Turmeric has been used by humans for nearly four thousand years. For thousands of years, it has been used as a dye, as a cooking spice, and as a material used in medicine. Sanskrit texts of its use as a spice date back to ancient Indian times. The name Turmeric comes from the Latin Terra merita because its roots, when ground, are golden. The spice is made from the turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant in the ginger family. Turmeric is grown for its stems. The stem is dried and ground into a yellow powder with the bitter sweet taste we know and love.
A household name in Mexico, La Costena offers a wide range of canned and dried goods, including their high-quality dried red bell peppers. Their peppers are sourced from the fertile lands of Mexico, ensuring a distinct, authentic taste. With a focus on quality control and consistent product delivery, La Costena has earned a reputation as a reliable supplier in the global market. Chilli powder is a versatile and essential ingredient in many traditional home cooked dishes from around the world. It adds a burst of flavor and heat to a variety of recipes, making it a staple in any kitchen. Whether you're whipping up a spicy curry, a fiery salsa, or a savory marinade, chilli powder is sure to elevate your dish to new heights.Chili Pepper
Paprika powder comes in various types, including sweet paprika, hot paprika, and smoked paprika, each offering different flavor profiles and heat levels. Sweet paprika is mild and sweet, adding vibrant color to dishes, while hot paprika provides a spicy kick. Smoked paprika, such as Spanish pimentón, has a distinct smoky flavor due to the peppers being smoked over oak fires.
The export of Chinese small red dried chillies has grown over the years, making them a globally recognized ingredient. They are now used in kitchens across the world, adding a touch of Chinese fire to international dishes. Their influence can be seen in everything from spicy Korean kimchi to fiery Mexican mole sauces.One such supplier, based in the fertile lands of New Mexico, specializes in the famous Hatch chilies, known for their smoky sweetness and moderate heat. Their drying process, often done under the sun, enhances the chili's natural flavors, making them a favorite among spice lovers. On the other side of the globe, suppliers in India offer the vibrant and intensely spicy Kashmiri chili, which adds a striking red hue to dishes without overwhelming heat.
When substituting, use common sense. Cayenne pepper is as much as 50 times hotter than sweet paprika, so a 1:1 substitution wouldn't work unless you want some heat—the right substitution, in this case, would be 1/3 of a teaspoon of cayenne per 1 teaspoon of paprika. Make an informed decision, but also use thorough recipes that might suggest reasonable substitutions.
The global export market for these spices is robust, driven by the increasing appreciation for diverse cuisines and the health benefits associated with them. Paprika, rich in antioxidants, is believed to aid digestion, while pimento, with its high concentration of eugenol, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. As consumers become more conscious about the food they consume, the demand for natural and organic spices like paprika and pimento continues to rise.