The nip in the air gives in to the need for the warm comfort of winter foods, doesn’t it? It is the best time of the year to bring your home alive with rich whole spices. Not just for their nourishing benefits, but also because they provide enrichment to the body and solace to the mind.

Get ready to taste winter with three native and global spices available round the corner. Add them to your culinary routine and enjoy benefits beyond your plates and palates.

Cardamom, the “Queen of Spices” is native to India, and finds its place in so many curries, sweets, and teas. Add it as whole pods or powder, into steamed rice, milk puddings and beverages for a real lift with its sweet flavour. Did you know that leftover skins continue to add flavour to your jar of tea leaves?

Cinnamon is that woody goody spice that gives much-required warmth and body to curries and cakes alike. Toasty and aromatic in appeal, it’s a great winter spice that provides nutritive value when consumed in modest measures. You can even wrap a candle with whole cinnamon sticks for a wonderful fragrant room that de-stresses and relaxes you, increases alertness and improves memory. 

Cloves are native to Indonesia and are now popular globally. From soups to herbal infusions, the flavourful presence of cloves is distinct. Its healing properties protect against common colds and sore throats. A halved orange or lemon poked with six to eight whole cloves can ward off mosquitoes in a room. Adding a few cloves to your jars of rice and pulse keep them safe from pests – the same magic works with your store of winter wear or heavy silks too.

Make winters flavourful and soothing with these tempting spices. Their flavours come from their volatile essential oils, which dissipate in time when they are exposed to air. Be mindful of storing these in airtight containers and keep them away from extreme light, heat and humidity. Whenever possible, buy small quantities and grind whole spices at home to ensure a fresh flavour. 

So, now is the perfect time to allow the sweet scents and warming flavours of such spices to elevate your senses at home. Needless to say, they are the best pick-me-ups during dreary cold months and leave you with the best taste of winter. After all, it’s with the sights, sounds, smells and scents that you make your house a home.