THE SPICE TRAIL

Hello friends, my name is Aloka and this is my naughty but nice dog Pippin. He goes with me everywhere and we have wonderful adventures together. The uniqueness of Sri Lankan food is the variety of spices that we use in our cooking. From the hot chili powders to the warmth of the various curry powders and the unique flavours of various spices, our food is delicious and inviting. We all enjoy the curries our mothers make, but have you thought about some of the various spices that go into these dishes? Where do they come from and how do they make the journey into our mother's spice box on the kitchen shelf? Let's get on the spice trail!

Cinnamon

Sri Lanka is known world over for our cinnamon. In fact it is an established fact that we produce the best quality cinnamon in the world. There are two kinds of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon has a sweeter, fresher taste than the Cassia one, and if you are cooking Sri Lankan food, don't ever replace one for the other. Sri Lanka is the number one producer and exporter of Ceylon cinnamon.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is the next most popular spice that is exported from Sri Lanka. Pepper is a key component in many of the curry powders produced and is vital in every curry cooked. Pepper plants dot the countryside in Sri Lanka.

Cardamom

Cardamom is usually referred to as the Queen of Spice. It has its origins in India, but Sri Lanka tends to be one of the main suppliers. Cardamom is such a multipurpose and popular spice, it is used in both hot and sweet dishes. You can find it in a hot curry powder, as a main component in rich cakes and even as an ingredient in the teas we drink.

Cloves, Nutmeg and Mace

Whilst cloves are indigenous to India, nutmeg and mace are popular in Indonesia. Despite this, these spices are widely used in Sri Lankan cuisine. Some of these spices are key ingredients in the local Sri Lankan curry powders and give our curries that unique and wholesome flavour. Although they are popularly added to hot curries, they can also be incorporated into cakes, desserts and sometime teas, for example Masala teas.

Turmeric

Turmeric is widely used in cooking but also has other helpful qualities. Many use it as a key ingredient in cleansing agents, and it can even be used medicinally.

Spices indeed add that certain uniqueness to our local cuisine. Go to the kitchen today and have a look at the spices your mother is using to cook today. Can you spot the ones we’ve talked about? Until next time have fun in the sun!