Welcome to Zesty Taprobane! At Zesty Taprobane, we specialize in premium Sri Lankan spices—Ceylon cinnamon, black pepper, green cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg—renowned for their delicate, aromatic profiles. Grown in ideal tropical conditions and harvested with traditional care, Sri Lankan spices are globally celebrated for their purity, depth of flavor, and health benefits.
Below, you’ll find curated recipes showcasing these spices in both traditional Sri Lankan dishes and beloved Western classics. Each recipe highlights the exceptional quality of Sri Lankan spices and how they elevate flavor even in small quantities compared to common alternatives.
Sri Lankan Recipes
Sri Lankan Watalappan (Cardamom–Nutmeg Coconut Custard)
Ingredients (serves 6) :
- ●2 cups coconut milk
- ●3 large eggs
- ●½ cup jaggery or dark brown sugar
- ●¼ tsp ground Sri Lankan green cardamom (or 4–5 crushed pods)
- ●¼ tsp freshly grated Sri Lankan nutmeg
- ●Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- ●Gently heat coconut milk with cardamom; strain.
- ●Mix eggs and jaggery, add strained coconut milk, nutmeg, and salt.
- ●Pour into ramekins and bake in a water bath for 30–35 minutes at 175°C.
Tip: Sri Lankan cardamom and nutmeg deliver rich flavor in smaller doses—use 50% less than generic spices.
Western Recipes
Masala Chai Blend
Ingredients (yields 8 cups)
- ●8 cups water
- ●4 black tea bags
- ●1 Ceylon cinnamon stick (~3")
- ●4 Sri Lankan cardamom pods, crushed
- ●4 Sri Lankan cloves
- ●⅛ tsp Sri Lankan nutmeg
- ●8 Sri Lankan black peppercorns
Simmer spices, add tea, steep 3 mins, strain and serve with milk.
Tip:Ceylon cinnamon and Sri Lankan cloves create a naturally sweet, balanced brew.
Chai-Spice Cookies
Key Spices (for ~24 cookies)
- ●1 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon
- ●½ tsp ground Sri Lankan cardamom
- ●¼ tsp Sri Lankan cloves
- ●⅛ tsp Sri Lankan nutmeg
- ●½ tsp Sri Lankan black pepper
Tip: Ceylon cinnamonReduce spice amounts by 10–20% if using Sri Lankan spices to avoid overpowering.
Dutch Speculaas Biscuits
- ●2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon (or 1¾ tsp cassia)
- ●¼ tsp Sri Lankan cloves (or ⅓ tsp Indonesian)
- ●¼ tsp Sri Lankan nutmeg (or ½ tsp pre-ground)
- ●⅛ tsp Sri Lankan cardamom (or ¼ tsp generic)
Tip:Ceylon cinnamon’s mild sweetness is better suited for buttery cookies.
Apple Pie Spice Blend
- ●1¼ tsp Ceylon cinnamon
- ●½ tsp Sri Lankan nutmeg
- ●¼ tsp Sri Lankan cloves
- ●⅛ tsp Sri Lankan cardamom
Tip:Fresh-ground Sri Lankan spices offer a smoother, rounder flavor.
Hot Buttered Rum
- ●¼ tsp Ceylon cinnamon
- ●⅛ tsp nutmeg
- ●Pinch cloves & pepper
Tip:Sri Lankan spices pair well with rich, buttery drinks.
Why Sri Lankan Spices Are Superior
Health Benefits of Sri Lankan Spices
Sri Lankan spices are not only prized for their exceptional aroma and flavor but also for their natural health benefits:
- Ceylon Cinnamon: Helps regulate blood sugar, supports heart health, and is low in coumarin, making it safer for long-term use.
- Black Pepper: Contains high levels of piperine, which improves digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and offers antioxidant properties.
- Cardamom: Supports oral health, aids digestion, and may help regulate blood pressure.
- Cloves: High in antioxidants, they support immune function, reduce inflammation, and help relieve dental pain.
- Nutmeg: Contains antioxidants and compounds that support sleep, brain health, and digestion.
These health benefits, combined with their powerful flavor profiles, make Sri Lankan spices ideal for both culinary and wellness-focused products.
Coumarin Comparison (Ceylon Cinnamon vs. Cassia)
| Type | Coumarin Content (mg/kg) | Health Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ceylon Cinnamon | ~0.0004% (very low) | Safe for daily use |
| Cassia Cinnamon | 0.4% – 5% (high) | Potential liver toxicity in large doses |
Insight: Ceylon cinnamon, also called "true cinnamon," has a delicate sweet flavor and contains virtually no coumarin, making it safer and more suitable for regular use, especially in teas and desserts.
Piperine Content Comparison (Black Pepper)
| Origin | Piperine Content (%) | Heat & Flavor Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 7.0%+ | High heat, fruity aroma |
| Vietnam | 3.5–4.5% | Medium heat, sharp taste |
| India (Malabar) | 3.0–4.0% | Mild heat, earthy flavor |
Insight: Sri Lankan black pepper contains some of the highest piperine levels globally—over 7% as confirmed by the Sri Lankan Export Development Board and Sri Lankan Department of Export Agriculture, often requiring only half or even a quarter of the amount used in general black pepper to reach the same level of flavor and heat, resulting in superior pungency, aroma, and flavor.
Spice Comparison Table
| Spice | Flavor Profile (Sri Lankan vs. Other) | Usage Comparison (Sri Lankan vs. Other) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceylon Cinnamon | Sweet, floral, smooth; low coumarin (vs. harsh, spicy cassia) | 1 tsp Ceylon = ¾ tsp Cassia |
| Black Pepper | Fruity, highly aromatic, higher piperine content (vs. flatter taste in Malabar/Vietnamese) | ½–¼ tsp Sri Lankan = 1 tsp Other (stronger heat and aroma) |
| Green Cardamom | Rich citrus-floral aroma; fresh and strong (vs. stale, muted generic) | ¼ tsp Sri Lankan = ½ tsp Generic Ground |
| Cloves | Warm, sweet, oily full buds (vs. harsh, dry Indonesian cloves) | ¼ tsp Sri Lankan = ⅓ tsp Indonesian |
| Nutmeg | Fresh-grated, soft spicy sweetness (vs. dull pre-ground) | ¼ tsp Fresh Sri Lankan = ½ tsp Pre-ground |
Note: Due to their potency—especially **Sri Lankan pepper** with its high piperine content—our spices are used in smaller quantities than generic equivalents. This demonstrates their superior quality, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency.