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Aromatic Foods for a Summer Bash

Submitted by Serena Mason on December 14, 2010

What is aromatic food?

It is not just the taste of food that causes a person to either enjoy or dislike it. Other factors like its aroma can have a very strong effect on how people react to foods. In facts, no matter how tempting a food item may look, no body will touch it, if it does not smell good. On the other hand, several people comment on how they would like to taste something, just because it “smells so good”. Strange as this may sound, not all foods need to be eaten in order to be enjoyed.


Some foods, especially certain herbs and spices have been known to add such a mouth watering and delicious aroma to food, that people can experience a great deal of pleasure, without even tasting the dish. Such foods can be described as aromatic food.

Where to get aromatic grocery from?

The use of aromatic food is still not very common with many people.


Most people consume aromatic herbs and spices by adding them to food preparations, for a distinctive flavor. Some of these aromatic groceries are common spices and herbs that can be easily purchased from any store; however, for the uncommon spices, there are certain companies that can be contacted through online resources.

Given below are some of the aromatic spices and herbs that can be used, in order to create a special aromatic menu:

• Thyme: This herb can help the body digest fatty foods and is generally used in roasts.


There are several medicinal advantages to thyme too, as it can be used as an antiseptic or for relieving coughs and colds.
• Sage: There are quite a few dishes that this savory herb could be added to, such as salad dressing and meat stuffing. Several people like to drink sage tea to soothe minor ailments.



• Saffron: This is probably the most expensive spice in the world and can enhance the taste, color and aroma of the foods that it is added to. People have been known to use saffron is desserts as well as spicy meat or rice preparations.
• Rosemary: This is one of the most ancient herbs that are still used in cooking, because of the delicious aroma that is associated with it. In fact, because of its strong flavor it should be used very sparingly.

Other aromatic foods use

One of the biggest advantages of aromatic food is that it is not necessary for people to consume such foods to enjoy its benefits; just the smell is enough. There are some varieties of aromatic food that are used as aphrodisiacs, while others are used as relaxants.

Given below are some of the most common aromatic food uses:

• The aroma of Vanilla can help get rid of stress and can promote relaxation.
• In certain countries the fragrant aroma of basil is used as a natural cure for headaches.
• The scent derived from almonds has been used as a sexual stimulant for ages now.
• People suffering from sinus related problems or nasal congestion are asked to inhale the smell of either raw or slightly cooked onions, in order to clear the nasal passages.

Summer is here again and it’s time to get ready to attend and host barbecue parties in your backyard. Let’s face it, the best part about summer is relaxing with your family and friends in your backyard while sipping on some chilled lemonade and nibbling perfectly grilled pieces of meat.

If you’re tired of eating the usual grilled pieces of beef, pork, or chicken, there are many ways in which you can liven up the fare that is normally served on a summer barbeque bash. You can even try out some exotic new recipes with a variety of succulent, aromatic foods so that your barbeque party is the talk of your neighborhood.

Here are some ways in which you can add a dash of spice and aroma to a summer bash:
Barbeque Shish Kebabs Recipe. Don’t you just love the tantalizing aroma of a kebab platter at your nearest Indian restaurant? Well you can bring the same delicious aroma to your summer bash by making some barbequed kebabs.
Here’s what you need:

  • Cubed Beef
  • Cubed onions
  • Green peppers
  • Baby tomatoes
  • French dressing
Method of preparation: The night before your party, soak the beef and onion cubes in a French dressing. Put this marinade into a Ziploc bag and refrigerate. Before the barbeque, cube the tomatoes and green peppers and skewer them along with the cubed beef and onions. Barbecue them on high heat for eight to ten minutes. For added flavor, marinate the beef in Indian sauces and spices. Check at your local specialty store for more options.

Indian Chicken Tandoori Recipe. Tandoori chicken is another finger licking Indian specialty that can be easily adapted to a summer barbeque. The secret behind this delicious dish is the marinade that is used. Fortunately you can buy ready made Tandoori mix at your nearest specialty store or supermarket.
Here’s what you need:
  • Chicken
  • Salt
  • Lime
  • Tandoori mix
  • Tandoori chutney
Method of preparation: A day before your party, skin the chicken and cut it into bite sized pieces. Make small gashes in the flesh to allow the marinade to seep through. Rub the lime and salt all over the chicken pieces and let it stand for 45 minutes. Follow the instructions to prepare the Tandoori mix and rub it all over the chicken. Store this in the refrigerator overnight to allow the chicken to marinate. Grill the chicken pieces for about 30 minutes and serve with some Tandoori chutney.
You can also mix and match dishes of various cuisines for a more flavorful summer bash.
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