Insider

Time to get spicy

Posted on May 22, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

We think its time to spice up our lives a little…besides having delicious aromas, they have superb health benefits too!
Here is how and why particular spices can aid a healthy life, mind and body.

Variety is the spice of life. Thanks to the multicultural populations of the countries where Constance Hotels & Resorts inhibit, the local cuisines are rich, varied and vibrant.
One of the key elements that make the cuisines at our hotels‘ world-class is the usage of certain spices. In fact, it truly brings the flavours of any dish to life.
However, the benefits of using different spices far exceed favour based benefits, they also hold many properties that promote good health.

Garlic

For over 5,000 years, garlic has been hailed as a dependable remedy for a wide range of illnesses. Historians have noted that garlic was even recommended during epidemics such as cholera and tuberculosis.
Additionally, this spice was even used as an antiseptic for wounds in World War I. Usage of garlic really goes back in time!

Moreover, garlic has also been referred to as ‘Russian penicillin’ due to its proven history of treating infection and fighting against viruses, bacteria and fungi.
No wonder it is hailed as a super spice!
Its smell may linger but the benefits of adding a little extra garlic are worth it.

Want a fun and spicy way to get more garlic into your diet? Why not try swiping up some Sakay!
Sakay is a traditional Madagascar recipe for a classic relish of hot chillies, ginger and garlic in oil. It is typically served in individual portions as an accompaniment.

Ingredients:

100g hot chillies pounded to a paste

1 tbsp ginger, finely grated

2 garlic cloves, crushed

4 tbsp oil

Method:

Place all the ingredients in a pestle and mortar or a food processor and render it to a paste. Serve in little ramekins as an accompaniment to main dishes.

Saffron

Did you know that saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants?
These molecules protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.

As well as acting and an antioxidant, saffron has also been awarded the nickname the “sunshine spice” as it holds antidepressant properties and can help protect brain cells against progressive damage.

Why not try weaving it in your dishes?
Saffron’s subtle taste and aroma pairs excellently with savoury dishes, such as paella, risottos, and other rice dishes.

Ginger

We all need a little more ginger in our lives!
Believe it or not, scientists have linked some of the active compounds in ginger with improvements in insulin levels and metabolic rates.
However, if you’re at risk for diabetes, tucking into sugary gingerbread or biscuits will not help improve your condition!
Instead, mix either dried or fresh ginger into a vegetable-based stir-fry, soups, or even your morning smoothie.

Equally important, ginger has also been proven to be anti-inflammatory. Excellent for morning sickness and can also help to reduce menstrual pain. In fact, many women noting that sipping ginger tea can also soothe nausea during this time of the month.

5o’clock cocktail?

Well, we think it’s time for us to spice up our lives! What about you?
How about we add a drop of ginger to our 5o’clock cocktail?
Try our Mauritian Spiced Mule this weekend – it is our special cocktail from Constance Prince Maurice:

Ingredients:

Spiced Rum
Bitters
Lime Wedges
Spiced Syrup
Ginger Beer
Thin Slice of Raw Ginger for Garnish

Looking for more cocktail recipes? Find them here 🍹

Citronella

A flavouring that is not as commonly known or used as the previously outlined is citronella oil. Citronella is an essential oil that is made from the distillation of the Asian grass plant in the Cymbopogon genus.

Hence, several studies have indicated that citronella oil has certain antifungal properties that can help weaken and/or destroy certain types of fungi that can cause health problems.

Did you know that at all our Constance Spa we use citronella? Yes, we do!
Thanks to the multiple benefits and properties mentioned above, Citronella is actually one of the key elements to make your spa break in our hotels blissful.