Nature offers up a lot with regards to satisfying your palates and appetites. Today in this article, I will be listing herbs and spices from different cultures and climes that begin with K. Trust me when I say that adding these herbs and spices to your cuisine will totally give your diet a new dimension.
Herbs
Kaffir lime leaves
Kaffir lime leaves are leaves of the plant named Citrus hystrix. It is a citrus fruit that is native to the Southeastern part of tropical Asia. It goes by many names in different cultures of Asia. It is called limau purut in Maly, jeruk purut in Indonesian, and kulubot in Filipino.
The fruit has a bumpy exterior with flattened hourglass-shaped leaves. The leaves are the most commonly used part of this plant.
Uses:
- In Vietnamese cooking, the leaves are used to remove the pungent odor when steaming snails.
- The leaves are used in Thai curry paste, adding an aromatic flavor and scent.
- It is also used to add flavor to rums and liqueurs.
- The leaves were used in ancient times to prevent bites from leeches, hence it was nicknamed “leech lime”.
Health benefits
- Helps with Bad Breath: The memorial kaffir lime leaves have been useful for dealing with halitosis, or bad breath. This property is attributed to the aromatic nature of its essential oils and also to its antibacterial effect.
- Promotes healthy skin: The essential oils in Kaffir lime leaves are good for healthy skin. It helps to deal with Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that is responsible for causing acne breakouts on your skin. These essential oils have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them useful components of skincare products.
- Helps to reduce stress: The leaves of Kaffir lime are important in aromatherapy as they can help relieve stress and anxiety. The fragrance is pleasant and can help your mind relax better.
Where to buy Kaffir lime leaves.
These leaves can be ordered from Amazon. You can also get them from Walmart, Whole Foods Market, and Etsy.
Kinh gioi
King gioi is commonly known as Vietnamese balm. In the US, it is identified as Crested Late Summer mint. Its binomial name is Elsholtzia ciliata. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Other names it goes by include: Vietnamese lemon balm or Vietnamese lemon mint.
It is an herb that possesses long and serrated leaves. It has a unique lemony aroma and taste that is characteristic of most members of the mint family.
Uses:
- The leaves are used to add a lemony flavor to dishes and salads.
- The seeds can also be ground into powder form and used as a spice.
- It can also be used as medicine, especially for treating stomach disorders and bad breath.
Health benefits
- Treats bad breath: The essential oils contained in the Vietnamese lemon means are useful against Illinois halitosis, or bad breath. The aromatic nature of these oils proves effective against mouth odor and any offensive garlic odor. This is also due to its antibacterial properties.
- Can soothe cold symptoms: The leaves of these mint plants can help to alleviate symptoms of cough and cold. Adding them to your meal or infusing them into warm water can help cause relief from nasal congestion. It can also help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory pathways.
- Anti-cancer properties: Extracts from the Kinh Gioi leaves have been proven to be effective against hindering the growth of cancer tumor cells. In various test tube studies, extracts from the leaves of hinder the growth of cancer cells in the pancreas, bile, and breast.
- Fight against inflammation: The Vietnamese bomb has anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts from the slaves can be applied topically to places on your body experiencing inflammation or swelling. They have been proven to provide instant relief from muscular and joint pain, especially in people suffering from arthritis and rheumatism.
- Promotes healthy skin: The Kinh gioi leaves are rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E. This compound contains elements that are essential to the promotion of healthy skin. As a result, it finds prominent use in skin care products and face masks.
Where to buy Kinh Gioi
Kinh Gioi can be purchased at the following locations: Walmart, Publix, and Kroger.
Koseret leaves
The koseret are a group of flowering plants that are native to Ethiopia. However, the plant has gone on to be cultivated in other regions of Africa. Its botanical name is Lippia abyssinica. It is a shrubby herb bearing hairy leaves and purple flowers.
It is also commonly known as “butter-clarifying herb,” “lemon herb,” and “Gambley tea bush.”
It has a camphorous and minty smell. The taste, on the other hand, is closely related to that of basil.
Uses
- It is used in making spiced oils.
- The koseret leaves can be used to preserve butters and oils.
- The koseret leaves can be used to flavor various dishes in Congolese cuisine, such as kitfo.
Health benefits
- Koseret leaves are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, and polyphenols. These are antioxidants that can help to neutralize the action of free radicals in your body. Free radicals can cause damage to your body cells and lead to chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
- Skin care: The koseret leaves have properties that are effective at protecting your skin and preventing infections. Extracts from the sleeves are effective against skin conditions like eczema and other fungal infections. It is rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants that can help to keep your skin younger and free from wrinkles.
- Antibacterial properties: The essential oil from koseret leaves has an active component called lonalool. Compounds have been proven effective against infections. The cause of red leaves is an important factor in boosting your immunity and taking them can help in the treatment of various illnesses and diseases.
- Aids digestion: koseret leaves have a high fiber content. High fiber in the diet is important as it aids in digestion. In this way, fiber helps to give bulk to your stool and, in the process, promotes good bowel movement. In addition, fiber promotes the activities of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Where to buy koseret leaves
Koseret leaves can be purchased at Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and Costco.
Spice
Kala jeera
Kala jeera is a spice that is native to the Indian, Pakistan, and Bangladeshi cultures. Its botanical name is Elwendia persica, and it is closely related to cumin. It is sometimes referred to as black cumin, black caraway, or blackseed. It is a member of the Apiaceae family that has other honorable members such as dill, cumin, and coriander.
The seeds are contained in elongated, ribbed fruits. These seeds are commonly used as spices in their dried form.
Uses
- The seeds are used as garnish in Indian cuisine.
- The Kala jeera seeds can be used for flavoring drinks such as lemonades.
Health benefits
- Aids in weight loss: The Kala jeera seeds are rich in phytosterols. These compounds are known as fat-cutters. In addition to good exercise, consumption of these seeds, can help you in your weight loss program.
- Promotes food vision: The seeds of this plant are rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is a nutrient that is crucial for promoting good eyesight. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a condition called night blindness. The Kala jeera seeds have a rich abundance of vitamin A and will help prevent macular degeneration.
- Boosts immunity: the Kala jeera seeds also produce an average supplier of vitamin C. Vitamin C provides great support for your immune system. It stimulates the synthesis of white blood cells, which act as the soldiers and defense mechanisms of your body.
Where to buy Kala jeera seeds
The Kala jeera seeds can be purchased at Walmart, Whole Foods Markets, and Kroger.
Keluak
The Keluak is a tree that is native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its binomial name is Pangium edule. It bears brownish fruits with heart-shaped leaves. The fruits and seeds of these plants can be poisonous due to their hydrogen cyanide content. However, when fermented, they become edible. This plant can double as both an herb and a spice, as its seeds and leaves are both used in cuisine.
The Keluak is rich in nutrients. A 100 g serving of the seeds yields:
- 110 calories
- 23.9 g of carbs.
- 6.4 g of fiber
- 25.8 mg of vitamin C (31% of the daily recommended intake)
Uses
- The kernels form an important part of a Javanese dish called rawon.
- The seeds can be ground up into powder and used to season stews and sauces.
- The leaves can also be used as vegetables.
Health benefits of keluak
- For proper growth and development: the keluak seeds are rich in copper, which is an essential mineral for proper growth and development. They promote the healthy growth of organs and tissues and also make the oxygenation of these tissues and organs possible. You also need copper in your diet to protect your skeletal, cardiovascular, and muscular systems. Hence, consuming keluak seeds is important for your health.
- Reduce the risk of gout: Gout is a form of arthritis that affects the joints. It leads to inflammation and redness of these joints, causing severe pain. It is a result of the depositing of uric acid crystals. With the anti-inflammatory properties of the keluak seeds, they can drastically reduce the chances of your developing gout.
- Prevent anemia: the seeds of keluak are a rich source of iron. It provides 5.02 mg of iron, which is already 62.57% of the daily recommended intake of iron. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, a pigment in the red blood cells that is vital for the transport of oxygen around the body. When your body is deficient in iron, anemia can easily set in. Hence, consuming this fruit provides your body with a rich supply of iron and healthy red blood cells.
- Promotes good bowel movement: The keluak is rich in fiber and promotes good bowel movement. It has a rich supply of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber helps to bulk up your stool and makes it easier for it to be passed from your digestive tract. This will help prevent constipation. In addition, insoluble fiber provides fuel for the good bacteria in your gut.
- Good for heart health: the seeds of this plant are rich in magnesium. Research shows that magnesium is an important mineral for lowering the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease. Magnesium also helps to keep the rhythm of the heart in a stable condition. Hence, it’s important for the promotion of good heart health and prevention of heart attacks.
Where to buy Keluak
Keluak can be purchased at Tada Fresh, US Indomaret, and Walmart.
Kaempferia galanga
Kaempferia galanga is a spice that belongs to the ginger family. It is grown extensively in the region of South-east Asia and is commonly grown in China, Taiwan, and India. It goes by other names, such as kencur and sand ginger.
The rhizomes of these particular species lack stems and have dark brown coloration.
Uses
- The rhizomes can be ground to powder and used in herbal drinks in Javanese cuisine.
- It is used in medicines and herbal mixtures in Chinese traditional medicine.
- Extracts from this plant can be used in the making of insecticides.
Health benefits
- Rich in antioxidants: The galangal roots provide a rich supply of antioxidants. These antioxidants include polyphenols, which are a group of plant compounds that are crucial to protecting your body from the action of free radicals. These antioxidants can help prevent brain and memory decline, lower bad cholesterol, and boost heart health.
- Protect against cancer: Research has proven that the galangal roots are useful in fighting cancer cells and preventing it. Galangin, an active compound in the galangal root, has been proven and tested in studies to kill strains of human colon cancer cells. Further research has also suggested that it could help against cancer cells in the pancreas, breast and liver.
- Boost sperm production and motility: Consuming galangal roots can help boost the fertility of males who consume them. In a study conducted on 66 men over a period of 3 months, those who consumed extracts from the galangal roots experienced a 62% increase in the motility of their sperm cells. This is a great pointer to improving their fertility.
- Anti inflammatory properties: The galanga roots are rich in potent compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and pain. It helps reduce the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for inflammation in different body parts. Constant inflammation can lead to the onset of chronic conditions such as cancers and heart conditions.
- Anti microbial properties: The galanga roots have essential oils that can combat microorganisms. This makes them useful in combating infections and outbreaks of bacteria. The galangal roots have been used for preserving different forms of foods and prolonging their shelf life. It is useful against bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus, which cause food poisoning.
Where to buy Kaempferia galanga?
The galanga roots can be purchased at Walmart, Trader Joe’s, or even ordered from Amazon.
Kokum seed
The kokum seed is the seed of a plant known botanically as Garcinia indica. The seeds are contained in an orange-sized purple berry that grows on an evergreen monoecious tree. It belongs to the mangosteen family, which is native to regions of Africa and Asia.
It has a tangy and tart taste, making it useful for adding a sour flavor to various cuisines.
Uses:
- The kokum seed is used as a souring agent in Indian cuisine.
- It is used in making curries.
- The seed can also be processed to prepare chocolate and skin butter.
Health benefits
- Aids digestion: The kokum seeds help to deal with digestion and gastrointestinal issues. It contains compounds that are useful for preventing gut inflammation and conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It also helps to promote nutrient uptake and smooth bowel movement.
- Can help relieve flatulence: Kokum seeds are important for preventing flatulence and excessive bloating, It can help to prevent gastric bloating and distention.
- Anti inflammatory properties: Application of salve made from cocoa seed paste is useful against skin allergies. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the likelihood of skin reactions and also reduce the production of histamines, which can drastically reduce how severe allergic reactions will be.
- Boosts immunity: The kokum seeds have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help to fight infections. The antioxidants that it contains help contribute to this. Extracts from this seed are useful in producing antibiotics.
Where to buy Kokum seeds
Kokum seeds are available on Amazon, Tada Fresh, and Etsy.
Korarima
The Korarima is known botanically as Aframomum corrorima. It belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It has rhizomatous roots bearing leafy stems and red fleshy fruits containing brown seeds. These seeds from this plant are commonly used as spices.
The plant is also known as Ethiopian cardamom or false cardamom. The plant is native to Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
Uses
- This spice is a component of spice mixtures such as berbere, awaze, and mitmita.
- It is used to add flavor to coffee in Ethiopian cuisine.
- It is also used in Ethiopian medicine as a tonic and a laxative.
Health benefits
- To reduce flatulence: The seeds of the Korarima plant can be used in the reduction of flatulence and digestion issues. Its use as a laxative can help to reduce stomach bloating and indigestion issues. It is also useful for those who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
- Anti-microbial properties: The anti-microbial properties of the essential oils of the Korarima seeds are useful for dealing with bacteria. It can help prevent and fight infections, caused by both bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Anti-cancer properties: The seeds of the korarima are known to contain certain antioxidants that can help fight against cancer cells. Antioxidants are compounds that can help to get rid of free radicals. These free radicals, when left unattended, can cause cell mutations, which can lead to cancer. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent the growth and progression of cancer.
Where to buy Korarima
Korarima can be purchased at Food of Nations, Walmart. It can also be ordered from Amazon and eBay.
Kudampuli
Kudampuli is a tropical fruit that is native to the regions of Southern Asia. Its botanical name is Garcinia gummi-gutta. It is pumpkin shaped, bearing the characteristic vertical stripes. Its color ranges from green to pale yellow when ripe. It is also commonly called brindleberry or Malabar Tamarind. It belongs to the Clusiaceae family.
The dried form of this fruit finds use as a spice.
Uses
- This fruit is used to add sour flavors to curries.
- It is also used in Indian medicine to deal with digestion issues.
Health benefits
- Aids weight loss: The presence of a compound called hydroxycitric acid, a phytochemical in Kudampuli, is credited with having fat-burning properties. It also helps to suppress appetite. Thus, adding Kudampuli to your diet can aid you in your weight loss journey.
- Helps to lower blood sugar: The fruit is low on the glycemic index, and consuming it won’t cause a spike in the blood sugar of diabetic patients. It also contains antioxidants that can reduce insulin resistance.
- Helps to lower cholesterol: The Kudampuli is pivotal to heart health. It contains compounds that can help to lower the level of bad cholesterol in your blood.
Where to buy Kudampuli
Kudampuli can be purchased at various spice stores or grocery stores. Some locations include Kroger, Walmart, and Central Market.
Kalonji
The kalonji, also known as Nigella sativa, is an annual plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is also known as black cumin, not to be confused with Kala jeera, which also goes by that name. It is native to the eastern regions of Europe, which include Bulgaria and Romania, and the western regions of Asia, which include Cyprus, Turkey, and Iran. However, this plant has spread to other parts of Europe and even Africa.
The fruit of this plant is large and capsulated, bearing numerous seeds that are used as spices.
Uses
- The seeds are used to season and flavor various dishes.
- In Palestinian cuisine, the seeds are ground to make a qizha paste.
- The seeds can be used in pastries such as breads and cakes.
- It is used to garnish salads and add flavor to vegetable soups and sauces.
Health benefits
- Rich supply of antioxidants: Kalonji seeds are a rich source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are useful as they help your body eliminate free radicals that can cause damage to cells and tissues. It contains thymoquinone and carvacrol, which are potent antioxidants.
- Helps to lower cholesterol: Kalonji contains compounds that can reduce the level of LDL( low density lipids) in your blood. This is crucial to preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular-related issues such as strokes and heart attacks.
Where to buy Kalonji
You can order Kalonji from Amazon. You can also buy them at locations such as: True Leaf Market, Walmart, and Costco.