Cold Weather And Christmas Have Their Own Smells

The delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen during the holiday season are one of the best parts of the season. Among the quintessential flavors of the season are cinnamon, orange, nutmeg, and allspice ^[1].

We often choose to flavor our meals differently throughout the year. Christmas has its own unique set of flavors and aromas. Spices and herbs are not just delicious; they also have a number of health benefits.

Orange

Oranges come in season in the winter months. Having a small bag in your home freshens the air. Of course, oranges are loaded with vitamin C.

Cinnamon

The perfect combination of sweet and spicy, cinnamon pairs well with chocolate, coffee, and almost any dessert. Cinnamon is another spice from our list that has a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobial agents, anti-parasitics, anti-diabetics, anti-lipemic agents, and anti-cancer agents are all attributes of cinnamon.

Additionally, cinnamon reduces blood sugar and blood pressure, according to studies. There have also been multiple studies showing that it lowers cholesterol and benefits the heart.

Cloves

Spices like cloves are abundant around the holidays and have been used in cooking and medicine for a long time. Cloves have traditionally been used to treat infections and pain. The flavor of cloves goes well with meat, curry, apples, and pumpkin and is a great addition to a warm holiday drink. With cloves’ strong, pungent flavor, you only need a little for maximum flavor.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a rich, fragrant spice that can be added to any holiday dinner table. Holiday eggnog is incomplete without nutmeg. However, it can also be paired with savory dishes as well as root vegetables: pumpkin and sweet potatoes are delicious with nutmeg. Cakes, cookies, breads, pies, and dairy products pair exceptionally well with it. For health benefits, digestion is improved, diarrhea is eased, nerves are calmed, inflammation is reduced, stress is relieved, and sleep is improved when nutmeg is consumed. It also stimulates the circulation of blood and relieves pain.

So, as you do your holiday planning and baking, think about a few seasonal spices to bring health and memories together this season.