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Spices for good health and great flavor
Summer is almost here and with the use of black mustard seeds and ajwain seed in cooking soups, breads, and meats. These two lovely spices complement each other very well in your food choices. You also receive wonderful health benefits, you should try incorporating them in your summer cooking.
Black mustard seed
These tiny seeds are rich in numerous essential minerals, which have the following health benefits:
Mustard seeds contain numerous glucosinolates-derived antioxidants, including isothiocyanates and sinigrin. Apart from these, mustard seeds are also rich in isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and carotenoids. All these antioxidants help protect our body against oxidative damage, several infections, and chronic diseases. They also possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Each part of the mustard plant is rich in various nutrients. But the mustard’s leaves and seeds contain copious amounts of vitamins A, C, and K, which are crucial for fighting chronic diseases, better vision and eye health, and blood clotting mechanisms.
Ajwain seed
Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) is a plant that produces small, seed-like fruits similar to caraway and cumin. It comes from the Apiaceae family, which is a group of plants that includes celery, caraway, coriander, fennel, parsley, and parsnips. It goes by many other names, including carom seed, bishop’s weed, and ajowan caraway.
What are the benefits of ajwain?
Regular consumption of ajwain helps in preventing bacterial and fungal infection. In addition, it brings down blood pressure, helps in maintaining cholesterol levels, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Suggestion in use of these lovely spices:
- Making the Indian bread ajwain paratha
- Creating flavorful chicken, fish, bean, or lentil curries
- Flavoring meat, rice, soups, and sauces
- Mixing it with fenugreek, turmeric, and mustard seeds to create a pickling liquid
- Boiling it in water to create ajwain (oma) water to ease indigestion or help with weight loss
Enjoy the freedom of outside cooking. Prepare your side dishes and main meals ahead of time to take advantage of gathering with friends and family as you have longer days of sunlight to hang out in the great outdoors.