English Malayalam Names of Spices

List of some spices with their Malayalam, Hindi and English names along with pictures.

Karugapatta – Cinnamon

Jathikka – NutMeg

Grambu – Cloves

Jathipoo – Mace

Takkolam/Nakshatra Poov – Star Anise

Elakka – Cardamom

Kurumulaku – Pepper

Jeerakam – Cumin

Sheema Jeerakam (Shia Jeera) – Caraway seeds/ Persian Cumin/ Meridian Fennel.

Caraway seeds and Black Cumin are often confused. Black Cumin is used in Biryani and Caraway seeds are used for flavoring Breads and Cakes in some cuisines.

Perum Jeerakam (Saumph or Moti saumph in Hindi) – Fennel Seeds/ Sweet Cumin

Saumph (Patli Saumph or Choti Saunf in Hindi) – Aniseed.

Aniseed and Fennel Seeds are often Confused. Aniseed is used as Mouth  Freshener and is expensive. Fennel seeds are often used in Kerala Cuisine.

Nigella/ Black Cumin- Kalonji

Karinjeerakam (Kaala Jeera or Shah Jeera in Hindi) – Black Cumin/ Black Caraway.
Nigella Seeds are also known as Black Cumin though it is entirely different from Kaala Jeera.

Kus Kus – Poppy seeds

Ellu – Sesame Seeds

Kunkumapoov – Saffron

Ayamodagam (Ajowan/ Ajwain) – Ajowan caraway / Thymol seeds/ Carom/ 

Karuva Ella – Bay Leaf

Uluva – Fenugreek

Tulasi – Basil

Karutha Uppu – Black Salt

Kayam – Asafoetida

Karivepala / Vepala – Curry Leaves

Malliyilla / KothaMalli – Cilantro / Coriander Leaves

 

Manjal – Turmeric 

 Malli – Coriander

Mulaku – Chilly