How to use Traditional Zanzibar spices in your everyday cooking
Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania, known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. But Zanzibar is also famous for its spices, which have been grown and traded on the island for centuries. Zanzibar spices are not only delicious, but also good for your health. They can add flavor, color, and variety to your dishes, and make them more nutritious and enjoyable. In this article, we will show you how to use Zanzibar spices in your everyday cooking, and give you some recipes that use black and white pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, mangrove seasalt, turmeric, and vanilla.
Black and white pepper
Black and white pepper are two types of pepper that come from the same plant, but are processed differently. Black pepper is made from unripe berries that are dried and crushed, while white pepper is made from ripe berries that are soaked, peeled, and dried. Black pepper has a stronger and spicier flavor, while white pepper has a milder and sweeter flavor. Both black and white pepper can be used to season meats, salads, soups, and other dishes. They can also help stimulate metabolism, appetite, and circulation.
Some recipes that use black and white pepper are:
- Zanzibar pilau: Pilau is a rice dish that is cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables. Zanzibar pilau is a popular dish that uses black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and cinnamon to flavor the rice, along with beef, chicken, or fish, and carrots, potatoes, and onions. Zanzibar pilau is a hearty and delicious meal that can be served with salad, yogurt, or chutney.
- Zanzibar pepper soup: Pepper soup is a spicy soup that is made with various kinds of pepper, such as black pepper, white pepper, chili pepper, and allspice. Zanzibar pepper soup is a version that uses black and white pepper, along with ginger, garlic, onion, tomato, and lemon juice, to create a tangy and aromatic broth. Zanzibar pepper soup can be made with chicken, fish, or meat, and can be eaten with bread, rice, or plantains. Zanzibar pepper soup is a warming and comforting dish that can help fight colds and infections.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spicy and aromatic spice that comes from the bark of a tropical tree. Cinnamon is used to flavor breads, pastries, teas, and other dishes. Cinnamon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties, and can help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Some recipes that use cinnamon are:
- Zanzibar cinnamon rolls: Cinnamon rolls are sweet and fluffy pastries that are filled with cinnamon and sugar, and topped with icing or glaze. Zanzibar cinnamon rolls are a variation that uses Zanzibar cinnamon, which has a more intense and complex flavor than regular cinnamon. Zanzibar cinnamon rolls are also filled with raisins, nuts, and coconut, and topped with vanilla glaze. Zanzibar cinnamon rolls are a decadent and delicious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert.
- Zanzibar cinnamon tea: Cinnamon tea is a hot drink that is made with cinnamon and water, and sometimes sweetened with honey or sugar. Zanzibar cinnamon tea is a version that uses Zanzibar cinnamon, which has a more fragrant and rich flavor than regular cinnamon. Zanzibar cinnamon tea is also infused with cardamom, cloves, and ginger, and sweetened with honey or brown sugar. Zanzibar cinnamon tea is a soothing and refreshing drink that can help improve digestion, respiratory health, and mood.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a fragrant and citrusy spice that comes from the seeds of a tropical plant. Cardamom is used to flavor curries, rice, coffee, and other dishes. Cardamom has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and can help improve digestion, respiratory health, and oral hygiene.
Some recipes that use cardamom are:
- Zanzibar biryani: Biryani is a rice dish that is cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables. Zanzibar biryani is a version that uses cardamom, cloves, cumin, and saffron to flavor the rice, along with chicken, lamb, or beef, and potatoes, peas, and carrots. Zanzibar biryani is a fragrant and flavorful meal that can be served with raita, salad, or pickle.
- Zanzibar cardamom coffee: Cardamom coffee is a coffee drink that is flavored with cardamom and sugar. Zanzibar cardamom coffee is a version that uses Zanzibar cardamom, which has a more floral and sweet flavor than regular cardamom. Zanzibar cardamom coffee is also brewed with cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, and sweetened with honey or jaggery. Zanzibar cardamom coffee is a stimulating and aromatic drink that can help boost energy, concentration, and mood.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a warm and sweet spice that comes from the seed of a tropical tree. Nutmeg is used to season soups, sauces, pies, and other dishes. Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic properties, and can help relieve pain, insomnia, and indigestion.
Some recipes that use nutmeg are:
- Zanzibar nutmeg soup: Nutmeg soup is a creamy soup that is made with nutmeg and milk, and sometimes thickened with flour or cornstarch. Zanzibar nutmeg soup is a version that uses Zanzibar nutmeg, which has a more nutty and spicy flavor than regular nutmeg. Zanzibar nutmeg soup is also enriched with butter, cream, and cheese, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and parsley. Zanzibar nutmeg soup is a smooth and savory dish that can be eaten with bread, crackers, or croutons.
- Zanzibar nutmeg cake: Nutmeg cake is a moist and fluffy cake that is flavored with nutmeg and sugar, and sometimes topped with icing or glaze. Zanzibar nutmeg cake is a variation that uses Zanzibar nutmeg, which has a more complex and rich flavor than regular nutmeg. Zanzibar nutmeg cake is also flavored with vanilla, lemon, and coconut, and topped with cream cheese frosting. Zanzibar nutmeg cake is a sweet and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed with tea, coffee, or milk.
Zanzibar spices add flavour, colour, and variety to your dishes, and make them more nutritious and enjoyable.
~ Blue Spices Zanzibar
Clove
Clove is a strong and aromatic spice that comes from the buds of a tropical tree. Clove is used to flavor meats, sauces, cakes, and other dishes. Clove has antioxidant, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties, and can help relieve toothache, cough, and infection.
Some recipes that use clove are:
- Zanzibar clove chicken: Clove chicken is a chicken dish that is marinated and cooked with cloves and other spices, such as garlic, ginger, onion, and chili. Zanzibar clove chicken is a version that uses Zanzibar cloves, which have a more pungent and smoky flavor than regular cloves. Zanzibar clove chicken is also marinated and cooked with coconut milk, tomato paste, and lemon juice, to create a creamy and tangy sauce. Zanzibar clove chicken is a spicy and succulent dish that can be served with rice, bread, or salad.
- Zanzibar clove tea: Clove tea is a hot drink that is made with cloves and water, and sometimes sweetened with honey or sugar. Zanzibar clove tea is a version that uses Zanzibar cloves, which have a more intense and fragrant flavor than regular cloves. Zanzibar clove tea is also infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, and sweetened with honey or brown sugar. Zanzibar clove tea is a warming and soothing drink that can help ease sore throat, headache, and nausea.
Mangrove seasalt
Mangrove seasalt is a natural and unrefined salt that is harvested from the mangrove forests of Zanzibar. Mangrove seasalt is rich in minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iodine, and has a mild and briny flavor. Mangrove seasalt can be used to season any dish, from meats and seafood to salads and soups. Mangrove seasalt can also help balance the electrolytes, hydrate the body, and regulate the blood pressure.
Some recipes that use mangrove seasalt are:
- Zanzibar mangrove seasalt fish: Mangrove seasalt fish is a fish dish that is seasoned with mangrove seasalt and other spices, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and coriander. Zanzibar mangrove seasalt fish is a version that uses Zanzibar mangrove seasalt, which has a more delicate and savory flavor than regular salt. Zanzibar mangrove seasalt fish is also coated with flour and fried in oil, and served with lemon wedges