Tuesday, February 4, 2014

How To Choose And Use All Natural Spices

By Jayne Rutledge


Organic focus has become very popular. Spice has now become a part of that. All natural spices make a much better selection, both for taste and health. They have no additives or preservatives. This allows their robust flavors to shine through. This means that the use of salt can be avoided. Health professionals have determined it is unhealthy to use salt in excess. There is also an avoidance of preservatives and additives that is conducive to better health.

Since the shelf life of most spices ranges from two to four years, there is not really a need to have added ingredients for prolonging shelf life. Their freshness and pure taste are preserved by using a few tips to keep them fresh for the maximum time. The full, robust flavor will last for a very long time if these tips are followed.

An important factor in keeping freshness is storing them in airtight glass jars. This avoids one of the major enemies to freshness, moisture. If you can't find your choices in glass containers, you can change them over into your own containers. Some are very pretty, and come with special racks that can be quite decorative. This, combined with the beauty of the spice, make a very beautiful addition to your kitchen.

Steam is a major destroyer of freshness. Shaking the jar over a boiling pot allow that steam to go straight into the jar. It is best to put the proper amount of the spice in the hand and add it to the pot. Also, it is important to keep heat away during storage. They should be in a cool, dark place, away from the stove, not over it.

Periodically checking for freshness helps keep the freshest ingredients. This can be done by checking for color. With age, reds turn brown, greens get lighter and duller, and some colors just completely fade. Aroma can also help determine freshness. Place a small quantity of the spice in the palm and rub. Freshness is indicated by a strong aroma that smells like it did originally.

A key that is vital to getting what you expect in a product is to pay attention to where the grower is located. Different locations have different flavors. Some locations have hotter peppers than others, or sweeter vanilla, or even stronger dill flavors. Searching for the ideal location for a particular spice can ensure getting the best flavor and quality.

The use of all natural flavorings benefits all concerned. Suppliers and growers work together in a mutual relationship. The supplier pays the grower a fair price, helping those growers economically. Many come from countries with lower economic levels. These purchases help them financially. Consumers get higher quality at a reasonable price, so they, too, benefit.

Cooking is an art that requires fine-tuning to get the exact taste you are searching for. In addition, healthy cooking includes using the proper ingredients. All natural spices are an organic option that can make the difference in a so-so dish and an outstanding one that will please the palate.




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