LETS SPICE IT UP {O-R}

ONION

ONION

  Medicinal uses :

• Antiseptic
• Diuretic
• Expectorant
• Rubefacient. 
• Treats skin complaints (acne)
• Antidote for insect bites
• Treats hemorrhoids, boils & toothache

Culinary Uses :

• Onion is a basic flavouring in the kitchen. 
• To flavour the dishes.
• Accompanies well with meat
• Used in soups, pickles and cooked vegetable dishes.
• Used in sauces, bean and lentil dishes. 
• It is a common ingredient in marinades
• To flavour stocks and courts-bouillons.
• The shallot is frequently used in Mediterranean and American cookery,
• Spring onions are common in fresh summer salads and in Chinese and Japanese cookery.

OREGANO

     Oregano means "Delight of the Mountains" in Greek.  This herb is native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family. Its leaves have a characteristic aroma.  They are warm and have a slight bitter taste. Their intensity varies with their quality.  A good-quality oregano is so strong that it almost numbs the tongue.

  Medicinal uses : 

• Control blood cholesterol levels
• Carminative
• Stomach ache
• Diuretic 
• Diaphoretic 
• Used to treat whooping cough and bronchitis
• Externally applied for healing wounds. 
• It has antioxidant and anti-microbial properties
• Anti-septic, Anti spasmodic
• Used as expectorant and stimulant 
• Used in treatment of colds, influenza, mild fevers
• Treats painful menstruation conditions

Culinary Uses :

• Used in meat, sausages, salads and dressings
• Used in stews, soups, omelet, sauces, and pickling.  
• Oregano oil and oleoresin is used in food and beverages. 
• Oregano oil is used in alcoholic beverages and in baked goods. 
• It is a most common spice for pizza.  
• Freshly chopped oregano leaves is a great addition to green/fruit salad.

PAPRIKA

   Paprika is a carotenoid that is often used to add color and  flavour to food. It is a type of pepper. It ranges from mild to hot and sweet to spicy in flavor.

Medicinal uses :

• Source of vitamin A
• Source of vitamin C
• Antioxidant
• Weight loss   

Culinary Uses :

• Paprika is the main flavor in Hungarian cooking.
• Used in dishes such as Goulash and Chicken Paprikash.
• In the United States, it is used as a garnish on stuffed eggs, fish,cheese and vegetable casseroles. 
• Spanish Paprika flavours shellfish, rice, and sausage dishes.
• In Morocco, Paprika is used in tomato dishes and salads.

PARSLEY

     This wonderful, fragrant rich biennial herb is native to the Mediterranean region.  The leaves are larger by size and milder in flavour than coriander.  Leaves and seeds are used as spice. The aroma of the herb is characteristic, fragrant and spicy due to volatile oil present.  There are two varieties of parsley, namely the flat leaf-parsley and the curly leaf-parsley.

  Medicinal Uses :

• Diuretic 
• Carminative
• Anti-pyretic
• The juice of the fresh leaves is used as an insecticide
• Used as local anesthetic and anti-septic agent for teeth and gum diseases.   
• Reduce blood sugar levels among diabetics

Culinary Uses :

• Used for garnishing and seasoning of foods.
• Fresh leaves are used in salads, soups, stews and sauces. 
• Used as a seasoning in meat and poultry. 
• The roots are used as a vegetable in soups. 
• The dried leaves and roots are used as condiments.

POPPY SEEDS

POPPY SEEDS

        Poppy seeds have a nutty and pleasant in taste. Poppy seeds are nutritious oil seeds used as condiment in cooking.

Medicinal Uses :

• Lower Cholesterol
• Laxative
• Expectorant
• Sedaative 

Culinary Uses :

• Used as a source of fatty oil
• Used in breads, cakes, cookies & pastries
• Used in curries, sweets and confectionery 

ROSEMARY

 Rosemary is an herb in the mint family. It has a tea-like aroma and a piney flavor. It is pungently aromatic and smells like camphor.

  Medicinal Uses :

• Carminative 
• Anti-depressant 
• Anti-spasmodic
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Carcinogen blocker
• Liver-detoxifier
• Anti-rheumatic
• Protects from Oral and lung cancer

Culinary Uses :

• Fresh leaves are used for garnishing
• Flavouring of cold drinks
• Dried and powdered leaves are used as condiment
• Used to flavor in salads, soups, baked vegetables, and meat dishes.  
• Used to make rosemary tea.