A mix of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon aroma hit me before entering the market. But as I wandered deeper, I noticed almost every shop proudly displayed a wooden sign that read Authentic Kerala Spices.
Let’s face it buying something fake in the name of an original hurts more than a breakup.
And here’s the twist, I have a long-distance relationship with my kitchen. Spices? Way out of my league. Still, my mom, who doesn’t trust me to boil water, wants me to get some spices from Kerala. The catch? She didn’t tell me what to buy.
Cardamom? Pepper? Cinnamon? Maybe nutmeg and clove? What spices in Kerala are must-buy?
Overwhelmed but determined not to mess this up, i turned to Shivam, my tour guide, who became my spice-shopping saviour.
Thanks to Indian Holiday, who made my trip seamless with an expert guide and perfect planning. My Kerala vacation was an unforgettable journey of flavours and memories. So, here are some of the must-pick spices of Kerala, along with their use, flavours, and significance.
What Makes Spices of Kerala So Special?
Before coming to Kerala, I also thought growing a wide variety of spices was the only reason It is known as the land of spices. But after spending a vacation, the realization came that these gems have medicinal properties, have historical backgrounds, and are used in cultural activities. Hence, purchasing spices from Kerala is all about taking the charm of Kerala along with you.
Spices in Kerala That Tingle Taste Buds and Kindle Experiences
I know how hard it is to pick flavourful spices when you have unlimited options in front of your eyes. Every spice is a must-buy item. It might be, so let’s not give you more of a story but jump into the first-hand experience of spices shopping in Kerala. So, you can do the justice to shopping experience while enjoying your vacation in Kerala.
1. Ginger
Ginger is a perennial plant with grass-like leaves, cultivated for its aromatic rhizome, which has been used as a spice and medicine for over 2,500 years.
- What Flavor Ginger Brings to the Table: Ginger offers a spicy, peppery, and warm flavour that adds zest to sweet and savoury dishes.
- Why Ginger Shines in the Kitchen: Its unique taste enhances culinary creations, making it a versatile ingredient in various cuisines.
- Ginger’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and anti-aging properties.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Ginger: It may help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
2. Star Anise
This is the star-shaped fruit of the Illicium verum tree. It is one of the most popular spices of Kerala and is locally known as Chakri Phool. This is an integral to many Asian cuisines.
- What Flavor Star Anise Brings to the Table: It imparts a sweet, liquorice-like taste, enhancing both sweet and savoury dishes.
- Why Star Anise Shines in the Kitchen: It is used as a versatile ingredient in broths, teas, and baked goods.
- Star Anise’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: It may help treat respiratory infections and digestive issues.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Star Anise: Antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
3. Turmeric
It is one of the most essential spices in the kitchen and is mainly used in powdered forms. However, its raw form is also used for various Ayurvedic drinks.
- What Flavor Turmeric Brings to the Table: Turmeric adds a warm, earthy, slightly bitter undertone with a vibrant golden hue.
- Why Turmeric Shines in the Kitchen: A staple in Indian cooking, turmeric enhances curries, soups, and beverages like golden milk.
- Turmeric’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric aids digestion and boosts immunity.
Science-Backed Health Benefits of Turmeric: Curcumin in turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, supporting joint health and reducing inflammation.
4. Cambodge
It is locally known as Malabar Tamarind and is used to enrich the flavour of dishes. With a little bit of sourness and touches of sweetness, it becomes the most popular choice for a spice collection.
- What Flavor Cambodge Brings to the Table: Cambodge delivers a tangy, sour taste ideal for curries and stews.
- Why Cambodge Shines in the Kitchen: It adds to traditional Kerala fish curries and helps tenderize meats.
- Cambodge’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: It has digestive properties and aids in weight management.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Cambodge: Rich in hydroxy citric acid (HCA)to support appetite control and metabolic health.
5. Black Pepper
Kerala is renowned for its vast production and export of Black Pepper. Also known as the king of spices and probably one of the earliest spices used on this earth.
- What Black Pepper Brings to the Flavorful Table: A sharp, spicy kick with woody undertones.
- Why Black Pepper Shines in the Kitchen: Known as the “king of spices”, elevates flavour in virtually every dish, from salads to curries.
- Black Pepper’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Enhances digestion and improves nutrient absorption.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Black Pepper: It contains piperine, which improves brain function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Cardamom
This is one of the highest prized species in Kerala and is as old as human cultivation. In this state, Cardamom’s cultivation process and techniques have been used traditionally for ages.
- What Cardamom Brings to the Flavorful Table: A sweet, floral aroma with hints of citrus.
- Why Cardamom Shines in the Kitchen: Perfect for desserts, beverages, and savory dishes.
- Cardamom’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Helps with digestion and breath freshening.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Cardamom: Reduces blood pressure and improves gut health.
7. Cloves
This is another ancient species of Kerala that has been around for ages and is used as a flavouring agent. However, it is also popular as a local anaesthetic for toothaches.
- What Cloves Bring to the Flavorful Table: Intense, warm, and slightly sweet flavour.
- Why Cloves Shine in the Kitchen: Cloves enhance savoury dishes, baked goods, and teas.
- Cloves’ Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Act as a natural analgesic and support oral health.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Cloves: Rich in eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties.
8. Cinnamon
It is one of the most essential ingredients but has a milder flavour than other spices. It is grown in a couple of regions in Kerala but has an extensive amount.
- What Cinnamon Brings to the Flavorful Table: Sweet, woody, and slightly spicy flavour.
- Why Cinnamon Shines in the Kitchen: Perfect for desserts, curries, and spiced beverages.
- Cinnamon’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Helps regulate blood sugar levels and boosts circulation.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and supports heart health.
9. Nutmeg
It is a seed of Myristica fragrans and an evergreen tree that produces mace and nutmeg. Nutmeg is already mentioned in Vedic literature and is mainly used for flavour and aroma in cookies and cakes.
- What Nutmeg Brings to the Flavorful Table: Sweet, nutty, and slightly warm notes.
- Why Nutmeg Shines in the Kitchen: Add depth to desserts and savoury dishes.
- Nutmeg’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Acts as a natural sleep aid and improves digestion.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Nutmeg: Contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
10. Tamarind
One of the most integral parts of Spices in the South Region of the country is locally known as Indian Date. Grown mainly in India, it is used in seafood, non-vegetarian dishes and some dishes.
- What Tamarind Brings to the Flavorful Table: A tangy, sweet-sour flavour with a fruity undertone.
- Why Tamarind Shines in the Kitchen: Adds a zesty punch to curries, chutneys, and drinks.
- Tamarind’s Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Aids in digestion and supports heart health.
- Science-Backed Health Benefits of Tamarind: Contains antioxidants and supports liver function.
11. Curry Leaves
You can call it herb or spice, whatever comes to your mind first. This is popularly used in dishes. It is highly aromatic and used extensively in South Indian cuisine dishes.
- What Curry Leaves Bring to the Flavorful Table: Aromatic, slightly bitter, and nutty finish.
- Why Curry Leaves Shine in the Kitchen: Essential for tempering Indian curries and chutneys.
- Curry Leaves Medicinal Wonders Unveiled: Supports weight management and regulates blood sugar.
Science-Backed Health Benefits of Curry Leaves: Rich in antioxidants, they improve hair and skin health.
Tips For Buying Authentic Spices In Kerala
- Local markets are goldmines for fresh spices, but don’t let the aroma distract you from bargaining!
- Trust locals for spice-shopping tips; they know where the deals are hotter than Kerala’s chilli.
- Sniff before you buy, and if it doesn’t smell heavenly, it’s not worth it.
- Avoid “too good to be true” saffron deals unless you’re okay with colouring water, not food.
- Whole spices last longer because grinding them at home doubles as an arm workout.
- Government spice shops offer authenticity without the stress of bargaining.
- While shopping in a spice market, bargain with a smile because it is a market, not a war zone.
How Indian Holiday Made My Spice Collection Journey Smooth And Insightful
Indian Holiday turned my spice shopping into an unforgettable experience. From expert guides who shared fascinating stories about spices to seamless arrangements for exploring Kerala’s vibrant markets, they enriched every moment. I discovered authentic spices without the hassle, learning their culinary and medicinal uses along the way. Their meticulous planning and local expertise ensured my journey was smooth, memorable, and knowledgeable.
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