What is a Spice?
Spices are a special class of plants that are more densely loaded with flavoring agents used principally in cooking. Spices are mainly derived from seeds, fruits, roots, stems, flowers, or bark of their respective plants. Spices are usually preferred in dried form. However, some special leaves like bay leaf and curry leaf are also considered as spices because of their potent strong flavor. Throughout human history, spices have been highly valued in different cultural aspects such as cooking, medicine and even religious ceremonies. Today different cultures around the world have preferential selection for specific set of spices that have resulted in cuisine unique to that part of the world.
Know the science behind aroma & flavor
Have you ever wondered what gives a particular spice its specific aroma and flavor? Spices are rich in certain chemicals known as ‘spice flavors’ that give the characteristic aroma and flavor to that particular plant. These compounds are produced by each plant for a specific purpose. For instance, Cineole the flavor compound of turmeric has a bitter taste to ward off animals that try to eat the rhizome. Piperine, the heat producing agent of black pepper corns irritates hot pain nerves on the tongue of insects, thus acting as strong insect repellent. Anethole, the flavor imparting compound of star-anise has evolved to fight-off infections and repel insects. On the other hand, clove contains Eugenol, a flavor compound with a sweet and eucalyptus-like fragrance whose main purpose is to attract pollinating insects.
Rhizome of Turmeric plant (a modification of root)
Rhizomes are essentially the plant’s food store comprising of 70% carbohydrate. So, to protect it, it contains the powerful flavoring content Cineole, which is bitter in taste, especially to the animals who try to eat it.
Caryophyllene, the principal aromatic compound of the barks of these trees has an important defensive role for the plant. When a plant is being eaten by an animal, carophyllene is released which signals downwind plants to produce defensive chemicals.
Cinnamon, the inner bark of genus Cinnamomum trees
It is a fortunate coincidence that many of these flavor chemicals have aromas and flavors that are very pleasant to humans and so find use in different aspects of human life.
Berries (corns) of Black Pepper plant (Piper nigrum)
The berries of these plants contain a chemical compound called piperine which generates heat when coming in contact with the tongue. It is a very strong insect repellent.
Cloves (dried flower buds ) of Syzygium aromaticum tree
The dried flower buds contain a high concentration of the chemical compound Eugenol. Eugenol’s main function is to attract pollinator insects for the plant, but it also serves as pest repellent. Eugenol has a warm and sweet taste and eucalyptus-like fragrance
Why natural spices?
In today’s market, a buyer has a variety of spice brands to choose from. Everyone wants to choose the brand that provides the tastiest and healthiest spices. But in today’s world, there is rampant adulteration in many food products and spices are no exception. Dishonest manufacturers has made it a routine to prepare adulterated spices, mainly driven by greed for higher profit margins. This in turn has put the health of the naïve public buyer at high risk. This is because, most of the adulterated items include harmful chemicals, synthetic colors and artificial flavoring agents. The general buyer is oblivious to the great health hazards imposed on him on the consumption of these products.
Laajawab Spices’ most important principle is to improve the health of the general buyer by providing him genuine unadulterated product. We give the highest importance to the well-being of our precious customer as we firmly believe that ‘Health is Wealth’. Spices have been scientifically established to boost the immune system and protect against numerous aliments like cancer. However, spices need to be provided at their pure, natural form in order to reap their health benefits. Hence, Laajawab spices are committed to provide unadulterated natural spices to their esteemed customers.
Fruits of Star Anise plant (Illicium verum)
The fruit of Star Anise contain a chemical compound called Anethole which is the main flavor imparting compound. Anethole has evolved in these spice plants to defend against plant pathogens. Anethole is also an insect repellent.
A holistic approach!
A few natural/organic brands do exist in the market. However, they are very highly priced such that only the wealthy customer can buy them. Thus, the common customer is unable to afford these products. Our aim is to provide the best natural product at the most affordable price, so that the common customer can easily afford them. Our motto is to make the genuine authentic natural products easily accessible to the general public. Our zealous craftsmen have meticulously worked in the development of a hygienic, natural spice brand. We believe that service to humanity and the nation is above all.
