INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY:

Indian food and spices have been popular throughout the world since ancient times. The Romans imported spices from India as early as 77 CE. Arab traders imported spices from India before the beginning of the common era. In the Middle Ages, Indian cuisine and spices became very popular throughout the world. All the major kingdoms of Asia and Europe had an active spice trade with India in the Middle Ages. Many battles were also fought at the time, especially between the European powers England, France, Portugal, Holland and Spain to gain access to the spice route to India. Indian spices and condiments were one of the main reasons the British visited India before colonizing it. Even Christopher Columbus was looking for a sea route to India (to resume the European spice trade with India after the fall of Constantinople) when he accidentally discovered America in 1492.

REASONS FOR THE POPULARITY OF INDIAN CUISINE:

Indian recipes have traditionally been known for the simple style of cooking where the nutritional value of the food is maintained while flavor is enhanced through the use of spices and masalas. The concept of pickles and salads also originated in India. They were served with the main course and acted as an appetizer to stimulate the taste buds.

Different parts of India had their own local traditions and cultures. The food and recipes from the different regions were also very diverse. In North India, wheat has been the staple food, while in South and East India, rice is the staple food. Eating habits also vary according to climatic conditions, geographical location and the main crops grown in that region. For example, in the coastal regions of India, seafood and fish recipes are more popular, while in central India, vegetarian cuisines are more popular. However, there is hardly a situation where a popular food from any part of India is completely new to another region of India. This is due to the food culture of India, where people exchange food with their neighbors and friends, especially during the festive seasons. This is common in all parts of India and has helped spread the popularity of various regional dishes in other parts of India.

The festivals and the food prepared during the festivals also have their own meaning. For example, in Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is observed in the month of January. Bajra rotis (pearl millet breads) and sweets made from brown sugar and Til (mole) are served during this festival, as eating these items during winter is very beneficial in maintaining body temperature. These festivals help create a situation where no one feels the compulsion to eat healthy food according to weather conditions, but enjoys doing it with festive activities. The popularity of Indian festivals around the world has also helped the popularity of Indian food.

The Indian medical science known as Ayurveda is known for its easy and natural way of treatment. The basis of Ayurveda is healthy Indian food and herbs. The physical and mental conditioning exercises of Yoga also originated in ancient India. Indian food and cuisine have traditionally been drawn from the yogic philosophy of cooking and eating. So, with the popularity of Ayurveda, Yoga, etc., people all over the world have become aware of the health benefits of Indian food.

In modern times, Indian expatriates from around the world have helped popularize Indian cuisine. Although Indian cuisine was popular in the UK and many other parts of Europe and the Middle East since the Middle Ages, it was mainly due to Indians settling abroad that it became very popular in North America and the rest of the world. world. It is no wonder that countries like the US, UK, Canada and Australia have several restaurants and hotels that only serve Indian food.

With the massive growth of cable television in the last few decades, food shows are appearing on television channels all over the world. Indian recipes are part of the various recipes that are taught in those programs. Therefore, cable television also played a significant role in the rise of popularity of Indian cuisine.

CONCLUSION:

Indian cuisine is known for its variety, nutritional value, and great taste. Most recipes rely on the use of various spices to enhance the flavor.