Spice World!Spice World!

Variety!Variety!

Why Learn About SpicesWhy Learn About SpicesSpices…• Make food and beverages taste better• Preserve food• Add important health benefits to food• Encourage us to ask who first used

this• Lead to discovery of new places• Lead us on new adventures• Encourage us to learn about different

cultures• Provide practice in measurement• Stimulate use of technology

Spices DefinedSpices Defined

• An aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavor food

• Something that adds zest or relish• Category includes:

– Herbs (usually leaves)– Berries– Roots– Seeds– Fruits– Nuts

Health Benefits?Health Benefits?

Spice Benefit

Allspice Anti-inflammatory

Anise Antioxidant

Black Pepper Regulate digestion

Caraway Lower blood cholesterol

Cardamom Reduce spasms

Cayenne Pepper Clears sinuses (and how!)

Cinnamon Manage diabetes

Clove Anesthetic

Health Benefits?Health Benefits?

Spice Benefit

Cumin Antioxidant

Horseradish Boost immune system

Mace Build strong bones

Mustard Seed Reduce triglyceride levels

Nutmeg Fight fungal infections

Saffron Induces sleep

Tamarind Improve blood vessel strength

Vanilla Bean Reduce heart rate

Spices Stimulate Tech UseSpices Stimulate Tech Use

• Internet to find information on cultures and geography

• Word processing to write about spices

• Ipad to video or generate podcast

• Calculator for recipes/cost figuring

• PPs to share information

Spices for Kids with DisabilitiesSpices for Kids with Disabilities

• Multisensory!• Fun• Stimulating• Encourage exploration• Prior experiences with them• New experiences with them• Other benefits…• Some cautions…• Some safety issues…