“Through Spice Spice Baby, my mission is to help elevate our babies’, kids’ and families’ palates and health by embracing spices in day-to-day cooking in simple and delicious ways.”
Kanchan Koya, Ph.D. ChiefSpiceMama & Founder: Spice Spice Baby
“Through Spice Spice Baby, my mission is to help elevate our babies’, kids’ and families’ palates and health by embracing spices in day-to-day cooking in simple and delicious ways.”
Kanchan Koya, Ph.D. ChiefSpiceMama & Founder: Spice Spice Baby
History
Spices are nature’s pantry and pharmacy in one. Since 3000 BC, spices have been used to flavor food and as medicine in civilizations spanning Egypt, Rome and India. The history of spices is essentially the history of modern man – our quest for spices influenced our wars, our trade, our food and our health.
Christopher Columbus was after spices when he accidentally discovered America and when the Portuguese conqueror Vasco De Gama landed in southern India, his men leapt off the ship chanting “For Christ and spices”! Spices were so valuable that they even replaced currency – in 14th century Germany, a pound of nutmeg could buy seven large oxen. Needless to say, spices have shaped human geography and destiny in a major way.
Spices today
Despite greater access and affordability worldwide, the mention of spices still evokes an association with ethnic food and incorporating them into mainstream Western cooking can feel challenging. Questions abound: does nutmeg go well with savory or sweet dishes? How can one use cumin and turmeric outside of Indian cuisine? What fruits, vegetables or meats combine well with cardamom and clove? And most importantly, can I really give my baby and kids spices? Aren’t they too spicy?!! Such doubts have led many Western households to shy away from spices until an occasional, often ethnic recipe calls for them. Babies and kids are exposed to spices much later, if at all, at which point they may find the tastes too unfamiliar for easy acceptance.
Why give babies and kids spices?
The words ‘spice’ and ‘baby’ in the same sentence may cause a few eyebrow raises but this is a reaction that is totally unfounded. There is a broad consensus among experts that the bland diet we have grown accustomed to giving babies has no scientific or health basis. Pediatricians agree that we can and should broaden babies’ palates with the use of herbs and spices starting as early as 6-8 months. Here are some compelling reasons why it’s a fantastic idea to expose babies, toddlers and kids to spices.
How to start babies and kids on spices
Cooking with Spice
My Latest Spice Posts
The content on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We do not claim that any of the spices or recipes we discuss are a substitute for modern medicine or will cure you of a disease or ailment. Please consult with your doctor before introducing spices or any new foods mentioned on this site to your baby or kid if you are concerned about their reaction to them.