It is true that the transparency provided by the internet has allowed people to become more informed about the products they consume, including spices. You are now aware of the potential risks associated with consuming spices that have been treated with chemicals or pesticides, or that have been adulterated in some way. Adulteration can occur when cheaper, lower quality ingredients are added to a spice blend in order to increase profit margins. This can result in a product that is not only less nutritious, but also potentially harmful for your health.
There are several ways in which you can protect yourself from consuming adulterated spices. One way is to buy pure Indian spices from reputable sources, such as specialty spice shops or trusted online retailers. It is also important to read labels and ingredient lists carefully in order to understand what is included in the spice blend. Choosing organic or non-GMO spices is also a good option, as these products are generally produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms. But, is the switch really worth the efforts? Let’s understand this in detail.
It is correct that spices, like any agricultural product, can be susceptible to contamination due to various factors, including growing conditions, sanitation practices, and good manufacturing practices. In organic spices, manufacturers use different processes to remove unwanted organisms from the spices.
- Fumigation- Ethylene oxide (also known as oxirane) is a gas that is commonly used in fumigation, a process that involves the use of chemicals to kill pests, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It is a highly potent gas that is effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacterial spores. Ethylene oxide is often used in the sterilization of medical equipment and other objects that need to be free of harmful microorganisms.
- Irradiation- Irradiation is a process that involves the use of radiation to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms in food, including spices. It is similar to canning and pasteurizing in that it is used to reduce the risk of foodborne illness by destroying or inactivating harmful microorganisms. Irradiation can be performed using a variety of radiation sources, including x-rays, gamma rays, and electron beams. The process works by emitting high-energy rays or particles that interact with the DNA of microorganisms, disrupting their ability to reproduce and survive. While the process may sound scary, it has been deemed safe by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, WHO, USDA, and CDC. Irradiation has been shown to be an effective way to reduce contamination in spices and other foods, and it can be particularly useful in cases where it is not possible to use other methods of microbial control, such as heating or freezing.
- Vacuum based steaming- Vacuum-assisted steaming is a method used to treat spices in order to reduce the risk of contamination by harmful microorganisms. It is often used for organic spices, as these spices cannot be treated with methods such as irradiation or fumigation. In the vacuum-based steaming process, spices are subjected to high-pressure steam for a short period of time, typically 20-40 seconds. The steam is applied in a vacuum chamber, which helps to reduce the risk of damage to the spices and maintain their quality. The process has been criticized by saying that it can decrease the aroma and taste of the spices, but new studies suggest an improvement in the quality of vacuum-based steamed spices. Overall, vacuum-assisted steaming effectively reduces the risk of contamination in organic spices, while still maintaining their quality and taste.
Organic spices are prepared using natural procedures and thus contain several benefits. Here are a few advantages of consuming organic spices-
- Chemical free- Natural methods are used to grow organic spices. These crops are resistant to pesticides, chemicals, and insecticides. Organic manure is added as a natural fertilizer to ensure that the spices develop effectively. This is why these spices are considered pure Indian
- Better taste- Since organic spices are grown fewer pesticides and lack preservatives, the spices have enhanced taste as compared to non-organic spices. Additionally, these spices are not heavily processed as well.
- Boosts immunity- Prepared using natural ingredients and processes, organic spices help your body tackle various diseases and boosts your immunity. You can also buy Indian spices online by visiting our website.
Organic spices are grown and processed according to specific standards that aim to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides, and to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices. Choosing organic spices can be a good way to ensure that you are consuming high-quality, natural, and healthy products. It is always a good idea to read labels and ingredient lists carefully to understand what is included in the spice blend.