Top 10 Indian Spices & Their Industrial Uses – VLC Spices
India is the largest producer, manufacturer, and exporter of spices, producing 11 million tonnes annually. Along with its household cooking purposes, these spices are also supplied as essential ingredients to food manufacturers, HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés), and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The medicinal, preservative, and aromatic properties of these spices not only enhance flavours but also play a significant role in their use.
For businesses sourcing Indian spices in bulk, selecting the right variety, understanding storage requirements, and knowing their industrial applications become crucial. In this blog, we will look at the top 10 Indian spices and how they are commonly used in B2B industries.
At VLC Spices, we offer a premium range of Indian whole spices that are perfect for winter cooking. Whether you’re a chef looking to enhance your menu or a retailer stocking up for seasonal demand, these top 7 winter spices will elevate your dishes while boosting immunity.
The Top 10 Indian Spices & Their Industrial Uses:
India is the land of spices. Out of 109 listed spices, 75 are produced in India. Out of these 75 spices, here are top 10 spices that are widely used in both culinary and medicine sectors
1. Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirch)
Black pepper, aka the “King of Spices,” is one of the most popular and flavourful spices that has several culinary and medical benefits. We source our black peppers from South Indian states that are known for this spice cultivation.
Uses of Black Pepper:
- Food Processing: The spice is most commonly included in garam masala, marinades, and snack seasonings.
- HoReCa: It is also an essential ingredient in Indian, continental, and fusion cuisines served by numerous food outlets.
- Pharmaceuticals: Along with culinary use, black pepper is a common spice in Ayurvedic medicine for digestion and immunity.
- Bulk buyers’ advantage: HoReCa businesses can use cloves for infused oils, spice blends, and warming winter beverages.
2. Turmeric (Haldi)
Flavour infuser, check.
Natural colour enhancer, check.
Medicinal properties, check.
Turmeric is the true all-rounder of the spice world.
Uses of Turmeric:
- Food Industry: Turmeric is commonly used in Indian curry powders, dairy products, and spice blends.
- Pharmaceuticals: The yellow spice is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits in ayurvedic medicine.
- Cosmetics: Along with its benefits inside the body, turmeric can also enhance outer beauty with its skincare and beauty products.
3. Cardamom (Elaichi)
Elaichi packs a refreshing punch with its amazing flavour, medicinal properties, and soothing floral fragrance.
Uses of Cardamom:
- Food & Beverage: Cardamom is used in desserts, chai cafes, and confectionery.
- Pharmaceuticals: It is also used in the medicine sector for supplements that aid digestion and is used in herbal medicines.
- Perfume Industry: Because of its floral fragrance, essential oils from cardamom are used to make fragrances.
4. Chilli Powder (Lal Mirch Powder)
Primarily sourced from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, chilli powder offers a spicy, pungent kick.
Uses of chilli powder:
- Food Processing: Chilli powder is primarily used in spice blends, sauces, and pickles.
- Snack Industry: It’s also a popular ingredient in seasoning for chips, namkeens, farsans, and ready-to-eat products.
- Preservative: It also acts as a natural preservative in pickled products.
5. Cinnamon (Dalchini – Bark & Powder) Comfort Spice
The earthy bark of cinnamon is a premium spice renowned for its sweet flavour with subtle spicy notes.
Uses of cinnamon:
- Bakery & Confectionery: Cinnamon is a star ingredient commonly used in pastries, cookies, and chocolates.
- Beverage Industry and Cafes: The subtle spice of cinnamon adds a unique flavour and aroma to teas, coffees, and liqueurs.
- Pharmaceuticals: Known for its anti-diabetic properties.
6. Coriander Powder (Dhania Powder)
The mild, citrussy taste of coriander powder is usually reserved for the culinary industry.
Uses of coriander powder:
- Food Industry: Dhania powder is used in Indian curry powder, seasonings, and spice blends.
- Snack Manufacturing: Enhances flavours in roasted and fried snacks.
- Pickling Industry: Coriander powder is also a common ingredient in pickled vegetables and sauces.
7. CloveS
Sourced from the farms of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, cloves have a strong, aromatic, and slightly sweet taste.
Uses of cloves:
- Meat Processing: Cloves are one of the first ingredients in marinades and spice rubs.
- Essential Oils: The spicy natural oils extracted from cloves are used for medicinal and dental applications.
- Confectionery: Even with its spicy notes, cloves are commonly found in sweets, baked goods, and spice mixes.
8. Cumin Powder (Jeera Powder)
Widely cultivated in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, cumin has a warm, earthy flavour.
Uses of cumin powder:
- Food Processing: Cumin powder is used in curry powders, spice mixes, and beverages.
- HoReCa: Hotels and restaurant chains use jeera powder to add depth to Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines.
- Pharmaceuticals: Its medical properties aid digestion and metabolism
9. Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
Known for its strong and refreshing flavour, fennel seeds have many delicious applications in the culinary world.
Uses of fennel seeds:
- Mouth Fresheners & Digestives: Fennel seeds are most commonly used in post-meal mixes.
- Beverage Industry: The green seeds are also in herbal teas and flavoured syrups because of their digestive benefits.
10. Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana)
Cultivated in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, fenugreek has a bitter, nutty taste.
Uses of fenugreek seeds:
- Pickling Industry: Fenugreek seeds are common in Indian pickles.
- Pharmaceuticals: The medicinal properties of methi seeds are used for diabetes and cholesterol management.
- Spice Blends: While not very common, fenugreek seeds can be found in curry powders and custom Indian spice mix.
Pro Tips: Store all these spices in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption.
Conclusion
For businesses in the food processing, HoReCa, and pharmaceutical industries, sourcing high-quality spices is essential for maintaining product consistency and flavour.
Looking for premium-grade Indian spices in bulk? Partner with VLC Spices for trusted quality and supply! At VLC, we hand pick premium quality spices from farms all across India which are then supplied all in India and abroad. We are also certified by FSSI, Kosher, Spice Board and more. Visit our website to learn more about our products.
