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Storage and Temperature Spices should always be kept in a cool,, dry environment because the heat can cause spices to lose their fresh flavors, strength and even color. The best place to store fresh spices is in a cupboard and the best place to store fresh herbs would be in the refrigerator. Fresh herbs can last up to five days, stored in a refrigerator. Dried herbs and spices can be expected to keep their flavors for up to six months.
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Allspice During Christopher Columbus’ journey around the Caribbean, Columbus was on a hunt for pepper to take back to Europe. As Columbus had never before seen what a real pepper looked like, he mistakenly collected allspice and shipped it back to Spain. Hence, Columbus is credited with discovering allspice as well as America in 1492.
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Cinnamon The spice known as cinnamon is actually bark from a cinnamon tree. Cinnamon is used as an ingredient in some cake and cookie recipes as well as in some desserts. Cinnamon spice is also used in holistic treatments to aid against arthritis, cholesterol, diabetes and memory loss.
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Cloves Clove spice is made from dried flower buds and is not only used to make spiced cookies and cakes but is also used by different African cultures as a flavor ingredient in hot tea. Clove tea is said to help against nausea. The Indonesians use cloves to make aroma cigarettes called “kreteks.�
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Cumin Cumin is an ancient Egyptian spice. Cumin grows well in a variety of climates and is used as an important ingredient in countries around the world. The cumin plant grows between one to two feet in height. Countries and continents that are known to use cumin in many dishes include India, Middle Eastern countries, North Africa and Europe. Cumin seeds are actually the dried fruit of the cumin plant.
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Nutmeg The nutmeg spice is harvested from the center seeds of the fruit from the nutmeg tree. The nutmeg tree originates from the Indonesian rain forest on Moluccas Island. The seeds are grated to form the powdered nutmeg we use today. Nutmeg used to be used as a remedy against bad breath, headaches and fever. Today, nutmeg is commonly used as an ingredient in desserts, sauces, soups and pies.
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Paprika Paprika is produced by grinding dried capsicum pods. There are different strengths of paprika, such as regular, medium and hot. Paprika is used as an ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes. Paprika contains more Vitamin C than any type of citrus fruit.
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And Remember Fresh is best! Fresh herbs are much preferred over their dried selves and may be used in greater quantity. Dried herbs are about three times stronger than fresh. It’s better to use too little than too much-herbs are used to enhance the existing flavors of a dish, and should not overwhelm the taste buds.
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