Fresh and spicy

Spices add flavour and taste to the food that you cook. There's a lot more to it, says Executive Chef, Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, D. Krawage. "Every spice is distinctive because of its colour, aroma, taste and the flavour," he adds more spice to his idea.

As he says spices are selected on the aroma, freshness, ripeness and taste. When buying and storing spice these tips could be useful:

* Take spices fresh. The idea is to have a mouthwatering aroma around.

* Don't keep for a long period stored. This will affect the taste and the flavour of your dishes.

* Store spices in airtight containers

Store them in the original form. Do not crush or pound the spices before storing. Storing spices in their original form will retain the aroma and flavour. When using them grind or pound them fresh and add to the curry.

(SP)