Spice Spotlight: Saffron, Cardamon, Curry and Turmeric

The spice trails taken by the Europeans can be traced backward from India to Arabia (formerly Asia Minor) to Africa to Egypt and all the way to the ancient Greco-Roman world. Wars were fought over precious spices and in the end … we all won! Because the end result of the wars and the global spice trade is that these days, exotic spices are readily available, either via online shopping or maybe even at your local grocery store. 

 If you would like to learn about the history of spices, here are a couple of links of interest.

• History and Politics, East India Company
• A Short History of Spices

India is not the only country that supplies herbs and spices to Europe and the USA, however, these days, it is a major exporter. The spices which were introduced to the West by way of India include, but are not limited to, cardamom, cassia, ginger, tamarind, curry, and turmeric.

Cardamon is referred to as the "queen of spices".
Do you know which spice is called the “king of spices”? Saffron!
(Although some say it's black pepper. Not me! I'm in the saffron camp.)

The origins of saffron are disputed. (History of Saffron.) But not its flavor, health benefits, or its recognition as the most valuable spice in the world.

Were I to recommend four (4) spices to turn my mundane everyday meals into extraordinary-everyday dining experiences, it would be:

1. saffron, 
2. cardamon, 
3. curry, and 
4. turmeric.

If I were thinking of a gourmet food gift for an aspiring chef or a friend or relative who wants to improve their cooking skills, it would be one or more of these delightful spices.

Related Links of Interest:
♦ Cardamom-And-Coriander-And-Turmeric Recipes
♦ 10 Best Saffron Curry Recipes
♦ 15 Recipes that Prove Cardamom Makes Everything Taste Better Recipe
♦ 20 Tasty Turmeric Recipes - Easy Ways to Cook with Turmeric
♦ Foodie Friday : Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon


Source: Webnuggetz.com

Autumn is here! Is a Season Your Reason to Drink Tea?

My coffee addiction often keeps me from drinking and enjoying a cup of tea. But other members of my household love to brew! They are not tea experts (yet!) and are always experimenting with different flavors – from caramel apple to licorice to green tea to black tea to … on and on and on.

Photo by Gabi Miranda on Unsplash

I found an interesting blog post written by Ryan Frey who works as a GO TO tech guy for ShareASale, Inc., an established affiliate marketing network corporation. He not only knows his tech stuff but his office co-workers also think of him as a tea aficionado. He must be. Why else would he suggest drinking tea according to the seasons of the year?  In his post, How To Brew Different Tea Varieties for Fall, he recommended five (5) tips for how to enjoy your tea during the autumn season. All excellent advice.  A quick summary of the tips is below.

• 1. Rooibos or “red tea” ... makes a great neutral base for both sweet and nutty flavors. During the Fall, expect to see flavor blends like chestnut, pumpkin, and chai.
• 2. Black tea is a totally oxidized (but not “fermented” like Pu’erh tea) version of your everyday tea leaves ... like Earl Grey and English Breakfast.
• 3. Green and white teas are more delicate, partially or unoxidized tea leaves and buds. ... often fruity, sweet, and complex.
• 4. Herbal teas or “tisanes” are like rooibos, in that they aren’t from the tea plant at all. They contain alternatives like spices, herbs, flowers, and fruit.
• 5. Try other brewed beverages like Pu’erh tea and Mate.

glitter-graphics.com

Hiware Good Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser & Lid, Borosilicate Glass Teapots Stovetop Safe, 27 Ounce / 800 ml, Clear

What to get for the tea lover who also loves chocolate? Chocolate tea! Numi Organic Tea Chocolate Rooibos

Source:  Webnuggetz.com

Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet or Pantry with Exotic Spices

On September 20, 1519, Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan (c. 1489-1521), set sail from Spain on a mission to find a western route to the Spice Islands. He reached the coast of South America and then navigated the strait linking the Atlantic and the Pacific which now bears his name, the Strait of Magellan. He crossed the Pacific to the Philippines in1521, where he was killed in a battle with the natives. Juan Sebastian del Cano (c. 1460-1526), a Spanish navigator, stepped into the shoes of Commander after Magellan’s death and returned to Spain in 1522. Three of the five ships Magellan led on the expedition did return to Europe. But what became of the Spice Islands?

The year is 1945 and Indonesia has been proclaimed as a republic. The islands formerly known as the Spice Islands are known today as the Moluccan Islands. No doubt discovering these islands was quite an adventure for the explorers, but these days it is very easy to go on an exotic spice adventure and never leave your kitchen.

Just follow these spice trails:
- Allspice from Jamaica; an essential ingredient in Caribbean cuisine.
- Sweet and aromatic Turkish spices like Anise Seed.
- Organic Mace and Cinnamon sticks from Indonesia.
- Cloves originating from Madagascar.
- Rosemary originating from Spain.
- Herbs such as Dill Weed and Cilantro from Israel.
- Cardamon from Guatemala.
- Nutmeg from the East Indies. (Whole Nutmeg)
- Juniper Berries from Yugoslavia.
- Herbs and spices from India like Fennel, Ginger and Turmeric.
- Tellicherry peppercorns, the fruits of the Brazilian pepper tree.
- Commonly used herbs from France ~ Lavender, Tarragon, and Thyme.
- Brown and Yellow Mustard Seed from Canada.
- Garlic and Basil grown in California, USA.
- Rubbed Sage, an Albanian herb.
- Savory, a dried herb used Central European kitchens.
- Oregano from Greece.
- Caraway Seeds from Holland.
- Hungarian Paprika
- Egyptian Marjoram.


Related Links of Interest
♦ 10 Essential International Spices For Any Kitchen
♦ Top 12 Must-Have Herbs To Grow In Your Kitchen Garden
♦ 5 Best Spices Burn Fat

♦ 3 Spices That Hold the Secrets of Longevity Per Mao Shing Ni (Dr. Mao)
♦ 10 Best Spices For Healthy Cooking by Matthew Kaplan
♦ 5 Exotic Spices From Around the World by Melisa Marzett

Stock Your Kitchen Cabinet with Exotic Spices

Indian Food Cooking Basics: Indian Tempering

Respected food writer, Monica Bhide has written for well-known publications such as Food and Wine and Cooking Light. In her article, “The Crackling Spices Of Indian Tempering”, she writes about a cooking method common to Indian cuisine called “tempering”.

EXCERPT: ” … Tadka translates as “tempering.” It is a method widely used in Indian cuisine, in which whole or ground spices are heated in hot oil or ghee and the mixture is added to a dish. Hot fat has an amazing ability to extract and retain the essence, aroma and flavor of spices and herbs and then carry this essence with it when it is added to a dish. …”

Now before you frown and turn away because of the mention of two little words – “Hot fat” – it might interest you to know that tempering has nutritional benefits, as it helps the spices unlock their healing properties.

Typical Indian Buffet

The Crackling Spices Of Indian Tempering | Special Series: Kitchen Window | NPR

* * *

Do you have a particular Indian dish you really enjoy? (It can be a dessert.)

Best Indian Dessert Recipes

Source: Webnuggetz.com

Gifts for Tea Lovers : Do you Like Pretty Teapots?

Do you often find yourself reflecting back on many fond childhood memories? Many children, especially little girls, can probably remember having a tea party. My big sister had a blue and white tea set and she enjoyed pretending we were having a tea party. I wasn’t allowed to play with the toy dishes by myself since they were breakable. So when I wasn’t playing with my sister, my other memory is of playing with clay. What was an easy thing to make with clay? A teapot with teacups and saucers (which my sister taught me how to make). My clay creations did not look as pretty as her teapot, cups, and saucers. But creating those clay teapots encouraged my appreciation for pretty teapots.

Yixing is an area in China referred to as the Pottery Capital of China. The name (義兴) translated into English means “righteousness and prosperity”. The Yixing clay teapots date back to 1500 (or possibly 1300). A Chinese potter is to be credited for this invention; however, historical records do not provide a name. Originally made for individual use, they were molded from a single sheet of purple clay. Rather than use a separate drinking vessel, i.e. a cup, people often drank directly from the teapot. At first, the design was simple but later evolved into artistic creations. That was the beginning. In the late 1600s to early 1700s, teapots were exported to Europe. Eventually, the Europeans began to make their own. The earliest example of fine British tea-ware “may have been Josiah Wedgwood’s improved cream-coloured earthenware, which was introduced in the 1760s”. (Quote Source)


* More reading on the history and design of the teapot.


Nowadays teapots are commonplace and can be found in most homes all around the world. In fact, I think that the perfect gift for anyone is a lovely teapot or a tea set.


What about you? Do you fancy pretty teaware?

Toys and Games:  Tea Sets for Children

Exquisite 5 PCS Blue-And-White Peony Design Ceramic Tea Pot Tea Cups Set In Beautiful Color Gift Box by THY COLLECTIBLES

Dollhouse miniature Food,Tiny Food Collectibles ( Heart Coffee Tea Cup Set ) Enjoy Afternoon Tea on Valentine’s day

Disney Beauty & The Beast Live Action Enchanted Tea Set Playset

Kidzlane Play Tea Set, 15+ Durable Plastic Pieces, Safe and BPA Free for Childrens Tea Party and Fun

Tea Sets ~ Collectibles and Unique Gifts

Contemporary Art Decor Porcelain 5 PCS Tea Set Teapot Teacup Plum Blossom

Atlantic Collectibles Chinese Calligraphy Red Glazed Porcelain 27oz Tea Pot With Cups Set Serves 4 Beautifully Packaged in Gift Box

StealStreet SS-CG-10181 Red Cherries Overflowing in Wooden Barrel Teapot Collectible

Stained Glass Teapot Accent Lamp Tiffany Style Tea Pot Kettle

Tea for One?  It doesn’t always have to be tea for two.

« Previous Next »

Bits and Pieces – Tea For One Peacock Porcelain Teapot and Cup Set – Elegant Peacock Design With Delicate Tassel on Teapot Handle Makes Great Decoration – Includes Decorative Gift Box

Tea Bloom:  Teabloom Reintroduces 

the Art of Brewing the Perfect Cup.

The World’s Most Beautiful Flowering Tea Gift Sets ~ A TEA LOVER’S PARADISE

Teapots Made in England

So many lovely gift ideas; from vintage to modern.

* * *

Source: Webnuggetz.com