The Spice of Life - Our Use of Spices Everyday
Spices - From the Garden to the Spice Rack
Spices are such a big part of our lives
For centuries, spices have had a major influence in people's lives. It has played a large roll in many countries economical development. Aromatic and exotic spices give us pleasure in our enjoyment of food. We enjoy the use of spices almost every day, if not every day.
The more I learn about different herbs and spices, the more I am amazed at nature's ability to help and heal us in body and mind and spirit through this means. I have a feeling that with all we know of so far about herbs and spices, that its really just barely touching on in regards to what we can know in the future. Its rather exciting to think about, but would explain why sometimes, we crave certain things that we do. I love to grow herbs that I use as spices, as well. Its very enjoyable. Spices and herbs have been invaluable in folk remedies and modern medications. The use of them in this fashion goes way back in time.
We use spices of different kinds to fragrance our living spaces and our bodies as well. I recall being at a perfume counter not long ago, and its so true, as some new fragrances have some spices incorporated into them, blended with other things.
Spices have become a part of our language, having some influence even on little sayings that one may not think of. For instance, phrases like, "Spice of Life" (like this hub title), or "spice things up" or, "worth your salt", came into being for a reason.
The spice trade which dates back centuries, has brought incredible drama, romance and intrigue into our histories. All over the world, are amazing stories that revolve around the spice trade. From sea captains, to explorers, to traders and buyers, you will find rather entertaining and interesting stories. Of course, there will be a fair share of tragedies as well. With such sought after items as spices, many were willing to risk much, and show just how important spices were. Not that I needed any convincing.
Some of my favorite Spices and Herbs
I know we each have our "favorites" when it comes to spices, (maybe even without knowing their exact names, we know what we like when we taste it!). Here are a few of my favorites that I use and enjoy fairly regularly.
Salt and Pepper of course, especially coarse salt lie sea salt, and cracked peppercorns
Garlic, in all its forms, powders, fresh, jarred minced, you name it
Mustards, and oddly enough, I like the regular mustard the best, just simple yellow mustard. Some think me odd, when I could have Grey Poupon, etc.
Different chilies and peppers, like Cayenne (my #1 current favorite), Poblanos, Serrano, and the pickled jalapeno, yum!
Cinnamon
Cilantro, and while I haven't always loved it, I do now. I am even growing some currently.
Bay Leaf, which I use every week and many days a week at times.
Nutmeg, Allspice, and Cloves (now I am thinking Thanksgiving pies!)
Basil
Oregano
Sage
Rosemary.
Some herbs/spices that I have grown myself are:
Basil, Sage, Oregano, Fennel, Dill, Rosemary, Cilantro (then also Coriander, as that is the seed of cilantro), and many of the peppers that I love.
Its very rewarding and I would highly recommend trying your own growing, in even a small space, or pots. Herbs can thrive sometimes even in poor soil. I have grown other herbs, but they are not the herbs for spicing things.
