Adding herbs and spices to our food is a bit like making music. There’s a harmony that can be found amongst the seemingly simple flavors of salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. Finding the right balance between these flavors will create a dish that is both complex and delicious; producing a “wow” effect that will set your taste buds on fire.
How To Spice Up Your Summertime
Just as fruits and vegetables have seasons, so do herbs and spices. In the summertime, it is possible to add extra flavor to your favorite foods and drinks while also gaining surprising health benefits. In fact, many of these spices can fight inflammation, improve digestion, or jump-start your metabolism. Interesting in learning more? Check out the following 6 summer spices to experience the best that the summer has to offer:
- Mint: This is one of the best summer herbs because of its cleansing and cooling properties. Mint also relieves tons of common health problems like cramps, hiccups, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Mint is a versatile herb that is easy to add into many summer meals that include meats, jellies, drinks, desserts, and veggies.
- Cumin: Cumin is a detoxifying herb that has a soothing and cooling effect on the body. It also helps with bloating, gas, and it can even help you with your weight loss goals. Add this spice to your soups, vegetables, and grains for a spicy kick that will help you keep your svelte figure this summer.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is usually associated with the winter season and favorite treats like egg nog or spiced cider but, it can be a perfect summer spice as well. It can be used to promote weight loss, lower blood sugar and can help the body use sugar effectively. Use this delicious spice with crisp in-season apples and an iced summer drink for a refreshing change of pace.
- Saffron: Saffron is a beautiful flower but, when used has a spice, offers tons of health benefits. For example, it helps with digestion by improving circulation to the digestive organs and also coats the stomach and colon to help relieve acidity and gas. There are even some studies that show saffron may contain anticancer and antidepressant properties.
- Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds are a great digestion aid and they help to relieve bloating, gas, and cramps. It can also help relieve bad breath and promote good oral hygiene. When used to flavor drinks, fennel seeds can help suppress your appetite and promote weight loss; especially if the drink is taken before meals.
- Coriander: Coriander tastes great, contains 30% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, has a cooling effect on the body, and contains many antioxidant properties that are great for the liver. These benefits make it one of the healthiest herbs that you can eat.
The Bottom Line
There’s no excuse to serve bland food this summer; especially with the many health benefits that seasoning can offer. There are endless flavor combinations that can be achieved with herbs and spices. However, it is important to taste your food during every stage of preparation to make certain that your dish is seasoned properly and has the right balance of flavors.