Best Garam Masalas
It’s impossible to imagine Indian cuisine without spices. Among the various spices, Garam Masala rules supreme as it makes up a vital part of your everyday meals. The freshness and aroma of the spices provide a distinctly rich flavour and taste to the dishes.
Garam masala is the soul of Indian cuisine, and it is extensively used for seasoning while preparing Indian vegetables or meat dishes. It comprises black pepper, cinnamon sticks, cumin seeds, cardamom, clove, and other ingredients as per various regional variations.
It is used in the powder form in North-Indian cuisine while South Indian meals use the paste of garam masala. It can be mild or very spicy as per the regional flavours and preference.
If you want to spice up your everyday meals, getting a pack of ready garam masala is a must, and this article will help you with it.
In this article, you will find the top 7 garam masalas in the Indian market. Here you will also know what is garam masala, the benefits of garam masala in cooking, buying tips, and a few FAQs.
7 Best Garam Masalas in India
What is garam masala, and what does it taste like?
Garam masala is a blend of various ground spices that is used extensively in Indian cuisine. The spices used are usually roasted to bring out the flavour and aroma and then are grounded.
The powdered spices are vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian.
It is a complex medley of spices. It includes sweet cinnamon, tangy coriander, spicy peppers, fragrant cardamom, earthy cumin, and more.
There is no one recipe for garam masala. The ingredients are different in the different regions of India.
If you go to northern India, the garam masala is mild and aromatic, while you go to southern India, the garam masala is spicier and hotter.
Benefits of garam masala
The ingredients of garam masala differ from region to region as well as brand to brand. Every spice used in making garam masala has some benefits. The amount of benefit you can reap from the garam masala depends on the ingredients and how much you use it.
Here are some of the benefits that you get by using garam masala.
Boosts Digestion
Garam masala stimulates the appetite and aids in boosting digestion by promoting gastric juices’ release in the stomach. The cumin is one of the major elements in garam masala that boosts digestive enzyme activity and keeps indigestion at bay.
Black pepper, which is also very common in the mix, has beneficial effects on our digestive system. According to a study, garam masala can also treat IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
The cloves, cardamom help in digestion as well as prevent acidity. It is a proven fact that garam masala increases the digestive fire and aids in faster digestion time.
Boosts Metabolism
The ingredients in garam masala are rich in phytonutrients, which aids metabolism. Black pepper is an excellent spice that boosts the body’s metabolism.
They are also rich in minerals that improve the various body organ’s functioning.
Full of Antioxidants
Each spice included in garam masala is full of powerful antioxidants. When these spices are mixed, you get a new level of potency.
Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients in garam masala, has the most antioxidants, according to a study conducted in 2005. Also, clove and cardamom are rich in antioxidants.
All these antioxidants help in preventing various skin problems, infections, and helps in fighting inflammation.
Fights Bloating and Flatulence
Along with boosting digestive enzymes, garam masala also helps in fighting flatulence, bloating and also nausea. The carminative property of garam masala helps keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy.
Fight bad breath
According to various studies conducted over the past, consuming spices helps prevent tooth decay and aids in getting rid of bad bacteria.
The nutmeg has a compound called macelignan that can kill bacterias responsible for tooth decay.
The cloves help against gum problems like gingivitis and improve overall oral health.
In Ayurveda, it is also considered as a panacea for various tooth problems. They are full of calcium, omega-six fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Improves heart health and blood pressure
Every year thousands of people die due to heart-related diseases. So, if intaking food can reduce the risk, one should do it.
Cardamom helps in regulating the blood pressure levels and also improves overall heart health. The coriander spice helps in lowering triglycerides levels as well as total cholesterol.
Garam masala is easily available, extremely affordable, low in calories and is a reliable source for maintaining good heart health.
Reduces inflammation
Body inflammation is increasing rapidly in the modern world, and it is linked to many age-related diseases.
It is difficult to eliminate inflammation, but you can reduce the symptoms with a good lifestyle and a healthy diet.
Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cumin are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and lessen the inflammation in the body.
Absorbs nutrients
Adding garam masala to your meal increases its overall nutritional value. Black pepper is the main spice that adds all the nutritional value to the food.
The piperine found in black pepper increases the absorption of vitamins and minerals. It is also responsible for giving the spice its pungent taste.
Protects the nervous system
Garam masala is rich in antioxidants and could help prevent various neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s. The natural antioxidants and the piperine found in black pepper protect us against various neurodegenerative disorders.
With a good lifestyle and diet, you can greatly reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart diseases.
Other Benefits
Garam masala helps against diabetes and also lowers cholesterol. Cinnamon is the most effective spice against diabetes. Coriander also helps with lowering bad cholesterol. Pepper and cumin help in slowing down ageing.
They also have cancer-fighting properties, cloves help in the proper growth of cells, and inhibit tumour growth. Spices are also good for the skin as well.
Buyers guide
Ingredients
The common ingredients in garam masala are cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, bay leaves, chilli, anistar, caraway, etc.
Mostly, garam masala is made using blends of around 9 to up to 20 spices.
It depends on the region and brand you are buying it for. If you are allergic to any spice or ingredient, make sure to check the label before buying it.
Storage
Storage plays a crucial role in determining the life span of garam masala. The ground masala may lose its potency if it is kept in the open. It is recommended to store the masala in an airtight container.
Brands
In India, various brands manufacture garam masala. Some of the most common and trusted garam masala brands are Everest, MDH, Catch, Tata Sampann, Kohinoor, Patanjali, etc.
Shelf life
It is advisable to use the garam masala within a few weeks as it is fresh and has a strong flavour.
Most of the garam masalas come with a shelf life of six months up to 24 months. Store the masala in a cool and dry place for longer shelf life.
Packaging
Most garam masalas come in a box and are packed in aluminium foil and plastic sachets. This helps in retaining the aroma and flavour of the garam masala.
If you are buying a large quantity, transfer the garam masala to an airtight container to preserve the flavour for a long period.
Top 7 Best Garam Masalas
1. Everest Masala, Garam, 100g Carton
Everest is India’s number one spice brand. It offers more than 45 masala variants in the form of blends and pure masala.
It is appreciated and accepted by millions of people, not only in India but also in over 50 countries worldwide from the UK, USA, UAE, Africa, and Singapore to Australia.
Everest garam masala is every Indian mother’s favourite as it makes the food tastier and suits a very wide palate. Everest has been ruling the market for the last 52 years.
It contains spices like coriander, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, fennel, Triphala, Anistar, dry ginger, cassia leaf, clove, cardamom, caraway, and common salt and has authentic garam masala recipe.
- This garam masala is made with a blend of 13 spices.
- It acts as a great taste enhancer.
- It is a chilli-based masala and offers exotic red gravy to food.
- This garam masala is favourite amongst Indians due to its less pungent smell and taste.
- The spices like fennel, cinnamon, and triphala give a cooling effect to the body.
- It is an all-purpose seasoning that adds a little sweet flavour.
- The aroma is .vibrant.
- It has no trans fat and no cholesterol.
- It is rich in various minerals, vitamins, proteins, calcium, and iron.
- No negative points were observed.
2. Tata Sampann Garam Masala
Tata sampann is a part of the Tata consumer products group.
The Tata Sampann products include dals, bean, and spices. They believe that natural goodness is the way of living a healthy and balanced life. Therefore all its products are 100% pure and authentic.
The spices manufactured by them are wholesome and have their essential oils intact. It imparts an undiluted aroma and flavour in the food. The Tata Sampann garam masala is packed in an individual sachet to retain its aroma till its last usage.
The Tata Sampann garam masala brings delightful moments in every meal, and it is also packed with unique nutritional benefits.
- The Tata sampann garam masala is crafted by the master chef Sanjeev Kapoor for great taste.
- All the species are sourced from the best farms.
- The spices are rich in flavour and aroma.
- The garam masala is 100% natural masala with whole natural oils and undiluted aroma and flavour.
- The garam masala is a blend of different spices in a precise proportion to add the dish’s perfect flavour.
- It is packed in five sachets which can be easily stored and keep the freshness locked in.
- It gives a rich colour to curries and gravies.
- The packaging is great and keeps the freshness intact for a long period.
- All the masalas are made and processed as per international standards, so quality will never be compromised.
- No negative points were observed
3. Patanjali Garam Masala –
Garam masala is the ideal combination of every spice needed by one to level up the flavour palate of a dish. Patanjali Garam masala brings the essence of Indian food in a box for you. For a unique blend of premium grade herbs and spices, have a look at these features.
- It contains coriander, cumin, black pepper, salt, yellow chilli, cinnamon, ginger, fenugreek leaves, nutmeg, clove, green cardamom, big cardamom, mace, mustard and bay leaf.
- It has a shelf life of fifteen long months from the date of manufacture.
- Its blend has aroma and taste, and medical benefits also.
- Ayurveda recommends the spices for numerous health advantages.
- It helps the absorption of vitamins, minerals and proteins.
- It is easy to incorporate in a daily diet in simple recipes, and it gives them a relishing taste.
- It is made of premium grade herbs and medicated ingredients.
- No Cons were observed.
4. Aashirvaad Shahi Garam Masala
Aashirvaad spices are one of the leading players in the spice market. It supplies high-quality spices by sourcing them directly from the farmers and doing quality tests for ensuring accurate colour, aroma, and pungency.
The Aashirvaad Shahi Garam Masala is enriched with high quality and exotic ingredients such as black cardamom, star anise, mace, cassia, and nutmeg.
These ingredients are perfectly grounded together for providing the awesome blend of taste and aroma to all your dishes. The pack comprises “Aroma Locked Technology” for ensuring long-lasting freshness and aroma.
- It features a re-sealable zip lock pouch inside that keeps the aroma locked for long-lasting freshness.
- It comprises of the appropriate balance of rich aroma and flavours.
- It is enriched with high-quality, exotic, and locally sourced ingredients
- It offers the authentic taste and colour of age-old cooking practices.
- It is hygienically processed in a fully automated environment.
- It gives the feeling of home-made masala.
- The grounded powder may include unfiltered particles.
5. Catch Super Garam Masala Powder
Catch is present in the Indian market for nearly three decades now. It has a wide product range right from pure spices, whole spices, sprinklers to blended spices.
One such popular product is Catch super garam masala powder.
It is rich in aroma and adheres to the highest quality standards. The spices used to make this garam masala are sourced from the best farms in India.
- All the species are handpicked from the best farms
- The spices are grounded by using low temperature grinding process.
- It is packed under a fully automated and hygienic environment
- It has a fresh flavour and rich aroma
- Its ingredients include – cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, coriander, black peppers, red chilli, fennel, bay leaves, ginger, turmeric, star anise, and common salt
- The low heat treatment retains the aromatic oils and compounds of spices.
- The spices the garam masala its unique taste and flavour
- All the spices used are of premium quality
- It adds amazing flavour, colour and taste to the food
- No negative points were observed
6. Kohinoor Garam Masala E Khaas
McCormick & Co. Inc. is a world leader in flavours for the past 127 years! They are the manufacturers, marketers, and distributors of condiments, spices, seasoning mixes, and other flavorful food products.
In India, the brand operates through its 100% subsidiary Kohinoor Specialty Foods India Pvt, LTD. It is famous for its basmati rice and has recently started manufacturing spices.
The Kohinoor garam masala E khaas is made with the highest quality ingredients sourced from India’s best farms. It is crafted perfectly by culinary experts and delivers 100% pure and authentic Indian taste.
This garam masala e khaas is a unique blend of nine spices – cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, bay leaf, cardamom, Black pepper, fennel, coriander, and clove.
- It is made with 9 aromatic spices
- It has a granular texture
- It gives a very authentic Indian taste
- It adheres to the high-quality standards
- A free high-quality airtight glass container is also provided.
- The aroma is very fresh every time you cook a meal
- The essence of this Kohinoor garam masala e khaas is very deep
- The flavour is strong, and a little amount will give you a nice taste.
- No negative points observed so far
7. MDH Garam Masala
MDH is a very famous name when it comes to spices in India.
It has around five manufacturing plants to meet the ever-growing demand for its spices. The raw ingredients are directly procured from the centre of produce to maintain the uniformity of taste and quality.
The ingredients are first cleaned, dried, and then tested with special machines. The selected ingredients are carefully grounded in finished products. Fully automated machines carry out the whole process with very little human intervention.
- The MDH garam masala is a unique blend of traditional spices.
- This garam masala is made using cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, star anis, caraway, dried ginger, etc
- It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients
- The fragrance is very powerful
- It gives a very beautiful colour and flavour to the food
- The quality of this product is up to the mark
- It has a strong taste, so a little quantity goes a long way
- No negative points were observed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where does the garam masala come from?
The origin of garam masala can be traced back to northern India where the cold season calls for warming quality spices. These spices are commonly used in India, Iran, and Pakistan.
2. What is garam masala made with?
Garam masala is a blend of different spices, here are garam masala ingredients – Cinnamon sticks, Black peppers, Green cardamom, Cumin seeds, Coriander seeds, Nutmeg or Mace, Bay leaves, and many more
3. Is there any substitute for garam masala?
If you don’t have all the spices, here are a few substitutes for garam masala –
Allspice and cumin – Mix four parts of cumin powder with one part of allspice powder and you will find a quick substitute for garam masala
Curry powder – If you don’t have garam masala, swap it entirely with curry powder. The taste won’t be very warming, but it works great with most Indian curries and gravy
Chaat masala – Chaat masala is another famous masala from India that is a mixture of spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, asafoetida, chilli, pepper, salt, etc.
Conclusion
The garam masala is responsible for the irresistible, mouth-watering, and soul-satisfying flavours of Indian cuisine. Whether it’s about preparing delicious gravy or scrumptious curry, you can’t do without garam masala.
With garam masala, you add the authentic taste to your meals and avail of its various medicinal benefits. It has been part and parcel of our age-old recipes.
When food adulteration is a serious concern in today’s time, you need to stay vigil for procuring the purest garam masala as eating pure and healthy spices is strictly non-negotiable. Isn’t it?
Our top picks Everest Garam Masala, Tata Sampann Garam Masala and Catch Super Garam Masala Powder to help you make the best choice.
We hope this guide will help you look for the best garam masala to spice up your meal.
