Breakfast is a more important meal than lunch and dinner. In fact in the morning we assimilate the carbohydrates, the proteins, the fibers and the vitamins needed to face in the best physical and mental conditions the work and study commitments of the first hours of the day, often the most decisive ones. Spices and aromas with their precious nutritional properties can also make a fundamental contribution to our morning menu.
In this article Europrodotti explains how to add aromas and spices to your breakfast in a simple and tasty way to enrich the flavor of the first meal of the day, increase its health benefits and make this moment even more enjoyable.
The benefits of aromas and spices at breakfast
Spices and aromas are not only a condiment for dishes but also have positive effects on our well-being, improving digestion, strengthening the immune system and contributing to an optimal psychophysical balance. For example consuming ginger, turmeric, cloves and mint at breakfast means giving our body the resources to face the day in the best way.
Here are some examples of aromatic herbs and spices that not only enrich the taste and aroma of the drinks and foods we consume for breakfast but also offer important benefits for the body and mind.
- Ginger: it is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It is ideal for smoothies, tea or as an addition to cereals or pancakes. We also find it on the market as the main ingredient in biscuits.
- Turmeric: it has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be added to milk, for example in smoothies or in the golden milk. This Indian Ayurvedic drink based on vegetable milk and honey also helps to improve mood. A really important benefit when starting a day!
- Cardamom: this spice has a fresh and decisive taste with a lemony undertone suitable for both sweet and savory recipes. It relieves gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, gas, indigestion and heartburn and has also beneficial effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health. It is perfect for flavoring tea, coffee or smoothies.
- Vanilla: all we know the pleasant taste of vanilla but few know that this spice also has precious calming properties, very useful when the day promises to be particularly stressful and demanding. It is the main ingredient of cakes, biscuits and croissants but can also be used to flavour yogurt, oat flakes, smoothies and hot drinks.
- Cloves: useful for stimulating digestion and fighting bacterial infections. They can be used in small quantities to flavour hot drinks, such as coffee or tea.
- Mint: it is an analgesic, a local anesthetic and, particularly important for social relations, it helps to freshen the breath. It can be added to tea, smoothies or even as a garnish for yogurt or fruit salads.
- Star anise: it aids digestion and, in infusion, provides relief from a sore throat. Its aroma is reminiscent of liquorice and in addition to infusions and tea it can be added to desserts.
- Cinnamon: it is an antioxidant and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. In addition to desserts it is excellent for flavoring yogurt, porridge, fruit or even coffee.
How to add spices and aromas to the breakfast menu
Adding spices such as vanilla and cinnamon or aromatic herbs such as sage or rosemary to breakfast is quick and easy. Here are some important tips.
Hot drinks
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to coffee or tea for an enveloping aroma. However there are flavored infusions for all tastes on the market.
- Prepare a golden milk with turmeric, ginger and black pepper for an energizing, anti-inflammatory drink with a decidedly tantalizing taste.
- Make a chai latte, a typical Indian spiced drink also known as masala chai. Making it at home is very simple because you just need to mix two equal quantities of tea and hot milk and add a spice mix based on cloves, star anise, cinnamon and nutmeg. Those who are lactose intolerant can replace cow's milk with soy milk.
Sweet snacks
- Enrich plain yogurt with fresh fruit and a sprinkling of cinnamon powder or grated ginger.
- Prepare pancakes or waffles by adding a touch of vanilla, nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture.
- Add spices such as cinnamon and cloves to cereals.
Savory snacks
The habit of integrating breakfast with savory foods such as eggs, dressed pork products and cheese has now become consolidated even in Italy. Here we provide you with some advice for easy and light savory recipes.
- Ham and low-fat cheese rolls. Mix some spreadable low-fat cheese with a pinch of nutmeg, freshly ground black pepper and chopped chives. Spread one or two spoonfuls of this mixture on slices of cooked ham which you will then wrap.
- Egg white omelette with vegetables. Egg white is rich in high-quality proteins, is cholesterol-free and can easily be found on the market ready for use in packages without the yolk. Chop some fresh vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes, mixing them with oregano or thyme. Add the chopped mixture to the egg white and bake in the oven for a few minutes. Baking in the oven will allow you to have a lighter omelette. You can also add a pinch of sweet paprika or cayenne pepper to give a spicy touch.
- Avocado toast. Avocado is a fruit rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Mash a ripe avocado, season it with turmeric, a pinch of chilli and a few chopped fresh coriander leaves and spread it on slices of toasted bread, preferably wholemeal.
A balanced breakfast is essential to face the day with energy and good humor both at school and at work. Europrodotti offers a selection of high-quality aromas and spices, designed to enrich morning drinks and snacks, both sweet and savory, with precious nutrients. Thanks to their beneficial properties our products not only enhance the taste, but also help to provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, essential elements for the well-being of the body.