SPICES AND CURRY POWDER
Natural Resources Institute in its marketing series defines, curry pow¬der as "a highly specialized spice mixture with a multitude of different flavours for the factory appeal".
The role of spices goes "beyond the satisfaction of the palate. Ancient Ayurvedic recipes prescribed the herbs and spices for curative therapeutic functions. An Indian cook has learnt to adopt these to create imaginative and exotic dishes. It is unfortunate that the preposterous use of spices by a handful of half-back chefs in the west have labeled Indian food as chilly hot and rich.
The role of spices goes beyond the precinct of satisfying the palate.
Ayurvedic scripts dating back to 3000 years list the preventive, and curative
properties of various spices. It is known for instance that ginger prevents dyspep¬
sia, garlic reduces cholesterol and hypertension and fenugreek and pepper often
serve as antihistamines . India substitutes for the western after dinner mint are
fragrant spices such as fennel, cardamom or cloves. Effective mouth freshness,
they aid digestion, prevent heart bum and curb nausea.
Masala is a word that is often used in an Indian kitchen. It literally means a blend of several spices. Garam Masala is added to enhance the flavour of a dish and is a blend of cardamom, cinnamon , cloves and black pepper.
Though it is not known how and when spices came to be added to various dishes, the fact that many spices have been accepted in India for their therapeutic value though millennia, is ample proof that they were first identified in India. The merchandising of spices has been an enterprise of ancient orgin with great cultural and economic significance. Today spices have assumed a multidi¬mensional impotarice with culinary usefulness growing outside its original home.
POTENTIAL DEMAND ESTIMATE FOR CURRY POWDER
The world trade in curry powder has been growing much during last two decades. The demand for curry power in recent years has been estimated as 6000 tonnes. The increasing trend in the demand for curry Powder is likely to continue in the futures also, As a growth rate of 15%, the demand for this value added product was 8000 tonnes for the year 2000 A.D and 9100 tonnes by 2005 A.D.
However instant curry powder prepared curries arid spices seasoning are gaining more importance and growing at a faster rate.
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