Any powdered spice is not good.
 
Prabhupada: And if our... Pushed on our men... The thing is they supply more spices, and especially that mustard. This is not good. This is prohibited.
Tamala Krsna: It should be mild, prasadam.
Prabhupada: Practically no spices. Simply little cumin. And this turmeric. Turmeric you get from India, whole turmeric. This powdered turmeric is very, very bad.
Tamala Krsna: Unhealthy.
Harikesa: They put sawdust in it.
Prabhupada: That's all.
Tamala Krsna: It's very unhealthy.
Prabhupada: It is very cheating. Any powdered spice is not good.
Harikesa: Asafoetida also.
Prabhupada: Everything. As soon as it is powder, they will mix with all rubbish things. And it is very easy to cheat you. You are susceptible for being cheated. So they take advantage and cheat you. So best thing is to import spices from India whole and either get it powdered or during time of cooking you make them paste. That is first class.
Tamala Krsna: Crushing.
Prabhupada: You just put the spices water, soaked in water for some time, and then in mortar and pestle you...
Dhananjaya: Smash it.
Prabhupada: That is very nice. And immediately you fresh prepare and put into the vegetable. It will be tasteful, and it will be beneficial. All spices are beneficial.
Tamala Krsna: And much cheaper.
Prabhupada: Cheaper, of course, there is no question to you what is cheaper. For you everything is "damn cheap."
 
[S.P. Morning Walk, July 1, 1975, Denver]