink pepper, black pepper, chili pepper, rosemary, sea salt, thyme, cumin, fennel, savory, dry granulated garlic, black cardamom, sage, tarragon . Glass flasks with a volume of 30 ml are closed with natural stoppers, which helps to prevent loss of aroma. The stand is made of natural wood. The size of the wooden stand block: 28 x 18 x 8 cm. Height with flasks - 26 cm.
You can buy sets of spices both in a regular store and over the Internet with online payment. To ensure that online shopping does not disappoint, the following points must be considered.
The cost of spices varies widely. The presence of gift packaging makes even simple spices more expensive. Rare spices, as well as elite quality goods, will also be expensive. A low price often indicates the artificial origin of the product, so it is advisable to study its composition in detail so as not to harm health.
The main determining factor is your own taste preferences, as well as the presence or absence of contraindications and individual intolerance. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of nuances.
The choice of spices is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. But if you approach this with a soul and apply your imagination, you can change the taste of familiar dishes with minimal means and bring a pleasant variety into your life.