Karayil Trading Company Koyambedu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

White peppercorns are both the fruit of the pepper plant, but they are processed differently than Black Pepper. The outer layer of the sun dried Black pepper is removed to produce White Pepper. While growing on the vine the peppercorn ripens from green to yellow to red. This pepper is used widely in preperations that are not intended to be dark. White pepper is known for its sharp bite and is used to add extra flavor to Chinese soups, marinades for meat and poultry, and spicier stir-frys.White pepper is usually added once the dish is cooked as over cooking of the pepper can make the taste bitter. It is spicier than the Black Pepper. The flavor would be earthy or smoky.White Pepper has its unique medical benefits too. It is believed to fight Colon Cancer. Due to the presence of a considerable amount of fiber, it helps to ease the digestive process and prevents stomach bloating and constipation. It improves the general dental and skin conditions. It is believed to help cut fat and enable weight loss. It contains minerals such as manganese, copper, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy bone development and strength.

Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a leafy plant related to ginger. It has a bright yellow color and a pungent, warm, earthy aroma and taste. It is one of most compulsory spices in Indian preparations. It adds a good color to the curries. It has been considered to be a herb with immense medicinal properties. It has great anti-inflammatory effects. Science has recently begun to support the claims about the medicinal effects of Turmeric. 

Star Anise is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to northeast Vietnam and southwest China. Star anise is the dried, star shaped fruit of Illicium verum. It is an evergreen tree attaining a height of 8-15 meters and a diameter of 25 cm. The plant grows well in humus rich, mildly acidic to neutral soils, which are light to medium and having good drainage. It is one of the flavours of Chinese savory cooking. The five-spice powder mix common in China contains star anise. It is used to add flavour to Curries and Confectionaries. The essential oil from Star Anise is used to flavor soft drinks and liquor. It is commonly called Anasphal or Chakra Phool in India.Star anise has quite a few medical benefits too. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin A and C. The oil produced from star anise contains thymol, terpineol and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu. It improves digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea. It is considered to resolve bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation.

Chilli is a fruit which belongs to Capsicum genus. It has many varieties which are differentiated on its pungency measured on Scoville Scale. Chilli fruit when ripened and dried becomes red chilli, which is further grounded to form red chilli powder. It is called Lal Mirch in India. Chillies are a common ingredient in many cuisines in Indian, Thai and Mexican to name a few. They came originally from the West Indies and quickly spread to India and Asia, then to North Africa and Spain. Red chillies can be used fresh or dried and are used for heat most of all and some flavour, rather than texture. There are medical benefits to Chilli. Chilli contains up to seven times the vitamin C level of an orange and has a range of health benefits, including fighting sinus congestion, aiding digestion and helping to relieve migraines and muscle, joint and nerve pain. It's also a good source of vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, folic acid and potassium. 

Nutmeg is a dark-leaved evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg and mace. It is also a commercial source of an essential oil and nutmeg butter. It is considered to be an unconventional way of getting high due to the presence of myristicin that has mind altering effects if used in large doses. The toxic dose of nutmeg is two to three teaspoons. It can be hallucinogenic, much like LSD. It is used to to add flavour to meat and bakery products. Nutmeg has a warm, spicy aroma and flavour and can be used in sweet and savoury cooking. It is known for its aromatic, aphrodisiac, and curative properties and generally used in Chinese and East Indian cultures. Studies reveal that 100 grams of nutmeg contain approximately 2% vitamin A, 5% vitamin C, 10% vitamin B-6, 84% dietary fiber, 45% magnesium, 18% calcium, and 16% iron. Nutmeg oil is distinguished by its strong aroma with clear, pale greenish or yellowish colours. It is highly sensitive to temperature and light, insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol. Nutmeg also contains fat oil, which is known as nutmeg butter or oleoresin. Oleoresin contains a significant amount of trimyristin acid.Nutmeg seed is effective for treating tuberculosis, fever, cough, colds, paralysis, skin diseases, gastrointestinal diseases. Both nutmeg and nutmeg oil can also be used for tackling nervous and digestive systems disorders. The high medicinal attributes of nutmeg are due to its high constituent of volatile oils.

Mustard seeds are the small round seeds of various mustard plants. The seeds are usually about 1 to 2 millimetres in diameter and may be colored from yellowish white to black. Grinding and mixing the seeds with water, vinegar, or other liquids creates the yellow condiment known as prepared mustard. It is a rich source of essential oils, minerals, and vitamins. It has been grown as a herb in Asia, North Africa, and Europe for thousands of years. The leaves and swollen leaf stems of mustard plants are also used, as greens, or potherbs. It has been adapted into many different cuisines by many different cultures. Egyptian pharaohs stocked their tombs with mustard seeds to accompany them into the afterlife 

Coriander also goes by the name “Chinese Parsley” and “Cilantro”. It is popularly called Dhania in India. Coriander has been used as a cooking and medicinal herb for centuries. It is considered to be a native to the Middle East and southern Europe, but has also been known in Asia. The leaves, seeds and root are all edible in the coriander plant. It is quite an essential spice in Indian preparations in the powdered form. The root is commonly used in Thai cooking. The seeds provide a very intense flavor. Leaves are often used in soups and salads. Coriander oil is used to flavor gin, vermouth, and liqueurs. 

    Fenugreek, commonly called "Methi" in India, is an annual plant in the family Fabaceae, with leaves consisting of three small obovate to oblong leaflets. It is cultivated worldwide as a semiarid crop. Its seeds and its leaves are common ingredients in dishes from South Asia. This can be eaten both in raw and powdered form. Boiling water with a couple of teaspoons of this seed is considered to be healthy drink that can be substituted for regular drinking water. This is widely used in Indian Curries, salads and stir-fry. It tastes something like the maple syrup. This seed has a permanent place in Indian households.There are various medical benefits of Fenugreek. It is good for skin health has anti-aging effects. It is considered to fight against Dandruff and prevent hair loss apart from pre-mature graying. It is believed to alleviate menstrual cramps, improve breast milk production, improve the digestion process, reduce cholestrol levels, control diabetes, good for the heart.

Fennel seed is native to the Mediterranean, but is now found throughout the world. Dried fennel seeds are often used in cooking as an anise-flavored spice. The seeds can be chewed after a heavy meal to help with the digestive process and is considered to be very effective. Some people consume it in its roasted form. It is generally used in curries, soups and salads, bread and biscuit mix.The essential oil of fennel contains estrogen, which inhibits muscles spasms, allowing you to digest more easily. It even relieves hiccups. Its aromatic and carminative properties are an excellent ally to treat flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, or stomach cramps, which are also symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The seed has amazing medical benefits too. It is believed to resolve respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. It helps in increasing the breast milk production.Fennel is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is also a very good of dietary fiber, potassium, molybdenum, manganese, copper, phosphorus and folate. In addition, fennel is a good source of calcium, pantothenic acid, magnesium, iron and niacin. The leaves if boiled into water to prepare tea, is believed to benefit skin, bone and urinary health.

  Cumin is the dried seed of the herb Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. The cumin plant grows to 30–50 cm tall and is harvested by hand. It grows low to the ground in China, India, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean region. It is used in Indian, Mexican, North African, Middle Eastern and western Chinese cuisines. In India, cumin seeds are an important component of curry powder and garam masala. It carries a very distinct flavor. It is commonly called Jeera in India. Cumin is traditionally used as a spice in Indian cooking, either as whole seeds or in powdered form. There are various medical benefits to cumin seeds. It is rich in Iron Content. It is believed to treat skin related issues apart from fighting diabetes, building immunity, helping with respiratory disorders, piles and insomnia. It helps in fighting common cold and viral infections. It is very good for lactating mothers or pregnant women, Rich iron content helps in preventing anemic conditions. The presence of essential oils, vitamin C, and vitamin A in cumin boosts our immune system.

Coriander also goes by the name “Chinese Parsley” and “Cilantro”. It is popularly called Dhania in India. Coriander has been used as a cooking and medicinal herb for centuries. It is considered to be a native to the Middle East and southern Europe, but has also been known in Asia. The leaves, seeds and root are all edible in the coriander plant. It is quite an essential spice in Indian preparations in the powdered form. The root is commonly used in Thai cooking. The seeds provide a very intense flavor. Leaves are often used in soups and salads. Coriander oil is used to flavor gin, vermouth, and liqueurs. 

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice. Cloves are commercially harvested primarily in Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Cloves are available throughout the year. People use the oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems to make medicine. Clove is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant. Expectorants make it easier to cough up phlegm. Clove oil is used for diarrhea, hernia, and bad breath. Clove has been used for thousands of years in India and China not only as a spice and condiment but also as a medicine for many ailments. It helps with the digestive process. It is good for reducing flatulence, gastric irritability, dyspepsia, and nausea. The powdered form is commonly consumed with honey. Cloves have good antibacterial properties. It is considered to help in controlling lung cancer. It is also believed that extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and help in controlling blood sugar levels apart from being helpful in preserving bone density and the mineral content of bone.

Cardamom is the seed of a tropical fruit in the ginger family. It is commonly called Elaichi in India and has a great aroma. It is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Green color is the most sought after. It is used in many of the curries, sweets and other dishes in India. It is widely used in Tea and the preparation is called masala chai. A little bit provides a lot of flavor.Cardamom has various medical benefits too. It helps with the digestion process and also resolves inflamatory conditions after a heavy meal. It helps in fat reduction and thereby resulting in weight loss. It is recommended for teeth whitening and prevention of bad breath. There are various grades in Cardamom, even though there is no standard universal system of grading. We have mentioned the grades in terms of size for a better understanding.

  Black Pepper derives its name from the Sanskrit word Pippali Nigrum. It has a very strong aroma and is hot. It has various grades and the first quality carries the best aroma and taste. This is widely used in preperations that are not intended to be sweet.This pepper has its unique medical benefits too. The potassium in this pepper helps with the digestive process. That apart it helps in fat reduction thereby helping in weight loss and prevents gas formation. It is good for respiratory functioning and is considered to be Anti bacterial.