SPICES
CHILLIE
Chillies are grown mainly in the Northern, North Central
and North Western regions of Sri Lanka. Chilli in Pod and
in Powdered form is used extensively in curries. The ripe
Red Chillie Pods are usually sun dried before grinding into
powder. The quantity to be used depends on how "Hot"
one likes a curry to be, but some caution is recommended
for first users. Another variety of Green Chillie known
as "Githeyo Miris" of Maldivian origin, is also
available from the highland.
CURRY POWDER
Curry powder is a mixture of various spices, the
most predominant of which are corriander, cummin and sweet
cummin, marginal quantities of curry leaves, lemon grass,
and cinnamon are also included.
CORRIANDER
The Corriander used in Curries is the ripe seed and is lightly
roasted before grinding. Apart from its use in curries,
Corriander is a major ingredient in medicinal preparations.
Corriander Tea is considered one of the best "home"
remedies for the common cold.
CUMMIN
cummin seed has a pungent and strong aromatic flavour and
is usually used as a curry powder .
SWEET CUMMIN
Sweet cummin has a sweetish taste and is used as a flavouring
in sweet dishes as well. Sweet Cummin has a fragrance of
their own and enhance the aromatic quality of the curry
powder.
CLOVES
Cloves are grown in the central hilly regions of Sri Lanka
and the country has been famous for its quality of Cloves
from time immemorial. The demand for Cloves is wide spread
as they are used in curries as well as in other preparations.
Cloves are also considered as a powerful Antiseptic;
and also sweetens the breath. Clove Tea is steadily increasing
in popularity in the scented Tea market.
CINNAMON
Sri Lanka has been a major producer and exporter of Cinnamon
for centuries and the Cinnamon produced is considered to
be of a very superior quality. The pungent fragrance of
its bark comes from the oil.There are many gradings in Cinnamon
such as "Continental", "Mexican" and
"Hamburg" Grades.
The use of Cinnamon in curries is extensive,
but there are several other applications (eg. Confectionery
and meal-Products ) Cinnamon is popular in certain countries
as a vital ingredient in the preparation of hot punches,
while Cinnamon Flavoured Tea is favoured in countries where
Herbal Teas are consumed.
NUTMEG
Nutmeg grows in the central highland areas of Sri Lanka.
The product is sold in seed form and is usually grated before
use. The flavour is extremely strong should be used in discreet
amounts. The outer covering of the seed known as Mace, is
also used mainly for confectionery use.
