The Healing Power of Spices

At the start of this new year, here at SKORDO we’re focusing on healthy and homemade, and what better place to start than simple herbs and spices you can add to your dishes and drinks that can benefit your body and mind. Find a recipe at the here for Golden Milk, the perfect cold weather drink that combines a few of these ingredients all in one!

Cinnamon: This spice is a great way to add warmth and depth to any dish! It’s a spice that is rich in antioxidants, helps reduce inflammation, and is linked to reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. There are two types of cinnamon, Ceylon and Cassia. If you’re looking to get the most out of regular cinnamon use, Ceylon is known as the “true” cinnamon and the one considered to bring us most of these benefits.

Looking for a way to add cinnamon into a savory dish? Try our Greek Seasoning with an orzo and grilled vegetable salad, or our Chinese Five Spice on short ribs!

Check out our deep dive on the three kinds of cinnamon we offer at SKORDO here.

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Turmeric: A member of the ginger family, turmeric is a key ingredient in many Indian, Southwest Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes. It has been used for thousands of years in India as a spice, as well as for its medicinal properties. It’s an easy way to add color, flavor, and warmth to any dish! It also works great as a natural dye for fabrics, foods, and egg-dying.

Turmeric acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and is also thought to help with improvements in heart health. The main ingredient in the root is curcumin, which is what brings turmeric most of its benefits. Black pepper is the perfect partner to any dish where turmeric is present, as it contains piperine, which is a natural substance that helps our bodies absorb curcumin and reap all the benefits turmeric has to offer!

Want to try a new blend or rub that’s loaded with this spice? Check out our Malay Curry Powder or Shawarma Blend. You can also find turmeric as the main ingredient in Lemon Turmeric Lentil Soup, Sunday Beef Stew, or our Turmeric Coconut Smoothie Bowl.

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Black Pepper: On its own, black pepper is great for boosting metabolism, fighting inflammation, and acting as an antioxidant. It’s also linked to help with anxiety and stress relief. Our go-to for fresh cracked pepper is our Tellicherry Peppercorns. If you’re looking to add simple flavor to any dish without too much thought, look no further than our Garlic Pepper and Lemon Pepper, two of our team member favorites!

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Cayenne Pepper: This spice is a great way to add flavor and a bit of heat to your food without the need of salt. The main component in cayenne pepper and other chili peppers that brings the most aid is capsaicin. It’s high in a number of nutrients, helps speed up metabolism, as well as containing compounds which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's thought to increase blood flow and circulation and aid in heart health.