Curry powder facts for kids
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| Type | Curry |
|---|---|
| Region or state | Indian subcontinent |
| Main ingredients | Spices (coriander, turmeric, cumin, chili peppers) |
Curry powder is a special mix of spices that first came from the Indian subcontinent. It's used to add a unique flavor to many dishes, especially those called "curries."
Contents
What is Curry Powder?
Curry powder is not just one spice, but a blend of many different ones! Think of it like a secret recipe where different spices are mixed together to create a new, exciting flavor. Some common spices you might find in curry powder are coriander, turmeric, cumin, and chili peppers. The exact mix can be different, making each curry powder a little unique.
Where Did It Come From?
People have been mixing spices for thousands of years, especially in the Indian subcontinent. About 4,000 years ago, during the time of the Indus Valley Civilization, people were already using spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric in their cooking. These traditional spice mixes are called "masalas" in India. They are super important for making delicious Indian curries.
How Did "Curry Powder" Become Popular?
The idea of "curry powder" as we know it today, sold in stores, started when Indian merchants sold their spice blends to British traders a long time ago. The British wanted an easy way to make Indian-style dishes back home. So, they created a ready-made spice mix that tasted similar to the traditional Indian "masalas." This "curry powder" became popular in British recipe books in the 1700s and has been sold by companies like Crosse & Blackwell and Sharwood's for a very long time.
Later, British traders also took curry powder to Japan in the mid-19th century. There, it became a key ingredient in what is now known as Japanese curry, which is a very popular dish in Japan!
The Name "Curry"
The word "curry" is a general term that Westerners started using for many different Indian dishes that have a sauce. It comes from the Tamil word kaṟi, which means 'sauce' or 'relish for rice'. In India, there are many different names for saucy dishes, like "jhol," "kadhi," "shorba," and "kalia," each with its own unique flavor and spices. "Curry" became a simple way to refer to all these delicious dishes.
How Healthy is Curry Powder?
Curry powder doesn't just taste good; it also has some nutrients! A small amount, like one tablespoon (about 6.3 grams), contains:
- Energy: 20 kcal (that's 84 kJ)
- Fat: 0.883 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.52 grams
- Fibers: 3.35 grams (good for your digestion!)
- Protein: 0.9 grams
So, while it's not a main food, it adds flavor and a little bit of goodness to your meals!
See also
In Spanish: Curry en polvo para niños
