Description
“Enspicelopedia”, a reference guide which gives pictorial lesson on many unique spices and herbs. In this first series I’ve collected info on few spices which plays a major part in our Indian cuisine.| Ingredients |
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Instructions
Nutmeg is the seed of the fruit which grows on the tree Myristica fragans, the same fruit from which Mace is derived. The oval shaped seeds have a sweet, spicy flavor. When ripe, the fruit splits in half exposing the netlike membrane or aril known as the mace. The mace closely enwraps a dark brown, brittle shell inside of which is the single, glossy, brown, oily seed or the Nutmeg. Mostly ground nut meg is used in most recipes and is readily available in markets. If using fresh seed, try grating them directing onto the dish for fresh flavour.
English ~~ Nutmeg
Tamil ~~ Jathikai
Telugu ~~ Jajikaya
Kannada ~~ Jakayi
Malayalam ~~ Jathikka
Hindi ~~ Jaiphal
Mace is the thin, bright red aril or lace-like covering over the shell of the Nutmeg and derived from the fruit of the same tree, Myristica fragrans. Its flavor is similar to Nutmeg but more delicate.
English ~~ Mace
Tamil ~~ Jathipoo
Telugu ~~ Japathri
Kananda ~~ Japatre
Malayalam ~~ Jathipatri
Hindi ~~ Javitre
Black Stone Flower is a kind of lichen (kind of fungus from PARMELIACEAE family) found on rocks and barks of trees. This amazing living organism is edible and known for its high medicinal properties.
English ~~ Black Stone Flower, Sea Lichen
Tamil ~~ Kalpasi, Marapassi, Kalpaasi
Telugu ~~ Kallupachi, Rathipachi
Kannada ~~ kalluhuvu, kallu hoo
Malayalam ~~ Celeyam, kalppuvu
Hindi ~~ Phathar ke phool, Dagad Phool
Kapok Buds are nothing but Marathi Moggu. These are dried buds and fruits from the Kapok tree or Silk Cotton tree. “Marathi Moggu” is one term which is quite contradictory, as this is a native of Karnataka. Some search results revealed it as a type of caper, but the pictures doens’t match. Net was helpful to some extent but very confusing and somehow convinced with the selection based on the pictures under wiki. Again not a 100% sure but quite positive that it could be the closest. These are the buds from silk cotton trees or Kapok. Flower buds are dried and used as spices and in some cases the fruit is dried and used too.
English ~~ Dried Kapok buds
Tamil ~~ Ilavu, Puulaa, Mullilavu
Hindi ~~ Shalmali, Semul
Kannada ~~ Marathi Moggu
Telugu ~~ Tella Buruga
Malayalam ~~ Appakuttaka, Parappoola, Parapanni.
Jawa Peppercorn are small tailed peppers used for flavouring curries and sauces. Slightly pungent, about the size of a regular black peppercorn with an additional protruding tail.
English ~~ Tailed peppers, Jawa peppercorn
Tamil ~~ Val Milagu, Cheena Milagu
Telugu ~~ Tokamiriyalu
Kannada ~~ Balamenasu
Malayalam ~~ Thippali
Hindi ~~ Kabab-chini
Notes
The term “Enspicelopedia” was adapted from Mc Cormick, which has got a detailed reference section for spices.
Source: Most of the content has been gathered from my Family, wiki and Gernot Katzer’s Spice page.
Most Indian stores stock Nutmeg,Mace and Marathi Moggu but not sure about the rest. Make a list , plan and grab a big bag during your next visit to India.
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