Masala Powders: List, Ingredients, Pros & Cons, Storage Tips | Mevive International

1. Masala Powders: List, Ingredients, Pros & Cons, Storage Tips

2. Indian masala’s are popular all across the world. A blend of ground spices, masala is used extensively for seasoning Indian cuisine. The word masala simply means a mix of ground spices. Masalas spice up an average plate of food to make every meal more interesting. The spices for masala are usually toasted to bring out more flavour and aroma, and then ground. Masala Ingredients: Check the list of masala ingredients in your favourite masalas.  Garam Masala Black pepper, Cumin, Clove, Cinnamon and Cardamom, Bay leaf, Asafoetida, Coriander.Sambar masala Cumin, Coriander seeds, Fenugreek, Black pepper, Dry red chillies, Urad dal,  Mustard seeds, Curry leaves, Asafoetida

3. Curry Masala Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric, Fenugreek, Chilli peppers  Chat Masala Salt, dry mango, white salt, cumin, chillies, coriander, mint leaves, asafoetida, dry ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pomegranate seeds  KasooriMethi Kasuri (Methi) leavesChicken Masala Coriander, turmeric, chilly, black pepper, salt, curry leaves, fenugreek, dry ginger, garlic, cumin, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg and mace  Channa Masala Coriander, dry mango, chillies, cumin, cassia leaf, mint leaves, pomegranate seeds, mustard, clove, black pepper, fennel, dry ginger, nutmeg and mace, turmeric, asafoetida, black cardamom and cinnamon

4. Advantages of using Instant Masalas: The aromatic Indian masalas are the very heart of Indian cooking.Indian food is the most scientific food, as food is prepared as per the seasons. It has always been believed that Indian masalas, which are a blend of a number of herbs and spices, have had healing and magical qualities even before their culinary uses were discovered. Makes Food Flavoursome  Indian masalas is innumerable and the number of herbs and spices that are included in them make Indian food very distinct and so full of flavour. Used moderately in the right balance, Indian masalas can turn an ordinary meal into as assortment of flavours on your taste buds.

5. Therapeutic Value Few spices like turmeric have therapeutic value too. Turmeric is immensely rich in antioxidants.It is anti-inflammatory and its consumption lowers the risk of heart and brain diseases. Similarly, pepper adds a hot taste to the food and improves your metabolic rate. Cinnamon controls your blood sugar and detoxifies your bodies. Similarly, other spices like black pepper, cumin and carom seeds impact your health positively. Overall Health More than just good food, they are also designed to help attain spiritual, physical, and emotional balance. Indian spices (List) not only add flavour to Indian cuisine, but also enrich it with essential nutrients and contribute towards an individual's healthy life.

6. Time-Saving Instant masalas help reduce preparation time of meals to a great extent. And there is no need for any planning, buying or storage of any ingredients at all with all already included in the masala. There is also faster presentation of food and no hassles in making ready and clearing up the mess caused while cooking. Less Wastage Spoilage of food will occur less with instant masalas that last longer. Organically Grown Masalas are very healthy as they are prepared from organically grown spices that make them free of pesticides. 

7. Easy to Store And they are easy to store too and do not require refrigeration either. Instant add a great taste to dishes and prove to very handy for those who are inexperienced in cooking. So, have these masalas for taste, for flavour and for health as well!Disadvantages of using Instant Masalas: Overuse of anything is bad, so are our masalas that too should be used moderately in the right quantity.  Lack Freshness The freshness of the ingredients used in our instant masalas is doubtful. Only if used fresh, our spices will have their strong essence in the food we eat. Else, they are sure to lose their strength. 

8. Preservatives Masalas do contain a bit of preservatives too, as otherwise they cannot be stored for long without any refrigeration.Storage Tips: Keep them in Airtight Containers Spices and masalas can be stored for months together, if kept in airtight containers or else the moisture in the air can make them lose their flavour, aroma and colour. The traditional small jars are the best way to store Indian spices, as it is a convenient way to preserve their aroma and flavour.  Keep Away from Heat Spices are often arranged on a shelf near the cooking stove to keep them at arm's length while cooking. This can build up humidity in the spice jars making the spices lose out on flavour. So, storing the spices right next to the gas stove is a big no-no. 

9. Keep Away from Light Our valued spices should be stored in a cool and dark place with natural light falling in. Often there is a demand for a well-lit kitchen, but it is not ideal when it comes to storing them as light penetrates into the containers and reduce their aroma. Spices should often be stored in thick jars in closed cupboards to prevent the penetration of sunlight. Avoid Chilling While wet masala mixes stay fine in the fridge for a couple of days, the dry ones acquire moisture and as such lose their spellbinding aroma. These changes in temperature will cause condensation on the spices, shortening their life. Keep Away from WaterWhile cooking, always use a clean and dry spoon that is very essential for preserving a spice mix. Any form of moisture can affect its flavour and aroma. Keep spices far off the dishwashing basin. Thus, the secret of Indian food is the right combination of spices and herbs that have made Indian cuisine such a favourite among people across the globe.