Garam masala, Cultivation Type : Natural

Garam masala is a wonderfully aromatic blend of spices from India. Garam means "hot" or "heating" and masala means "spice blend". The "hot" is not necessarily referring to the kind of heat we find in hot chillies but to the fact that the spices are first toasted then ground. Another explanation we've heard is that the amalgamated effect of the spices in garam masala increases body temperature, a pleasant warm glow you might feel after eating a dish flavoured with it. It does however usually include some black pepper and cinnamon or cassia which carry some heat.

Different regions use different combinations and the blends will also vary from household to household where proportions may vary according to whatever dish it is being