Ayurveda and spice cooking share a pantry. Here is a cook’s guide to some of the spices we sell, what they bring to a dish, and simple ways to use them.
- Mustard powder gets its heat when mixed with cold water and left for a few minutes.
- Long pepper is hotter and sweeter than black pepper, with a hint of cinnamon.
- Cinnamon and cardamom suit both sweet and savoury cooking.
- Toast whole spices briefly before grinding for the best aroma.
Mustard powder (black and yellow)
Yellow mustard is milder, black mustard is sharper. Mustard gets its pungency when the powder meets water: mix it with cold water and wait ten minutes. Heat and acid reduce the bite, so add it near the end for the strongest flavour. Use in dressings, marinades, pickles, curries and to season roasted vegetables.
Long pepper (pippali)
A traditional Indian spice with a hot, slightly sweet, warm flavour. Use it where you would use black pepper, in spice blends, pickles, stews and teas. A little goes a long way.
Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon sticks are delicate and slightly sweet. Add a stick to rice, stews, teas and porridge. Cassia cinnamon is stronger and more familiar. Remove the stick before serving.
Cardamom
Crush the pods lightly to release the seeds. Use in tea, coffee, rice dishes, desserts and spice blends. Powder is convenient for baking.
Fenugreek
Bittersweet and aromatic. Toast the seeds briefly, then grind or add whole to curries and pickles. Use sparingly, as too much can taste bitter.
A simple spiced mustard dressing
Whisk one teaspoon of mustard powder (rested in a little cold water for ten minutes) with three tablespoons of oil, one tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of honey. Pour over salads or roasted vegetables.
Products mentioned in this article
Mustard Seeds (Black) Powder
From ₦2,000
100g to 1kg
Choose size
Mustard Seeds (Yellow) Powder
From ₦2,000
100g to 1kg
Choose size
Long Pepper Powder
From ₦6,500
100g to 500g
Choose size
Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
From ₦8,500
100g to 10kg
Choose size
Cardamom Pods
From ₦11,000
100g to 10kg
Choose size
Fenugreek Seeds
From ₦1,500
100g to 15kg
Choose sizeFrequently asked questions
Why does mustard taste mild when I cook it?
Heat and acid reduce the pungent compound. Add it near the end, or mix it with cold water first for a sharper bite.
Can I replace black pepper with long pepper?
Yes, in many dishes. It is hotter and sweeter, so use a little less.
How do I store whole spices?
In sealed jars away from heat and light. Whole spices keep their aroma far longer than ground.
