Known for their unique flavor and widely popular among Arab countries, Arabic spices are a must-try option. Arabic spices’ intense and complex flavor would make any food delicious and unique. Of course, if you have ever been to a Middle Eastern country, you should be familiar with famous spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron in the Arabic spices list.
In this article, we will go through Arabic spice’s names and their uses. So, don’t miss it out.
Arabic Spices History
Arabic Spices History is considered one of the oldest traditions. It is an amazing story of global trade, cultural exchanges, and innovations that make it a fascinating culinary story.
Arab traders played an important role in the transport of different types of spices, such as cinnamon, cassia, and frankincense, from diverse countries of Asia and the Mediterranean world. Moreover, the influence of Islam, which came later in the 7th century CE, also expanded the influence of Arab culture and cuisine.
During this time, spices became an integral part of Arabic cuisine, especially spices such as Saffron, which were also used in religious ceremonies or coffee and tea blends.
Arabic Spices List
Arabic spices list consists of a wide range of colorful and must-try items that can be used in a variety of dishes and foods. In other words, they are highly versatile and are ideal for vegetable dishes, rice, chicken, and meat.
Some chefs also use them on sweets and desserts to give their dishes a more unique characteristic. Arabic spices, being highly adaptive and opening up space for creative culinary experimentations, have become widely popular among common people.
Arabic spices list is today now a part of Arabic culture. Moreover, using Arabic spices reflects a deep connection among Arab communities all around the globe. In fact, with their rich flavor, Arabic spices names have gotten universal fame, and the demand for them has increased a lot in recent years.
Arabic Spices & Their Uses
Arabic Spices and their uses are varied. Nonetheless, their health benefits are a game-changer for many people. Arabic Spices can help you a lot if you suffer from certain diseases or you want to have a stronger body against viruses.
Arabic Spices and their uses can also be beneficial for health, along with making a rich and unique aroma or flavor in certain dishes.
Some of the most popular Arabic spices and their beneficial uses include:
Cumin (Kamoun)
- Helps with digestion and reduces gas and bloating
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Provides antioxidant protection
Coriander (Kozbara)
- Aids digestion and reduces nausea
- Has antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Provides detoxifying and diuretic benefits
Cinnamon (Qerfa)
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Can help to regulate blood sugar levels
- Neuroprotective benefits
- Antimicrobial and antifungal
Cardamom (Hail)
- Aids digestion and reduces stomach discomfort
- Improves circulation and heart health
- Anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects
- Refreshing and energizing aroma
Cloves (Qurunful)
- Have potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Pain-relieving and anesthetic effects
- Regulating blood sugar levels
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Turmeric (Kurkum)
- Has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Helps improve brain function and memory
- Good for anti-cancer and cardioprotective properties
Saffron (Za’faran)
- Powerful antidepressant and anxiolytic effects
- Can improve cognitive function and memory
- Provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits
Arabic Spices Mix (Bahrat)
Arabic Spices Mix, known as Bahrat, is another unique spice that creates a tone of harmony between smoky, sweet, and tangy tastes. Being rich in flavor and having a deep and aromatic sense, Bahrat has opened its way in many delicious Arabic and non-Arabic dishes.
Bahrat is a mixture of 7 (even 8 in some recipes) spices, and each one of them includes a unique taste. Black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, smoky paprika, and coriander are some of the things that are included in making Arabic spices mix known as Bahrat.
Moreover, Bahrat can be used in a variety of dishes and cuisine to make the food item richer and stronger in flavor. To sum up, the exotic aroma of the Bahrat is really crazy.
Arabic Spices for Lamb
Adding an ideal Arabic Spice to a lamb can make it more delicious. Arabic Spices for lamb are very wide, and you can use a great range of Arabic spices list for your lamb.
Cumin and Coriander, being the most common ones in Arabic countries, are usually the first choice. They provide a tasteful note to the dish and provide floral and earthy flavors to the lamb.
As a result, if you want to have a delicious and special lamb dish, you can go Arabic style and add some Cumin or Coriander to your lamb and enjoy it with your family.
Arabic Spices for Rice
Some Arabic Spices for Rice that are common in many countries inside and outside of the Middle East are Saffron, Cinnamon (Qerfa in Arabic), and Cumin.
Saffron is one of the notable things that many chefs use and is known for its beautiful yellow color in dishes. Saffron makes the rice dish more flavorful and delicate and is ideal for gatherings or little ceremonies because of its lovely color.
Moreover, adding cinnamon to a dish can level up the depth and aroma of Arabic rice recipes and is very common in Arab countries.
Arabic Spices for Chicken
Making a chicken dish is easy, but making a great chicken dish is not as easy as it sounds. There are certain Arabic spices for chicken that you can use to make it more flavorful.
Bahrat is one of the things that is an all-purpose Middle Eastern spice blend and can be ideal if you want to have an Arabic-style chicken for your dinner or lunch.
Black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and other warm spices are only some of the items that are included in Bahrat. The spices of Bahrat are the best spice for having a great chicken.
Arabic Spices Names
Arabic spice’s names are also an interesting story. The names of these spices are diverse and mainly related to the rich culture and history of Arab people.
For example, the name “Bahrat” is the Arabic definition of the term “spices” and refers to the blend of several spices together.
Other examples include “Za’atar,” which means the wild thyme plant, or Qifa (cinnamon), which originates from the cinnamon tree in Arabic.
In the Follow-up, we will introduce a wide list of common Arabic Spices:
Cumin, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Turmeric, Sumac, Bahrat, Caraway, Anise Seed, Allspice, Cinnamon.
Arabic Spices Store in Qatar
The capital city of Doha is a captivating destination that offers a lot of attractions. If you want to buy some Arabic spices and you want to go to an Arabic Spices Store in Qatar, you can head out to Souq Waqif Spice Souk, which is a centuries-old marketplace that is filled with spice shops in colorful designs and traditional decors.
In there, you can find a wide range of traditional Arabic spices, including saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and a variety of chili peppers.
Another location that you can visit is Al Mirqab Spice Market. This market is located in the Al Mirqab district of Doha and is the best place for those who want to join in a spicey trip.
You can even find the best quality spices or rare and specialty spices in the Al Mirqab Spice Market. So, if you want to go for a spicey adventure, you can visit Al Mirqab Spice Market in the center of Doha.
Spice Souk
Another location to visit a spice store in Qatar is Spice Souk in the Msheireb Area of Doha, which is relatively modern compared to the other ones. Still, this location is also quite popular among locals and tourists and has its unique vibe and atmosphere.
You can also find a wide range of rare or common spices in the Spice Souk, Msheireb. There are also special spice blends available that are considered a signature spice mix. So, make sure to check out these locations.
Final Words
Harmony and uniqueness are two words that you will think of when trying one of the spices in the Arabic spices list. Sometimes sweet or savory, sometimes balanced, and even sometimes with some smoky notes, these Arabic spices will never let you down in trying a unique and new flavor that will be locked in your mind forever.
Arabic spices and their uses have become a common culture in Arabic countries and are a great part of their national identity. So, try them out!
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