How Indian Grocery Stores Can Help You Improve Your Health

The grocery you shop with can significantly impact what you decide to eat and drink. It does more than just stock groceries. In-store environmental initiatives encouraging healthy food choices have a considerable potential to improve dietary-related behaviors and lessen the risk of disease at the population level because more than half of consumers' Indian grocery store purchase decisions are impulsive.

What you can't find, you can't eat or drink. Because they can be more expensive to acquire and maintain, all food outlets may not sell foods like frozen vegetables and snacks, whereas synthetic, highly processed foods can persist and maintain their appearance for months or even years. However, statistics reveal that over the past ten years, organic food demand has continuously increased. These figures, combined with Whole Foods Market's success, have led several major retailers to expand their selection of organic foods.

Foods made with natural ingredients, spices, fruits, and other healthy options are available at several grocery stores. The wide variety of whole and ground spices used in Indian cooking, frequently blended to create complex spice blends, have a variety of uses and benefits. Let us know about some common spices you can find in an Indian grocery store.

• Cumin:

This aromatic spice is used in the majority of Indian curries. Cumin can be used as seeds, toasted, or ground. It's usually used whole and fried in oil while beginning the dish. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to your meals, making them unique, even though they can be slightly bitter. You can combine it with other spices to enhance the flavor of your curries.

• Coriander:

Coriander leaves and seeds are widely used in Indian Cuisine. It can be used as a seed or toasted and ground into a spice. Coriander leaves are commonly used to enhance the appearance of foods and to add that fantastic taste to the dish. It is an essential ingredient in Garam Masala, another widely used Indian spice. Coriander is described as having a nutty or fruity flavor. It also aids digestion and is frequently used for medicinal purposes, such as calming an upset stomach.

• Garam masala:

Garam masala is the most well-known seasoning in India. In reality, it's a blend of dried spices that includes tej patta, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, and pepper. Many dishes, like Chana Masala, use it. While your onions are frying or while your sauce is simmering, add one to two teaspoons. It is occasionally used as a garnish. It is unlike any other spice and as a result, the taste varies significantly from place to region. No matter what food you consume in India, this spice, or rather this blend of spices, will probably be an ingredient.

• Turmeric:

Turmeric, another common ingredient in Indian kitchens, adds flavor and a lovely yellow color to foods. It's a common ingredient in most curries. People nowadays value it as healthy  and use it for its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Cinnamon:

Cinnamon adds a delicate sweetness to Indian dishes. Because it is high in antioxidants, it can aid in the reduction of cholesterol in the body. It's also beneficial for diabetic patients because it helps to keep blood sugar levels in check.

• Ginger:

Ginger is commonly used in Indian cooking to give foods a peppery flavor. It would be best if you kept it in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh. At room temperature, it could spoil quickly. When using ginger in Indian cooking, you can grate it or finely chop it. You can use powder if you don't have time to chop and grate the ginger.

• Cardamom:

Cardamom is another ingredient that distinguishes Indian cuisine. It quickly loses its freshness, so you must be careful when storing it. Also, make sure to use it in moderation because too much of it can ruin food taste and overpower other ingredients.

• Mustard seeds:

Mustard seeds are used in almost all Indian dishes. Black mustard seeds are the most common and have a more robust flavor than white or yellow mustard seeds. Brown mustard seeds are also available, but they are less common. Toss the mustard seeds in the oil for a few minutes until they pop and split. Then you'll need to add other ingredients or use them to give soups and vegetables more flavor or tadka. Mustard seeds should be kept in a tightly sealed container where it is cool and dry.