Galangal root, also known as blue ginger, is a typical ingredient used in Thai cuisine that has antispasmodic and antibacterial properties. This spice originated in Indonesia, and over time has become truly valued in the world for its health benefits and a sharp taste that resembles a pine like aroma. In Thai culture, the galangal root, known as “kah”, is believed to have magical powers. Therefore, this spice is considered to be a natural aphrodisiac besides its other great benefits for emotional and spiritual balance. We import our galangal root from Thailand.
Cinnamon is a fragrant and slightly pungent spice that originated somewhere in Sri Lanka. It has a long history tracing back to 2000 BCE. The spice is actually the inner bark of a tree known to have great benefits for the digestive and immune systems. It has always played an important role in the Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, its powder utilized not only to give meals a great taste, but also to reduce cholesterol levels and treat infections. These days, we use Cinnamon cultivated in China to offer our clients the best flavor.
Black tea is made with the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant. This tea generally has a stronger flavour than lighter teas due to the heavier oxidation and contains more caffeine. The Camellia sinensis is a shrub that originated in China, although tea is cultivated worldwide nowadays, in places where the climate is ideal.
Coconut blossom sugar, also known as palm sugar or coco sap sugar, is a natural sweetener that has a very sweet and caramel like taste. This sugar that is made from the coconut palm’s sap of cut flower buds is what has been used for ages in the regions of Southeast Asia, and is now getting more and more popular all over the world. We make sure we only use organic natural sweetener coconut blossom sugar that has a plethora of health benefits to offer. We make sure we import the best organic coconut blossom sugar from the world’s largest producer in Indonesia.
Allspice is a spice with a very exclusive name particularly due to its taste that resembles a combination of all spices such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, etc. It is cultivated in the Western hemisphere in the rainforests of South and Central America. Mayans used it to make chocolate whilst the Arawaks used it to make mincemeat. Unfortunately, this dried unripe fruit is not very popular in Europe, particularly because of the failed attempts at transplanting its production to Eastern regions. Even so, allspice is nowadays an indispensable ingredient in many households that is both flavorful and healing. The world’s greatest supply of allspice comes from Jamaica, and that is why we make sure this is where we’re getting allspice from.
Cardamom is an extremely strong spice which is indigenous to India (Malabar coast) with numerous health benefits. It delivers a taste of pure delight to the Molina Chai. A member of the ginger family, cardamom follows saffron and vanilla on the list of most expensive spices. The harvest is labor intensive. Grown on plantations, primarily in India and Guatemala, the tall plant flowers for 8 or 9 months of the year to produce green pods. Cardamom, known as a natural detoxifier, helps to eliminate toxins out of your body.
While pepper originally belongs to South India, it's grown in other tropical countries as well. It's played a vital role in history, and has been considered as an important spice from time immemorial. In ancient Greece , it was also used as currency. To make black pepper, the peppercorns must be plucked just before ripening, left to ferment and then dried until they shrivel and turn black. For Molina Chai we use the Malabar black Pepper from India with its mildly dark, slightly bitter flavor.
Ginger is a spice with a very warm and spicy taste originated in Southeast Asia. Its history dates back 5000 years when this spice was incorporated into the Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine thought it to be a luxurious tonic that could eradicate many ailments. Soon after, it became widely cherished in the Mediterranean regions, not only for its therapeutic properties, but also for its exclusive lemon-like aroma as well as its biting taste. We import the best dried ginger from Nigeria.