Hyve’s founder, Shreya Patel and her family moved to the United States from Gujarat, India. With them came traditional Indian customs, traditions and cooking. Her family wasn’t able to find many of the vegetables they enjoyed eating, so they grew those veggies in the backyard. Although more commonly found today, vegetables like cluster beans and bottle gourds are still some of the vegetables Shreya grows today.
Indian cooking is known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, each adding a unique touch to the dishes. But beyond just making food taste delicious, the traditional spices used in Indian cuisine have been cherished for centuries for their remarkable health benefits. From boosting digestion to reducing inflammation, these powerful ingredients not only nourish the body, but also support overall well-being.
1. Turmeric (Haldi)
- Flavor Profile: Earthy, slightly bitter.
- Benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to curcumin, turmeric supports joint health, skin healing, and digestion. It’s also an antioxidant powerhouse.
2. Cumin (Jeera)
- Flavor Profile: Warm, nutty, and peppery.
- Benefits: Cumin aids in digestion, improves immunity, and is high in iron. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
3. Coriander (Dhaniya)
- Flavor Profile: Fresh, citrusy, and slightly sweet.
- Benefits: Coriander seeds help lower blood sugar, aid in digestion, and improve heart health. They are also rich in antioxidants.
4. Cardamom (Elaichi)
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy.
- Benefits: Cardamom is great for digestive health, freshening breath, and detoxifying the body. It’s also known to reduce blood pressure.
5. Cinnamon (Dalchini)
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, warm, and slightly spicy.
- Benefits: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, helps lower blood sugar levels, and is beneficial for heart health.
6. Fenugreek (Methi)
- Flavor Profile: Bitter, slightly sweet.
- Benefits: Fenugreek aids in digestion, regulates blood sugar, and is used to promote milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
7. Cloves (Laung)
- Flavor Profile: Pungent, sweet, and spicy.
- Benefits: Cloves are known for their antiseptic and anesthetic properties. They can help reduce inflammation and improve dental health.
8. Mustard Seeds (Rai/Sarson)
- Flavor Profile: Sharp, slightly spicy, and pungent.
- Benefits: Mustard seeds are rich in selenium and magnesium, which help in relieving muscle pain and reducing inflammation.
9. Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)
- Flavor Profile: Sharp, spicy, and warm.
- Benefits: Black pepper aids in nutrient absorption, improves digestion, and has antibacterial properties.
