In ancient times, the Indian diet mainly consisted of vegetables, legumes, fruits, grains, dairy products, and honey.
Over time, the Śramaṇa movement gave rise to Jainism and Buddhism. This movement embraced vegetarianism.
This led to an increase in creating the “Vegetarian cuisine”.
Diversity in climate, soil and culture has led to the invention of different food items in different states of India.
Hence, Indian cuisine consists of a variety of local and traditional cuisines.
These cuisines differ largely, as they are prepared using locally available spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
As India is surrounded by water, consumption of non-vegetarian food, eggs, meat and seafood, mostly fish also are a part of the Indian cuisine.
Consumption of beef in India is an offence because cows are considered sacred in Hinduism.
Past happenings such as conquests, invasions, trade relations, and colonization have played an important role in introducing certain foods to this country.
Today, staple food includes a variety of lentils, whole-wheat flour, rice, and pearl millet (Bajra).
The amazing flavours and aromas of all the Indian dishes come from the incredible spices that our India has to offer.
In ancient India, the spice trade was a profitable business. Spices like cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg were in great demand.
In the olden days, Ayurveda was the way of life.
Sages used these spices to prepare ayurvedic medicines. These medicines are remedies to cure many diseases and illnesses. Some of these Ayurvedic medicines are used now too.
Some spices like turmeric have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. So, is used as a home remedy for ages, for treating colds, cough and other ailments. Turmeric powder mixed with warm milk is a go-to at every home remedy.
India is one of the major producers of cumin seeds. Any food tempering is incomplete without cumin seeds. It has antioxidant properties and is used as an antiseptic.
Coriander seeds are one of the main spices in the south Indian cuisines. The idea of crushing these seeds into powder originated in India.
Cinnamon spices were used by the Britishers to flavour up their cakes and bread. Nowadays, we use cinnamon powder to add flavour to our coffees.
With their rich and unique taste,
these Indian spices have made
INDIAN FOOD popular
all over the GLOBE.
