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Garam Masala

This warming spice improves circulation, supports blood sugar regulation and has oodles of antioxidants. By themselves, each of the spices in garam masala contain powerful antioxidants, but when you mix them together, you get a whole new level of potency! The strongest of the spices is cinnamon, and in a Chinese study from 2005, 26 different spices were analyzed to see which contained the most antioxidant activity. Cinnamon was placed at the very top of the list!

Amchur (Mango Powder)

This sour spice is made from dried, unripe mangoes and adds a tangy, fruity flavor to any dish it’s used in. Not only is it a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, as mangoes are very popular in India, Amchur also has many health benefits including reduced inflammation, improved skin health, boosted immunity and it’s an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin B9.

Asafoetida (Hing)

Hing, otherwise known as Asafoetida, is a multipurpose plant resin used both in cooking and as an herbal remedy. In the kitchen, just a pinch of hing brings an intensely aromatic and zingy flavor, similar to the flavor of an onion. Maa loves to include hing in her recipes as it brings such good flavor and is a great ingredient to help aid digestion, relieve bloating and gas. Anything to help our gut, we’re using it!

Bay Leaf Powder

This savory and herbal powder is an alternative to whole bay leaves and is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. These vitamins are all known to support a healthy immune system and aid digestion.

Black Salt

You’d like to think black salt is black right? But it’s not, it’s pink! The salt rocks are black before they’re ground into powder, turning it pink. Black salt is extremely popular in India, especially when used in chaat masala as it adds a umami flavor to cooking. Black salt has antioxidant properties and lower sodium levels than regular table salt. It also contains important minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, helps stimulate bile production in the liver and controls heartburn and bloating.

Black Pepper

Black pepper, which comes from the Sanskrit word pippali, was once known as black gold as it has one of the longest histories as a sought-after spice due to its ability to add flavor, act as a preservative, and add heat to a dish. In addition to black pepper being a classic kitchen staple, it also offers a massive range of health benefits including lowering the risk of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and neurological conditions, aids in digestion, boosts a strong immune system and offers a variety of vitamins and minerals. Who would have thought this ingredient we probably all use everyday provides so many health benefits!?

Black Cardamom

This smoky, pungent and complex spice tastes amazing when balanced out with other sweet or spicy flavors, such as cinnamon, peppercorns, or chiles. Black cardamom is said to be beneficial in managing problems of the throat, congestion of the lungs and digestive disorders.

Chaat Party Masala

Chaat is a funky, tangy and vitamin-rich magical mixture of spices that is unique to Indian cuisine. You won’t find anything like the Droosh Chaat Party mix. Did you know that in India people like to have “chaat parties,” which are their versions of a lunch or dinner tapas-style meal? Everyone comes over to someone’s house and brings a “chaat” dish meant for snacking while you mingle with friends and family and enjoy eating snacks like aloo chaat with your hands.

Coriander

This spice (which comes from the cilantro plant) is so zingy, refreshing and citrusy that even cilantro-haters like to include in their cooking as it brightens up sweet and savory dishes. It pairs incredibly well with citrus foods like lime and lemon, which we love in Droosh dishes. Coriander also promotes detoxification, boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, supports bone health, and is a good source of Vitamin K.

Cumin Seed

This plays-well-with-everything spice is warm, earthy and so damn flavorful that it’s a must-have ingredient in every Droosh blend. Cumin is rich, hearty and adds depth and complexity to many of our favorite dishes like MAA’sala chicken and shrimp curry. Cumin contains many antioxidants that help you feel healthier and more energetic, and helps to keep your skin looking youthful.

Fennel Seeds (Saunf)

Powerful and essential to health, fennel seeds are the dried seeds of the fennel plant, which is an aromatic herb belonging to the parsley family. In India, fennel is referred to as saunf and is commonly used as a digestive aid. Fennel improves digestion, purifies the blood, regulates blood pressure, improves eyesight, treats IBS and much more.

Garlic Powder

We love to say there is never too much garlic. Not only is garlic a true staple in our cooking, we love that garlic has so many powerful health benefits. Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can help fight off viruses. Serena eats raw garlic cloves quite often for these reasons, and no she doesn’t smell of it!

Ginger Powder

Prized by ancient Indian culture, ginger has been used for centuries and is a common remedy in Ayurveda due to its anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to being used to stimulate digestion. We love to incorporate ginger in our dishes for the amazing health benefits and the zingy, potent flavors it brings to our dishes.

Himalayan Salt

Harvested under the Himalayas in Pakistan and densely packed with minerals, adding Himalayan salt is one of the healthiest ways to add a salty and elevated flavor to our blends. We aim to keep our blends low in sodium as we know everyone’s dietary restrictions and preferences are different. Himalayan salt has many powerhouse ingredients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Kasoori Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)

This sweet and nutty spice comes from fenugreek leaves, which are small sprouts from the delicate fenugreek plant, otherwise known as methi in India. Fenugreek is said to lower blood sugar levels, boost testosterone, and may also reduce cholesterol levels and inflammation.

Onion Powder

This sweet and pungent spice brings powerful flavor and is a staple in Droosh spice blends. Onion powder also has many health benefits we love like boosting immunity, promoting heart health and is a good source of Vitamin C.

Red Chili Powder

This fiery, hot and vibrant red spice is a go-to in Indian cooking that won’t make you sweat, because used in certain amounts it’s not actually THAT spicy. It’s savory and pairs well with all sorts of dishes, all while offering anti-inflammatory benefits and keeping your skin and hair healthy.

Turmeric

Our favorite nourishing ingredient! Turmeric is bright, bold, and brings an earthy flavor to our blends. We know everyone’s obsessed with turmeric’s health benefits, as are we! Turmeric is packed with anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in Ayurveda as a means to balance the doshas and support good digestion.