Addicted to Spices? Us Too! 6 Reasons We Just Can’t Stop
Got a craving for cumin? Jonesing for jerk seasoning? Yeah, we get it. Us too. We’re all addicted to spices in our food, from standalone like salt to flavor combinations like zaatar. Why can’t we stop adding spices and herbs to our food? Here are six reasons.
1. You Can Taste the World
From the tang of salt to the flavor of rosemary, spices and seasonings let us explore the world. With a little bit of courage and some creativity, you can connect to cultures on the other side of the planet and experience a little of what life might be like in those distant lands.
2. Contrasting Tastes
One reason that we all love spices so much is that they allow us to create contrasting tastes. Take some types of American barbeque sauce. They’re sweet, yet tangy, delivering a powerful one-two combination attack on our taste buds.
3. Combinations Unachievable in Other Ways
Simply put, spices and herbs allow us to create flavor combinations that could not be achieved in any other way. Most food is pretty bland on its own. Who gets excited about boiled broccoli, served plain? Plain white rice is just as boring. Spices allow you to transform those foods with unique combinations of flavors.
4. They’re Healthy, Too! So it’s okay to be addicted to spices
Not only do spices allow us to kick the flavor of foods into high gear, but they can also give us a health boost. Regularly adding herbs like cumin and basil to your meals can boost your body’s immune system, reduce stress, and more.
5. Create Something New
Sure, spices and seasonings connect us to the past, but they can also be used to create something new that will delight the taste buds.
6. Improve Your Digestion
Many spices not only ramp up the flavor of dishes but can also help improve how your body digests that food. Mint is a good example, but there are plenty of others.
These are just a few of the reasons that we love spices so much. What about you?
Source:
https://monq.com/eo/herbs-spices/popular-herbs-and-spices/
http://extension.udel.edu/factsheets/using-herbs-and-spices/
