Journey to the heart of Christmas spices: A winter feast of flavors and benefits
Would Christmas still be so magical without the warmth of cinnamon escaping from the oven with piping hot cinnamon rolls, the enchanting scent of vanilla filling the room or the pungent aroma of cloves in mulled wine? These spices that adorn our dishes, cookies, drinks and even our hearts are not only a feast for the senses; they're also real allies for our health. Discover these typical Christmas spices: exotic, delicious and beneficial:
Anise - Softness and soothed digestion
Anise, whether seeded or ground, goes by several names: sweet cumin or star anise. While the former is native to the Mediterranean and grows on a bush, star anise comes from Southeast Asia and grows on an evergreen tree. It is traditionally used in gingerbread, honey cookies and hot drinks.
This magical ingredient is not only a delight for the palate, it also soothes the stomach, aids digestion and calms stomach aches thanks to the anethole it contains. A must-have this season!
Clove - A comforting fragrance and digestive virtues
Used in the form of dried buds, cloves are a veritable aromatic treasure. Common in gingerbread and mulled wine, it has stomach-strengthening properties that relieve digestive disorders. Thanks to the eugenol it contains, it can also anesthetize dental pain. Clove warms the heart and soothes the spirits, making it the perfect ally for festive meals!
Cardamom - A touch of sweet and spicy goodness
Cardamom, a close relative of ginger, is another key Christmas spice. With its sweet, spicy and slightly lemony taste, it gives gingerbread a unique flavor. It is also used for its digestive virtues, notably to relieve abdominal pain and bloating. Used in hot drinks or pastries, it is a real asset to our well-being.
Nutmeg - A comforting fragrance
Nutmeg, sometimes a little forgotten, is nevertheless an essential Christmas spice. Ground and added to cakes or hot drinks, it harmonizes everything with its sweet, comforting flavor. Used sparingly, it's ideal for soothing the stomach after a big meal!
Vanilla - Pure sweetness
Vanilla, one of the world's most prized and expensive spices, is not only a marvel for our taste buds. It also has soothing properties that help us de-stress. Ideal in desserts, it has the power to put us in a good mood and make every bite even more enjoyable. A little vanilla in your Christmas recipes and the atmosphere is instantly sweeter!
Cinnamon - The ultimate Christmas fragrance
Finally, cinnamon, the most emblematic of holiday spices, deserves our full attention. Its warm flavor, obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree, creates an incomparable ambiance. Cinnamon stimulates the production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone, which is why we all feel so comforted, warm and happy at Christmas. Whether it's in your cookies, waffles or mulled wine, we never tire of it :-)