Spicy Riddles

I can be powdered fine

To make food hot and spicy,

If too much of me is added

I make you gasp – shheee… shheee…

Your eyes and nose begin to water

And you cry!

Think and tell me who am I?

Tell me quickly, who am I?

Grind me and powder me –

To make your food look yellow,

I am mixed in oil by granny

And applied to wounds quickly,

I heal all wounds – big and small,

That is why I am loved by all!

Think and tell me who am I?

Tell me quickly, who am I?

Small and round like a pearl,

I am black when I am whole.

I can be powdered coarse or fine

A sharp and spicy taste is mine,

Whether it is salty or sweet

I am added as a special treat,

Think and tell me who am I?

Tell me quickly, who am I?

I am a small and skinny chap

Sometimes I am brown and

sometime black,

Added to hot oil and ghee

I spread my fragrance all around me,

When I am roasted.

Curd and jaljeera are favourite to me.

Think and tell me who am I?

Tell me quickly, who am I?

I look like Zeera though green am I,

To make your stomach

healthy I always try,

Eat me always after your meal

I refresh your mouth, you

surely feel,

Think and tell me who am I?

Tell me quickly, who am I?