Chapter 25 Spicy Riddles Class IV Environmental Studies

1. I can be powdered fine To make food hot and spicy, If too much of me is added I make you gasp – shheee.. Shheee.. Your eyes and nose begin to water And you cry! Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?

Red Chilli (Lal Mirch) It is a main ingredient used for adding hot flavour to the food. The antioxidants present in chilli help to cope with cholesterol. It also helps burning calories.

2. Grind me and powder me – To make your food look yellow, I am mixed in oil by granny And applied to wounds quickly, I heal all wounds – big and small, That is why I am loved by all! Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?

Turmeric (Haldi) It is used in cooking and skin care products. It has wide range medicinal uses. It helps deal with skin problems. Turmeric powder can be used for healing cuts and wounds. It also makes coping with diabetes easier.

3. Small and round like a pearl, I am black when I am whole 3. Small and round like a pearl, I am black when I am whole. I can be powdered coarse or fine A sharp and spicy taste is mine, Whether it is salty or sweet I am added as a special treat, Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?

Pepper (Kaali Mirch) It is extensively used in cooking, especially for garnishing. It is has many medicinal uses too. It helps coping with cold, cough, infections etc. It helps to deal with muscle pains and digestive problems

4. I am small and shiny chap Sometimes I am brown and sometime black, Added to hot oil and ghee I spread my fragrance all around me, When I am roasted. Curd and jaljeera are favourite to me. Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?

Cumin Seed (Zeera) It is used for cooking and it also possesses medicinal properties It is a good source or iron and keeps immune system healthy. Water boiled with cumin seeds is good for coping with dysentery.

5. I look like Zeera though green am I, To make your stomach healthy I always try, Eat me always after your meal I refresh your mouth, you surely feel, Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?

Fennel (Saunf) Fennel seeds are mostly eaten after meals, as their aroma works as breath fresheners. Fennel is a good home remedy for many stomach and gastrointestinal problems. They also relieve chronic coughs

6. I look like a nail but a bud am I, Chocolate brown colour and a Strong smell have I. When your toothache Makes you shout, I soothe the pain in your mouth. Think and tell me who am I? Tell me quickly, who am I?

Clove (Laung) It is used as a cooking ingredient mainly for seasoning or preparing Masalas. Clove oil is beneficial for coping with tooth ache and sore gums. It is also beneficial remedy for chest pains, fever, digestive problems, cough and cold.

Other Commonly Used Spices in the Kitchen

Asafoetida (Hing) It is used for seasoning food especially snacks and has medicinal uses. A good remedy for whooping cough and stomach ache caused due to gas.

Bay leaf (Tez Patta) It is used in cooking to add a specific flavour to food. It also has some medicinal properties. Bay leaf oil possesses antifungal and anti bacterial

Cardamom (Elaichi) It is used in most of the Indian and other sweet dishes to give a good flavour and smell. It is also used widely in pharmaceutical sector. Helps to control bad breath and digestive disorder. A whole cardamom chewed is good for coping with diabetes.

Cinnamon (Dalchini) It is used for mainly for seasoning food and preparing masalas It has medicinal uses too. It supports natural production of insulin and reduces blood cholesterol

Coriander (Dhaniya) Coriander leaves as well as coriander seeds are used in cooking. It also has some medicinal uses. It can be used externally on aching joints and rheumatism. It is also good for coping with soar throat, allergies, digestion problems, hay fever etc.

Curry leaves (Curry Patha) It is used as a main ingredient for seasoning in some countries. It has many medicinal uses. These leaves are beneficial for reducing blood sugar. Each part of the plant provides some benefit or the other. The dried leaves are extensively used in herbal medicines.

Garlic (Lassan) It is used for cooking as well as for the medicinal purpose. It is useful for coping with cough and cold. It also has antibiotic properties.

Ginger (Adrak) It is used for giving a specific flavour to food and has many medicinal uses. Helps to avoid digestive problems. It is beneficial for coping with cough and cold.

Mustard (Rye) It is used for seasoning as well as green leafy vegetable. The use of mustard oil is extensive in India but it is banned in some countries. Mustard oil is good for body massage and even for getting good hair. It consists of omega-3 fatty acids. It is an excellent source of iron, zinc, manganese, calcium, protein etc.

Nutmeg (Jaiphal) It is used in powdered form for garnishing and also for masala preparation. It is used in soaps, perfumes and shampoos. It can also be used for medicinal purpose. It is beneficial for the treatments of asthma, heart disorder and bad breath

Saffron (Zaffran/Kesar) It is used for cooking as well as in beauty products. It is mainly used in sweet dishes. It has good medicinal properties. It helps to cope with skin diseases. It is a good remedy for cough, cold and asthma.

Star Anise (Chakra Phool) It is used in cooking and for medicinal purpose Star anise oil is helpful for digestion and avoiding bad breath

The Indian state known as the Spice Garden is Kerala The Indian state known as the Spice Garden is Kerala.  Kerala is a small state full of hills and hillocks with stunning green sceneries. There are many spices growing naturally in abundance in the state.

References The Uses and benefits of Spices http://www.indiaparenting.com/food-and-nutrition/53_2737/the-uses-and-benefits-of-spices.html Environmental Studies Text book, Class IV

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