How to Protect Your Spices During Monsoon: Expert 

Zia ur Rehman

Islamabad: In Asia, spices are more than just ingredients; they form the essence of traditional cuisine, infusing dishes with flavors passed down through generations. Preserving their quality during the monsoon is vital to maintaining these flavors.

Spices, referenced in ancient texts like the Rig Veda, have long been integral to both culinary and medicinal practices. The spice trade shaped historical events and explorations, with figures like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan underscoring their global significance.

“Spices are the soul of our dishes and directly impact our success,” says the chef of Balla Tikka House, Rawalpindi, renowned for Asian cuisine. “When spices lose their potency due to humidity, it’s not just about flavor—it’s a business risk. Compromised spices lead to compromised dishes, which results in disappointed customers and lost revenue.”

Executive Chef Imran of Islamabad Hotel also emphasizes the need to maintain spice quality during the monsoon. “Fresh, aromatic spices make our dishes unique and memorable. Preserving their integrity is crucial for maintaining our reputation and customer loyalty.”

Saima Javed, a spice enthusiast and food journalist, adds, “Women are especially passionate about spicy food. We’re often the ones driving our families to the best dining spots because we crave bold, aromatic flavors.

If restaurants don’t maintain the quality of their spices during the monsoon, they risk losing a key part of their customer base. Our enthusiasm for spices significantly influences where families choose to dine, making it essential for restaurants to preserve spice integrity to keep us coming back.”

In Pakistan, the monsoon brings high humidity and heavy rains, posing significant challenges for spice lovers and sellers. Moisture can cause spices to clump together, reducing their flavor and aroma. Additionally, the damp conditions create a breeding ground for pests like weevils, which can further spoil these essential ingredients.

Chef Ahmed Khan from Islamabad’s renowned Melody Food Street shares his expertise: “The integrity of spices used in dishes like Mutton Karahi cannot be compromised during the rainy season. Spices are critical to the dish’s flavor. When they lose their quality due to damp weather, it affects the entire dish. That is why we keep limited stock and buy fresh from the market to avoid storage issues.”

Spice vendors also face pressure. Mr. Zafar of United Pansar and Masala Store recounts the difficulties during the monsoon. “We store our spices in airtight containers and keep them in cool, dark places to preserve their taste and aroma.” This practice helps mitigate spoilage and maintain the spices’ integrity.

Similarly, store owner Mumtaz emphasizes the importance of meticulous storage. “Proper handling and storage of spices are crucial during the monsoon,” she notes. Experts suggest transferring spices to airtight jars before the rainy season begins and storing them away from heat and moisture.

The owner of Punjab Iftikhat Traders, a wholesale spice dealer in Rawalpindi, explains: “Protecting spice sacks from humidity is vital for maintaining quality. We use airtight packaging to prevent moisture, add moisture-absorbing packets, and store sacks elevated on pallets to avoid ground moisture and improve air circulation.

We also employ climate-controlled environments or dehumidifiers for consistent dryness. Regular inspections help address dampness and pests, while tarps and protective sheeting shield the sacks from rain and high humidity in the open market.”

By following these guidelines, both cooks and vendors can preserve the enchanting qualities of Pakistani spices, ensuring the rich, poetic flavors of traditional dishes like Nihari and Haleem remain vibrant despite the challenges of the monsoon. In doing so, they honor the cultural legacy of these spices, keeping their tantalizing aroma and taste alive for generations to come.