Eat Right: Embrace the winter with these 6 spices to keep warm

The Safdarjung observatory, representative of Delhi’s weather, recorded a maximum of 17.2°C – two below normal. The minimum was 8.3°C according to news reports (January 3). As the crisp cold wave grips Delhi-NCR, a familiar chill creeps in, seeking refuge beneath layers of clothing and people looking for hot beverages including chai.

But what if you could carry summer’s embers within, a warmth that radiates not just from bonfires and blankets, but from the very food you eat? Let’s delve into the secrets of a few magical spices from our ancient kitchens that have been passed down through generations. Each with the power to ignite your internal furnace and chase away the winter blues. So, get ready to conquer, one flavourful bite at a time!

But spices are more than just flavour enhancers; they’re packed with nutrients and offer a wealth of health benefits. But before we list out the spices, here’s a glimpse into why incorporating spices into your diet is essential:

Six spices to incorporate into your kids’ diet to keep them warm

“Staying warm in winter is crucial, and incorporating specific spices into your kid’s diet can do wonders,” says Sheena Ahuja, Home Science Teacher at Apeejay School, Faridabad. She shared a few wonder spices to consume this winter.

Ginger: This root vegetable is known for its strong warming effects on your body. There’s so much we love about ginger, not the least of which is its versatility. It works in both sweet and savoury dishes and it can be fiery or soothing. It is available in many forms including fresh, ground, pickled, and crystallised. Add some ginger to overnight oats for a deliciously aromatic start to the day, incorporate it into stir-fries for dinner, and don’t forget all the fabulous baked treats you can make using ginger, including of course, gingerbread. You can also use ginger in drinks, tea, and dry ginger ale. Ginger is known for its ability to ease nausea and gastrointestinal problems.

How to consume: Hot water flavoured with honey and freshly grated ginger can also be a soothing beverage for sore throat.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which can help fight off colds and the flu. It’s also great for your immune system and supports healthy joint function. Known for the vibrant yellow colour that it adds to dishes, turmeric is a natural addition to curries and soups. Add it to mustards and relishes where its notes of orange, ginger, and capsicum will shine. The roots or rhizomes of turmeric are used both fresh and dried in cuisines around the world. Turmeric has a soft peppercorn type of heat so a little goes a long way. Turmeric is also highly valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s a great addition to your diet. Try a turmeric latte or tea, or make a smoothie with turmeric, pineapple, banana, and mango.

How to consume: Ginger-turmeric concoction has incredible benefits on colds. Take one cup of purified water, add one inch of ginger, one teaspoon of turmeric, and half a lemon

Cinnamon: It contains antioxidants that help fight infection and inflammation. Frequently used in baking and sweet dishes, cinnamon also works well in savoury dishes where it brings a subtle sweet warmth. Add to chili con carne to balance the heat of the dish, or use it in marinades. Of course, winter is a great time for comfort food like puddings and baked treats and this is where cinnamon shines.

How to consume: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and grated ginger in a cup of warm water and stir it with honey. You can have the shot twice a day

Cardamom: Warm up your life with the delightfully fragrant cardamom. This spice is widely used in Indian cooking and has subtle citrus notes that lend a lovely flavour to rice, desserts, and curries.

How to consume: You can add this spice to a cup of tea or add a few pods while making a curry dish. While making halwa, you can crush a few pods and add them to the dish.

Cloves: They are often associated with Christmas, think festive hams studded with cloves but they are a lovely spice all year round. They will add a lovely flavour to spiced drinks, such as mulled wine or chai tea, and work beautifully in desserts and puddings.

How to consume: Like star anise, you can ground this with other spices to make gram masala and add it to the curries.

Black Pepper: Packed with piperine, black pepper helps your body generate heat and improves digestion, aiding in better nutrient absorption. Add a generous pinch to soups, stews, and dals, or sprinkle it over roasted vegetables for a burst of warmth and flavour. Due to its antibacterial characteristics, this spice aids in preventing the spread of colds and flu.

How to consume: Add freshly crushed black pepper or black pepper powder to your cup of turmeric milk. If you don’t want to use milk, combine freshly crushed black pepper and black tea, then season with sea salt

Consult your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions before significantly increasing your child’ spice intake. Remember, using these spices in combination can enhance their warming effects. So, experiment with different spice blends and create winter dishes that are not only delicious but also keep you toasty from the inside out!