In winter we crave hot food, which also warms us from the inside. According to the principles of Chinese medicine, there are “hot” foods that help us keep warm on cold days and also keep us healthy. One of the principles of this method of keeping warm is to season our food with “warm spices”. These spices can be used in the daily menu in winter dishes and they will add flavor and health benefits.
For example, black or white pepper is a great source of warmth. Pepper is considered a very warming spice and according to Chinese medicine, black pepper helps the body deal with flu and colds by eliminating the cold from the body even in the early stages of the disease.
Nutmeg is also a warm spice. Nutmeg has a sweet and delicate taste and it’s recommended to use it in a small amount.
Other warm spices are garlic and mustard seeds that can be easily added to stews and soups.
