Natural seasonings, in addition to being great ingredients to enhance and enhance any dish, also help maintain the health of the human body!
Seasonings are used in cuisine practically all over the world. They are used to characterize a dish or just to make it tastier. In a culture like ours, which values its unique and tasty cuisine, the idea of not using seasonings in a dish seems daunting. Furthermore, natural seasonings are certainly used, which help to give an indescribable flavor to our dishes.
These seasonings, in addition to flavor, have an incredible history. They have accompanied humans since their Neanderthal origins. Historical evidence shows that primitive civilizations used leaves to wrap meat, with the aim of preserving the food. With this practice, they ended up discovering that these actions enhanced the flavor of the meat.
Along with various leaves, they also used nuts, seeds, fruits and bark. As time passed, it was also discovered that these seasonings could be used for medicinal purposes.
Currently, the most used natural seasonings are onion and garlic, which are certainly part of every Brazilian’s diet. But, do you even know what their “category” is? Yes, there are categories among seasonings! Under the umbrella of natural seasonings, there are generally two categories: herbs and spices.
Herbs, as you can imagine from the name, are the leaves and stems of plants, generally used fresh, such as onions and parsley. Spices have their origins in dried grains and seeds, such as nutmeg and saffron.
When shopping, you should always look for the greenest and freshest herbs. As for spices, look for those with the most evident aroma, you can’t go wrong! Don’t be afraid to use them in your recipes, try them in your dishes and have fun with natural seasonings. Now, do you want to know more about them? Let’s go!
Check out the main seasonings
1 – Herbs
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most used natural seasonings in Brazilian cuisine – and worldwide too! By the way, in addition to being a great flavor enhancer, the herb is also a diuretic and antidepressant. Believe me, the sprigs, when used correctly, can help with headaches and also with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
As a seasoning, it is used to prepare roast meats and potatoes. However, you can also drink rosemary, using its dried leaves to make a delicious tea. Furthermore, you can take rosemary baths and also use it in the form of essential oil. However, it is worth noting that excessive use can cause negative effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, its use is recommended for pregnant people and people who have epilepsy.
Sage
Sage, which is also known as sage in some regions, is not as well-known as the other natural seasonings on our list, but it certainly doesn’t fall behind when it comes to flavor and advantages in its use. The herb goes well with different types of meat, and can be used to prepare pork, beef and poultry. Although it is widely used as a seasoning for meat, it can also be used to season salads and pasta.
Regarding its medicinal use, sage can be used as a tea, to help with intestinal problems. Furthermore, the herb has sweat inhibitors, so you can also use it to prevent excessive sweating. By the way, the seasoning also stimulates the appetite and has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Would this be the perfect tea!?
Oregano
You may have already noticed that in addition to being extremely tasty, the natural seasonings on this list also have several benefits for your health. By the way, oregano, an old acquaintance of practically all pizzas in this country, is no exception to this rule! Tea from this herb offers several benefits, such as vitamins, and helping to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, oregano tea is used because the herb helps with skin and hair health.
As you already know, this seasoning is used a lot on pizzas. But, in addition, this seasoning is widely found in Mediterranean cuisine, as it originates there. The dried herb is generally used to add an aromatic touch to the most varied dishes, in addition to providing a spicy flavor to pastas, salads and tomato sauces, where they are frequently used. However, if you are using the fresh herb, use less of it in your recipes, as its flavor is more concentrated in this state.
Coriander
Coriander is as much a part of our lives as onion and garlic, the most famous natural seasonings. You know all those herb sauces you’ve probably already eaten out there? So it is! Practically all of them had cilantro inside. Despite its strong flavor, coriander is used in almost all types of cuisine, and its striking flavor can be combined with pasta, salads, meats and sauces. Furthermore, it is recommended to use this herb fresh, as the freshness is more concentrated.
In the medicinal context of the subject, coriander helps control glucose and cholesterol levels, therefore helping to prevent diseases such as diabetes and heart attack. Furthermore, coriander leaves and seeds are highly concentrated in vitamin C and A, strengthening the immune system and hydrating the skin.
Basil
Our next herb is basil, which among natural seasonings is known for its mild flavor. Therefore, it is used in various dishes, such as meats, pizzas, sauces and even fruits. It is also known that its use is majority in European countries, more specifically in Italian cuisine, which uses this natural seasoning in practically all its dishes.
You can use the basil leaves and stem, both for seasoning, of course, and in the form of tea. By the way, the herb has several health benefits, as it helps with severe coughs and stomach pains. Furthermore, the herb is rich in nutrients such as omega-3 and vitamins A and C.
2 – Spices
Saffron
Turmeric, which is better known in Brazil as saffron, is a root known worldwide for its strong color and striking flavor. The spice, of Indian origin, is used in various savory dishes, more specifically to season meat and vegetables, and is very popular in Eastern countries. Now, don’t confuse our yellow saffron with red saffron, as the latter costs approximately 90 reais per gram!
This spice is known to be extremely beneficial to health, attracting the attention of several researchers from Brazil and around the world who are dedicated to finding everything the root can offer us. Therefore, it is known that saffron has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the spice helps you lose weight, fights colds and flu, helps with digestion and many other things.
Cinnamon
You certainly know this spice here: cinnamon! Even if it’s in the form of tea or some delicacy, you’ve certainly tried this spice at least once in your life. Cinnamon is generally used in sweet dishes in our country, as a way to enhance the flavor of delicacies. So, you’ve probably already tried corn curau with cinnamon or even churros with the spice. Generally, powdered seasoning is used, but it is also possible to use cinnamon sticks.
Regarding its health benefits, you can rest assured that they are countless. Although it is generally used in sweets that are not good for your health, even though they are very delicious, the delicacy can also be used in fruit salads. This way, the spice will make your snack even healthier. Furthermore, cinnamon is certainly the best when it comes to nutrients, being rich in fiber, calcium and iron, helping to prevent headaches and migraines, as well as helping to reduce cholesterol.
Curry
Our next spice, curry, is a little difficult to explain, as this delicacy is actually a mixture of several other seasonings. Having its origins in the East, more specifically in India, curry powder generally contains turmeric, cardamom, coriander, ginger, pepper and cinnamon. However, believe me, this combination can contain up to 70 natural seasonings, all mixed to make the curry delicious! Furthermore, this mega spice is usually used in savory dishes, with chicken curry being the most popular dish with this spice.
Because it uses several other seasonings in its composition, curry also brings numerous health benefits. In addition to having the usual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, the spice also helps prevent joint problems, helps reduce tension in the bloodstream, thus preventing heart attacks, and also prevents Alzheimer’s disease.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the natural spices that is possibly part of the lives of all Brazilians, being highly recommended by the country’s grandmothers and grandfathers when they have a cough. They are right about one thing, since ginger tea has antibacterial agents, it ends up promoting a home treatment against flu and sore throats. Always listen to your grandparents! Furthermore, the natural seasoning helps with weight loss, prevents some types of cancer and fights inflammation.
In addition to all its health benefits, the root is also a great seasoning for your dishes! Widely used throughout Asia in savory dishes and throughout Europe in sweet dishes, ginger offers a wide range of options with its striking and slightly spicy flavor. Oh! We also can’t forget the drinks, which use ginger to enhance their flavor. Truly a multifunctional spice!
Black pepper
This spice has its origins in India (yes, another one), but it is currently one of the most used seasonings here in Brazil. Of course we are talking about her, the biggest one, the black pepper! In addition to being widely consumed here, black pepper has also become one of the most exported products in our country, proving once again its importance for us.
This spice is used dry, in grains or ground. The seasoning is generally used in savory foods, such as meat and potato dishes, as the delicacy does not go well with sweets.
The health benefits of this pepper include aiding the digestive system and increasing the absorption of vitamins, such as B and C. In addition, of course, the seasoning has antioxidant action, which protects our body’s cells against free radicals. In addition to being delicious, black pepper certainly doesn’t let anyone down when it comes to health!
If you want to know some more advantages of using natural foods and products, check out this article: Natural remedies for PMS: recipes to alleviate symptoms
Sources: Tua Saúde, Fernanda Mello, McCormick Science Institute, Casa e Jardim, Consul, Ceraflame, Dicas de Mulher, Saber Hortifruti, Ecycle, Jardim de Flores, Home Stratosphere, Dermaclub
Images: Pixabay, Getty Images
