More and more people are using Middle Eastern spices in their cooking, as it can liven up their dishes with new flavors and add a new touch to traditional recipes. Additionally, these Middle Eastern spices in Los Angeles, CA and elsewhere are also renowned for their health benefits; learn more about some of these spices below.
Shawarma Spice
One of several notable Middle Eastern spices used often in cooking today is shawarma spice. This spice has many different types of flavor, depending on the ingredients. For instance, this spice can be aromatic and savory because of such ingredients as allspice and cloves. In other instances, this spice can be tart because of the presence of sumac or spicy because of cayenne pepper, making this spice very versatile and applicable in many different types of recipes.
Some of its health benefits include a high level of antioxidants, which is known to fight free radicals, a possible link to cancerous cell development. These antioxidants include Vitamins A, C, D, and E. Shawarma spice also has high levels of Vitamin K, as well as minerals like manganese and iron.
Zahtar (Zaatar)
Zahtar (Zaatar) is a Middle Eastern spice mix that contains a combination of sesame seeds, oregano, sumac, and thyme. It is often used in olive oil and yogurt, plus it can be sprinkled over bread to add savory flavor.
This mix has been shown to have a high level of antioxidants, which help to prevent cell damage from free radicals. There is even some speculation from scientists that this mix can actually boost mental cognition and mood.
