Herbs and spices have added flavour and magic to Eastern cuisine for centuries. Today, they’re cherished not just for their taste but also for their wonderful medicinal properties. Sri Lanka, fondly known as the “Spice Island,” is a treasure trove of these culinary gems, thanks to its perfect climate that allows a variety of spices to thrive.
Let’s explore some of the major herbs and spices that call Sri Lanka home:
Flavourful Herbs and Spices
Cinnamon (Kurundu)
Ceylon Cinnamon is celebrated for its unique flavor and aroma. It’s a staple in sweet and savory dishes and is also known for its health benefits, like helping with diabetes and reducing inflammation.
Pepper (Gam Miris)
Known as the king of spices, pepper has a sharp aroma and mildly spicy flavor. It’s a great substitute for chilies and is packed with medicinal properties.
Curry Leaves (Karapincha)
These leaves are a staple in Sri Lankan home gardens. They add a strong fragrance to dishes and offer health benefits like aiding liver function and managing cholesterol.
Pandan Leaves (Rampe)
With their nutty aroma, pandan leaves are ideal for rice and curry dishes, filling your kitchen with delightful scents.
Lemongrass (Sera)
This tropical herb has a lemony aroma and is used to flavor meat and savory dishes. It also has medicinal properties and is a natural insect repellent.
Cloves (Karabu Nati)
Cloves are known for their intense aroma and bittersweet flavor. They’re essential in Eastern cuisine and have medicinal uses like relieving toothaches and aiding digestion.
Cardamom (Enasal)
Cardamom, the ‘Queen of Spice,’ is valued for its sweet fragrance and spicy kick. It’s used in a variety of dishes and has numerous culinary and medicinal uses.
Chilli (Miris)
Chillies add a spicy punch to dishes. Sri Lanka cultivates many varieties, each bringing its own heat and zest to the table.
Cumin (Suduru)
Cumin has a warm, earthy aroma and sweet-spicy flavor. It’s used in many dishes and helps with digestion and managing cholesterol.
Coriander (Kottamalli)
Coriander is a delicate herb with a citrusy flavor. It’s a common garnish in curries and salads and has both culinary and medicinal applications.
Nutmeg and Mace (Sadikka and Wasawasi)
Nutmeg and mace come from the same tree and are used in desserts and savory dishes, adding a festive touch.
Ginger (Inguru)
Ginger is a spice superstar, adding peppery heat to dishes and offering health benefits like aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
As you explore these wonderful herbs and spices, remember to enjoy them mindfully. If you’re considering them for medicinal purposes, it’s best to chat with a doctor. We care about your well-being, so stay safe while enjoying these flavourful treasures.