Costus Root

Ameen Foods Costus Root (Saussurea costus) is a distinctive aromatic herb long valued in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese herbal culture. Recognized for its warm, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor, costus root is used both as a spice and in traditional herbal preparations.

In the kitchen, costus adds a subtle ginger-like depth to soups, stews, and teas, infusing recipes with a mellow sweetness and rich aroma. It's a favorite in Eastern and Middle Eastern cuisines, where its earthy undertones bring balance and warmth to savory and herbal preparations.

Beyond its culinary uses, costus root has a long history in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal practices.

Fragrant, grounding, and deeply traditional, Ameen Foods Costus Root bridges the worlds of food and cultural heritage with timeless flavor.

How to use it
Simmer a teaspoon of the cut root in a cup of water for ten to fifteen minutes and strain, or grind the dried root to a powder and use a small pinch in an incense blend or a spice mixture. The aroma is strong and woody, so it is used in small quantities. Store the root sealed, dry and away from light. Technique tip: grind only what you need, since a woody aromatic root holds its scent for years whole and loses it within weeks once powdered.

Botanical name: Saussurea costus
Also known as: Saussurea lappa, Kuth, Kut, Kushta, Qust, Qust al-Hindi, Qust al-Bahri, Aromatic Ginger, Indian Aloe, Kostha, Kushtham, Indian Costus