A World Tour on The Trail of Spices

Spices, which have been the most valuable product of global trade for centuries, create a feast with their colors and enchant with their various scents, are an important part of the gastronomy world. In addition, spices continue to fascinate the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries with their scents. Spices, which gave their name to the trade route in the past, appeal to our five senses with their traditional and strong scents.

Egypt- Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that we use extensively in coffee and desserts today. In addition, cinnamon has been the leading role in alternative treatments for thousands of years. The first use of cinnamon, which is obtained from the inner bark of a tree called "cinnamomum", which is found in many countries, especially Egypt, dates back to Egypt. At that time, cinnamon was a very valuable, rare and expensive product and gift that could only be used by kings. Its scent was thought to open the mind and increase concentration. Cinnamon has benefits such as protecting against infections, fighting diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and aiding weight loss. It is also known to have benefits for the skin and reduce pain. 

Turkey-Cumin

Estimated to have a history of two thousand years, cumin is widely used as a condiment or spice in the cuisines of the Indian Subcontinent and some other Asian, African and Latin American countries. Cumin, which is frequently seen in Turkish dishes and adds a different touch to dishes with both its taste and smell, is also very beneficial for our health. It is known that the smell of cumin calms the nerves, reduces the stress level, gives energy, is good for insomnia and has a mind-opening effect. In order to benefit from cumin faster, you can consume it as a tea instead of using it in meals.

Iran-Saffron

Saffron, which is indispensable for Iranian cuisine with its taste, color and smell, is a very difficult spice to obtain. In order to obtain only half a kilo of saffron, 225 thousand stigmas of 75 thousand flowers must be collected by hand one by one. Therefore, saffron, which is a very expensive spice; Apart from its industrial uses in food, perfumery, medicine and textiles, it has been consumed as a healing plant for thousands of years. Saffron, which is very rich in antioxidants, protects cells against stress. It is also known for its strengthening of memory, relaxing and soothing effect of its scent, appetizing and skin benefits.

India-Curry

Curry, whose use is spreading rapidly day by day, has spread to the world from Indian cuisine and is a spice mixture that has become the secret of the flavor of this cuisine. Curry, which is the unique flavor of especially chicken and red meat dishes, attracts everyone with its smell as well as giving a very pleasant color and taste when used. Regardless of the color and origin of curry, which has a deep-rooted history and is estimated to have been used even in the 1300s, it usually contains turmeric, ginger, cumin seeds, fenugreek, cinnamon, coriander, red pepper, black pepper, mustard seeds and nutmeg. While these components in it are effective in relieving joint pain and in the treatment of inflammation; Again, the cardamom and basil it contains help prevent heart diseases. Finally, we can say that the protein in curry powder also helps general digestion.

Indonesia-Clove

Carnation, which is obtained from a tree of Indonesian origin and known for its perpetual greenness, is nowadays mostly grown in Zengibar in Africa and other islands in the Indian Ocean. In Turkey, it is grown only as an ornamental plant in greenhouses or homes. It is a spice known since ancient times and used for the treatment of diseases; It has a pain-reducing effect, reduces bad odors in the mouth and prevents stress. It has a very intense and effective scent as it contains a lot of essential oils.