Nutmeg Mace
Nutmeg and Mace, though derived from the same plant, emerge as two distinct spices with different uses and spice profiles. The dried reticulated ‘aril’ of the fruit gives us Mace, while Nutmeg is obtained from the dried seed kernel. These trees typically exhibit unisexual characteristics, showcasing either male or female flowers. Clusters house the male flowers, while female flowers tend to be solitary. The fruit itself is a fleshy drupe, spherical and pale yellow, featuring a central longitudinal groove. While Nutmeg is majorly used in sweet preparations and desserts, Mace finds its uses in savory and meaty dishes.
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Cloves
The commercially traded clove is the dried, unopened flower bud sourced from a moderately sized evergreen tree. Revered as a precious spice in several parts of the world, clove clusters are meticulously handpicked when the buds display full development, featuring a distinct pink hue. Subsequently, these clusters undergo a sun-drying process spanning several days. The essential oil is extracted from the unopened flower buds, leaves, and stalks, adding to the multifaceted utility and value of this aromatic spice. Owing to its flexible flavour profile Clove finds itself used in both sweet and savoury preparations across several cuisines.
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Long Pepper
Long Pepper is the desiccated fruit of Piper longum, characterized by its slender, fragrant plant featuring creeping jointed stems and enduring woody roots. Its leaves, measuring 5-9 cm in length and 3-5 cm in width, exhibit an ovate, cordate shape with broad rounded lobes at the base. They house small, yellowish-orange, ovoid fruits that are minute drupes, nestled within the fleshy spike. As the spikes ripen, they transform into a red hue, adding a visually striking element to the plant’s distinctive features.In addition to being a spice, it is also used as a medicine given its carminative, haematinic, and anti-helminthic properties.
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Galangal
Galangal is the desiccated rhizome extracted from the Alpinia galanga plant. This herb is a robust, perennial, tillering species with rhizomes that range from 2.5 to 10 cm in thickness, exhibiting a deep orange to brown coloration. Standing at a height of 1.8 to 2.1 meters, the plant boasts an erect pseudo stem formed by rolled leaf sheaths, while its inflorescence is terminal and generously flowered. The fruits, approximately 13 mm in length, feature a constriction in the middle and harbor 3 to 6 seeds. Galangal is used as a spice in several dishes in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and China.
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Vanila Sticks
Vanilla, belonging to the orchid family, is a climbing monocot characterized by a robust, succulent stem and short-petioled, oblong leaves measuring approximately 20 cm in length. Its inflorescence takes the form of a raceme, hosting 20 or more flowers. These flowers, spanning 6 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width, exhibit hues of yellowish-green or white. The well-known fruit, often referred to as ‘beans’ or ‘pod,’ is a nearly cylindrical capsule, reaching a length of about 20 cm. Vanilla’s distinctive features contribute to its allure and significance in culinary and aromatic applications.
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Cinnamon
The “True Cinnamon” or Sri Lankan Cinnamon refers to the dry form of the inner stem bark of Cinnamomum Verum. These cinnamon plants are cultivated in a bush-like form. Typically, when the plants reach the age of two, they stand at around 2 meters in height with a base diameter of 8-12 cm. This specific stage marks their readiness for harvesting. The many uses of the Cinnamon include spice in food, perfumery, cosmetics, and anti-fungal medicines.
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Ginger
Dried Ginger holds significant value in global markets for its aroma, pungency, and rich oil and Aleo resin concentrations. While most dried ginger is sun-dried over several days, regions without distinct dry seasons may employ artificial drying methods. The rhizome is carefully dried to achieve a moisture content between 10 and 12 percent. Typically, dried ginger is available in split or sliced forms, meeting diverse culinary and commercial needs. Its premium quality and versatility make it a sought-after commodity, serving as a staple ingredient in cuisines worldwide.
Country of Origin: Nigeria
- Drying Process: Air Dried
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