Until now I was aloof from bloodbaths behind the pleasure on my taste buds. Many of us are unaware about the bloodshed upon spices during its journey to kitchens all over the world.

Many explorers stepped into uncharted land and new worlds are traced on the map just because of spices. Columbus reached America in search of spices. And Vasco Da Gama included India in world map on his quest for spice lands. And many colonialists and war mongers fired bullet to get mighty spices on their hand. On the due course, many people lost their life and many made their own.

War on Spice Island in Eastern Indonesia has left the pages of history spilled with human blood. There are specific spices for which many countries lost territory and many countries get richer with broader border. It is said colonization began for the sake of spices. South East Asia and South Asia has always remained as the centre for spice trading. Even Romans traded spices from Indonesia. Indonesia houses the exclusive spices in its volcanic islands which are considered very best for growing cloves, nutmeg and mace. According to archaeological evidences, 3000 years ago cloves from Molluccas were traded to Persia. Spices were so popular and were the symbol of luxury and sophistication and so much expensive – even costlier than gold and silver during middle ages – for its medicinal and lavish purpose and values.

The spices fuelled capitalism and the colonization began with the war on spices in South East Asia. Spices were controlled and traded in the cost of thousands of lives. We are trying to introduce some of the prominent spices that have bloody history and those spices dipped in the blood of many lives.

Cinnamon

In 15^th century it was said, “No man should die who can afford cinnamon”. It is the aromatic spice used in many culinary delights for its exotic flavor and aroma. Cinnamon is the bark of the cinnamon tree and it is available in dried bark and ground form. Surprisingly more than 100 different varieties of cinnamon are found but two major types are used for cooking purpose - Cinnamomum cassia and Cinnamomum zeylanicum . Cinnamon is not only popular for its taste but also for its medicinal and antibacterial qualities. Read More>>

]]> http://www.fnw.com.np/?feed=rss2&p=870 http://www.fnw.com.np/?p=803 http://www.fnw.com.np/?p=803#comments Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:48:16 +0000 Gaurav Aryal http://www.fnw.com.np/?p=803 Kathmandu streets are looking more like the fashion runways walked by the fops and dandies. These days Kathmandu roughly replicates the city of butterflies of fashion – Paris. No matter the weather condition and time, Kathmandu is attired so fashionably that eyes deny getting off the beautiful people.

To add the vibrancy on the getup of the Nepalese this season is ready with more stylish casual and formal wears. Not only casuals but formals can really make anybody reveal their dashing personality.

Casual wears are comfortable and suits any environment and makes anybody look good and sporty. Casual outfits this season is stylish and trendy as ever giving anybody the starry looks. This season attires are getting shorter with flowery, printed and embroidered designs for both guys and girls.

Formal wears are not just for social events anymore. Though they are worn during special purpose and in different settings, they are equally stylish and are true fashion statements. Even organizations are opting for designer formals to make their employees not only elegant but also boost their persona with a different fashion taste.

Radha Barma and Sama Baneu, fifth batch students of Namuna College of Fashion Technology who are also preparing for their own fashion show in September share the current casual and formal trends.

Women’s favorites
Casuals
Shorts
Weather broadcasts say that the days are going to be hot and damp. In such weather it is wiser to choose clothes that keep the body cool and give hot looks. The pair of shorts is the perfect option. If you are slim and have one of those long and gorgeous legs the shorts would be perfect for you. There are various options and range of colors to choose from; black, checks, stripes, pink and patterned.

Skirts
There was one time when shorter skirts were everybody’s choice. But this season go for long skirts especially cotton with flower patterns. But opt for smaller flower patterns and longer – usually more than knee length. If you think flowers are not your choices than stores near you have the colors like black, crimson red or ash just made for you.

Jeans
Jeans are always on fashion. They neither make you old-fashioned nor do they themselves get outdated. So get to the nearest mall and grab one that fits you perfectly and go for new designs available.

Tops
Loose tops, usually long that cover hip and often knee lengths are the top choice of youngsters this season. Flower patterned and sleeveless are quite preferred types. Sleeveless and even shoulder less tops are the trends in this part of the year.

Kurtis
Kurtis have always remained the preferred wear for Nepalese ladies. It makes anyone look simply glamorous and elegant. It can be mixed and matched with jeans and even worn as the popular Kurta Salwars.

Aladdin Salwars
Loose trousers like outfit for women are the hot choice this season. Aladdin Salwar with cuffs and a bit loose is the trendsetter of the summer this year. Its genesis goes back to the famous cartoon character Aladdin.

Formals
Saree
For the special occasions and gatherings sarees are the top choice among women in this part of the world. Sarees are decent yet glamorous. On the celebrations and festive season and especially during wedding session women prefer putting on their favorite six yards of clothing. Embroidered designs and variety of color choices are available in the wide price ranges.

Kurta Salwars
Kurta Salwars can be both put on as the casual as well as formal wears. It is sometimes considered as the semiformal wear by many fashion consciousness people. As this season is all about embroidered do not hesitate to buy some heavily embroidered one like sitara works. But it does not mean simple designs are out of fashion they are one of the most widely sought designs among youngsters. This wear makes any generations beautiful in both formal and casual occasions.
Suits
Suits for women are favored as official wears. It can be carried out with skirts or pants. Women look chic with these pieces of formals. Such formals are usually adopted by the organizations for employees. But for the business meetings or an interview it is wise to have at least one in the closet. Blouse matching with the blazer and skirt or pants makes ladies look completely professional.

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