How spices enhance raw cuisine?

Raw food cuisine has surged in popularity in recent years, thanks to its numerous health benefits. This diet focuses on consuming foods in their most natural state—uncooked and often organic—to preserve their nutrients and enzymes. However, one of the most common criticisms of raw food is the perceived lack of variety and flavor. This is where spices come into play, transforming simple raw dishes into gourmet delights.

Spices do more than just enhance the flavor of your dishes—they also offer a multitude of health benefits. Here are a few:

• Antioxidant properties: Many spices, such as turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves, are rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and prevent chronic diseases.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Spices like ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, beneficial for those suffering from chronic inflammatory conditions.
• Digestive aid: Spices like cumin, fennel, and black pepper can help stimulate digestion and improve nutrient absorption.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Certain spices, such as garlic and oregano, possess antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections and maintain good gut health.

Incorporating spices into raw food can add a vibrant touch of color and intense flavors to your dishes. Here are some tips for using spices effectively in your raw food preparations:

• In Sauces: Sauces are an excellent way to infuse spices into your meals. For example, a dressing made from tamari, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass powder can transform raw vegetables into a flavorful dish.
• Spiced Smoothies: Adding spices like cinnamon, turmeric, or ginger to your smoothies can not only enhance their flavor but also boost their health benefits. Adjust the dosage and combinations according to the seasons and your preferences.
• In Salads: Sprinkling ground spices over your salads, fruits, or even raw desserts can significantly elevate their taste. For instance, a touch of smoked paprika on an avocado and tomato salad adds depth and complexity. Our Long pepper pearls elevate orange carpaccios, green Khmer mango, or Hibiscus powder adds a citrusy note to fruit salads.
• Spiced Infusions: Cold infusions are a simple way to enjoy spiced teas within the raw food framework, preserving the benefits of the infusions.

To inspire you, here are some simple recipes that use spices to elevate raw food cuisine:

• Spiced chickpea salad with Paprika: Generously add Cambodian Paprika to your chickpea salads for a mild, sweet, and spicy note.
• Ginger smoothie: Sprinkle your favorite smoothies with a bit of Wild Ginger powder. It gives a zingy kick to banana-based smoothies.
• Turmeric detox Juice: Add 1 teaspoon of Turmeric powder to your orange, carrot, and apple juices.
• Cashew Caesar Sauce: Try this original cashew-based recipe for dressing your salad or enjoying it as a dip with raw vegetables or crackers.
• Summer salad with Fresh green pepper in Salt: Our iconic pepper fermented in salt, is the ideal ingredient to enhance your summer salads. No need for a grinder, just sprinkle it directly onto your dishes and bring the jar to the table!
• Fish Ceviches and beef tartares: In summer, we love enjoying raw meats and fish in ceviche, sashimi, or tartare, with a spicy twist for quick and healthy recipes. Pair them with our Spicy Sauces, like Ginger Papaya Sauce, Khmer Roots Sauce, or Green Chili duo Sauce. You can also add crushed cashews for a crunchy and gourmet finish.

By incorporating these spices into your raw food recipes, such as juices, salads, and smoothies, you not only enhance their flavor but also their nutritional value. These recipes can also complement other summer pleasures like grilled meats, roasted fish, providing you with a bit of balance. Enjoy these simple and delicious recipes for a healthy and gourmet summer!