The SPICED scheme - short for 'Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development' - is a Spices Board initiative by India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. With a total outlay of Rs.422 crore, it aims to boost spice exports, increase cardamom productivity, enhance post-harvest quality, and support value addition through 2025-26. The SPICED scheme provides financial assistance for various activities: MISSIO

Consuming heavy metals in spices, like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, can severely harm human health, leading to neurological damage (mental retardation, cognitive issues), kidney/ liver failure, cardiovascular problems, immune system suppression, birth defects, and even caner, because these metals accumulate in organs and disrupt normal body functions, with risks increasing with adulterated spice consumption and chronic exposure. SPECIFIC HEALTH IMPACTS BY METAL: LEAD (Pb) : Da

Spices are widely used in the perfume, and cosmetic industries for their rich, diverse aromas, as well as their functional properties, such as warmth, depth, and antimicrobial benefits. Their use dates back to ancient civilizations for cultural, medicinal, and religious purposes. USE IN PERFUME INDUSTRY: Spices are fundamental to perfumery, adding warmth, complexity, and character to fragrances. They can be classified into 'warm' spices (like cinnamon and clove) which provide

Conservation efforts for the endangered Star Anise in India's Arunachal Pradesh are centered around community-driven initiatives and sustainable practices. These efforts aim to protect the Monpa community's livelihood and preserve this precious spice. The key conservation strategies include: SUSTAINABLE HARVESTING: Village communities, supported by organizations like WWF-India, promote eco-friendly harvesting practices and prevent tree cutting. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: Village

Pest Management in spice cultivation relies on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines multiple strategies like cultural...

Spice dyeing is a fascinating ancient technique that uses natural dyes from kitchen spices like turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, and paprika...

Spices are the backbone of Indian cuisine, playing a vital role in the country's rich culinary heritage. Spices like Cinnamon, Star...

Lakadong turmeric, grown in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and numerous health benefits....

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of immunity. Spices play a supportive role in building immunity against COVID-19 and...

Adulteration in spices refers to the addition of cheaper, inferior, or even harmful substances to spices to increase profits and deceive...

Curcumin is a bright yellow naturally occurring compound produced by the spice Turmeric (Curcuma Longa). It is the main compound of...

Ceylon Cinnamon harvesting is a labor-intensive process that requires great care, attention to detail, and manual dexterity. The...

As the summer months approach, many of us seek ways to stay cool and comfortable. Fortunately, nature has provided us with a powerful...

Incorporating Star anise into one's diet offers a multitude of health advantages. Its inherent carminative and anti-inflammatory...

Pepper is often grown alongside coffee plants, particularly in regions like India, Indonesia, and Brazil. This practice, known as...

During the winter months, spices serve as powerful allies in combating illness and boosting overall health. Spices like ginger, turmeric,...

For centuries, both Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon (True cinnamon) have been utilized in traditional medicine, but their medicinal profiles...

Vanilla's rich history spans over 3,000 years, originating in Mesoamerica where Aztecs and Mayans valued it for rituals, ceremonies, and...

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time-honored celebration deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition. As families come together to...

Ceylon Cinnamon, originating from Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon), has been cultivated and traded by native Sinhalese people for...