Sri Lankan spices were well recognized in the world for more than 6000 years. A plethora of herbs and spices were accumulated on this island, and the Arabs and Indonesian Moors had the earliest trade monopoly over them. Sri Lankan spices, especially Cinnamon, were a commodity in high demand. The spices give an appealing taste to the dishes. It awakens the taste buds in any meal consumed. India is known to be the mistress of spices. No dish is complete without the aromas of Indian spices. Sri Lanka holds the same position when it comes to spices.
Ceylon cinnamon has a flavor and is used to gain more aroma for food. It is also used in fragrances. The Ceylon cinnamon powder comes from the Ceylon cinnamon sticks.
Sri Lankan spices are sweet-smelling, and aromatic, and add the ultimate texture, color, and punch to most of their signature recipes.
Here are the Top 10 Spices in Sri Lanka, each of which has its own specialty.
1. Red Chillis
Gives the food a spicy taste along with a texture
2. Turmeric
Add the golden color to the dishes along with acting as a disinfectant
3. Black Pepper
Give spice to the food
5. Cardamom
Adds spice to food along with an aroma
6. Cumin
A spice similar to parsley which adds a good aroma add flavor
7. Coriander
Used for food garnishing and flavoring
8. Mustard
Used as a condiment or for tempering to give an extra taste to food
9. Pandan Leaves
Adds a good aroma to the food, especially in rice.
10. Curry Leaves
Used for aroma in food and it has medical benefits as well.
Almost all Spices include many pungent and aromatic flavorings which build up the authentic food cuisine in the country.