Masala Powders: List, Ingredients, Pros & Cons, Storage Tips

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Masala Powders List, Ingredients, Pros Cons,
Storage Tips
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Indian masalas are popular all across the world.
A blend of ground spices, masala is used
extensively for seasoning Indian cuisine. The
word masala simply means a mix of ground spices.
Masalas spice up an average plate of food to
make every meal more interesting. The spices for
masala are usually toasted to bring out more
flavour and aroma, and then ground. Masala
Ingredients 
Check the list of masala ingredients in your
favourite masalas. 
Garam Masala Black pepper, Cumin, Clove, Cinnamon
and Cardamom, Bay leaf, Asafoetida,
Coriander.Sambar masala Cumin, Coriander seeds,
Fenugreek, Black pepper, Dry red
chillies, Urad dal,  Mustard seeds,
Curry leaves, Asafoetida
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Curry Masala Coriander, Cumin, Turmeric,
Fenugreek, Chilli peppers 
Chat Masala Salt, dry mango, white salt, cumin,
chillies, coriander, mint leaves, asafoetida, dry
ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pomegranate seeds 
Kasoori Methi Kasuri (Methi) leavesChicken
Masala Coriander, turmeric, chilly, black
pepper, salt, curry leaves, fenugreek, dry
ginger, garlic, cumin, cloves, cardamom,
and nutmeg and mace 
Channa Masala Coriander, dry mango, chillies,
cumin, cassia leaf, mint leaves, pomegranate
seeds, mustard, clove, black pepper, fennel, dry
ginger, nutmeg and mace, turmeric, asafoetida,
black cardamom and cinnamon
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Advantages of using Instant Masalas The
aromatic Indian masalas are the very heart of
Indian cooking. Indian food is the most
scientific food, as food is prepared as per the
seasons. It has always been believed that Indian
masalas, which are a blend of a number of herbs
and spices, have had healing and magical
qualities even before their culinary uses were
discovered.  Makes Food Flavoursome  Indian
masalas is innumerable and the number of herbs
and spices that are included in them make Indian
food very distinct and so full of flavour. Used
moderately in the right balance, Indian masalas
can turn an ordinary meal into as assortment of
flavours on your taste buds. 
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Therapeutic Value
Few spices like turmeric have therapeutic value
too. Turmeric is immensely rich in
antioxidants. It is anti-inflammatory and its
consumption lowers the risk of heart and brain
diseases. Similarly, pepper adds a hot taste to
the food and improves your metabolic
rate. Cinnamon controls your blood sugar and
detoxifies your bodies. Similarly, other spices
like black pepper, cumin and carom seeds impact
your health positively.
Overall Health
More than just good food, they are also designed
to help attain spiritual, physical, and emotional
balance. Indian spices (List) not only add
flavour to Indian cuisine, but also enrich it
with essential nutrients and contribute towards
an individual's healthy life.
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Time-Saving 
Instant masalas help reduce preparation time of
meals to a great extent. And there is no need for
any planning, buying or storage of any
ingredients at all with all already included in
the masala. There is also faster presentation
of food and no hassles in making ready and
clearing up the mess caused while cooking. 
Less Wastage 
Spoilage of food will occur less with instant
masalas that last longer. 
Organically Grown 
Masalas are very healthy as they are prepared
from organically grown spices that make them free
of pesticides. 
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Easy to Store 
And they are easy to store too and do not require
refrigeration either. Instant add a great taste
to dishes and prove to very handy for those who
are inexperienced in cooking. So, have these
masalas for taste, for flavour and for health as
well!Disadvantages of using Instant Masalas 
Overuse of anything is bad, so are our masalas
that too should be used moderately in the right
quantity. 
Lack Freshness 
The freshness of the ingredients used in our
instant masalas is doubtful. Only if used fresh,
our spices will have their strong essence in the
food we eat. Else, they are sure to lose their
strength. 
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Preservatives 
Masalas do contain a bit of preservatives too, as
otherwise they cannot be stored for long without
any refrigeration.Storage Tips
Keep them in Airtight Containers 
Spices and masalas can be stored for months
together, if kept in airtight containers or else
the moisture in the air can make them lose their
flavour, aroma and colour. The traditional small
jars are the best way to store Indian spices, as
it is a convenient way to preserve their aroma
and flavour. 
Keep Away from Heat 
Spices are often arranged on a shelf near the
cooking stove to keep them at arm's length while
cooking. This can build up humidity in the spice
jars making the spices lose out on flavour. So,
storing the spices right next to the gas stove is
a big no-no. 
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Keep Away from Light Our valued spices should be
stored in a cool and dark place with
natural light falling in. Often there is a demand
for a well-lit kitchen, but it is not ideal when
it comes to storing them as light penetrates into
the containers and reduce their aroma. Spices
should often be stored in thick jars in closed
cupboards to prevent the penetration of sunlight.
Avoid Chilling While wet masala mixes stay fine
in the fridge for a couple of days, the dry ones
acquire moisture and as such lose their
spellbinding aroma. These changes in temperature
will cause condensation on the spices, shortening
their life. 
Keep Away from Water While cooking, always use a
clean and dry spoon that is very essential for
preserving a spice mix. Any form of moisture can
affect its flavour and aroma. Keep spices far off
the dishwashing basin. 
Thus, the secret of Indian food is the right
combination of spices and herbs that have made
Indian cuisine such a favourite among people
across the globe.