Sunday, 2 February 2014

Tips For Choosing And Using All Natural Spices

By Jayne Rutledge


Organic cooking has become a big item, and spice choices are a big art of that. The use of all natural spices gives a healthier boost to food tastes without adding preservatives and other additives to the diet. Salt has been determined by health professionals to not be good to use in excess. These strong flavors can help to eliminate, or at least lessen, the need for salt.

Spice shelf life varies from at least two years to around four years. This means additives are not necessary to prolong their life. Following a few tips will help preserve the tastes and freshness of them. Following these tips mean you have that wonderful flavor you expect for at least the length of the shelf life.

An important tip is to store them in sealed, airtight glass jars. This keeps out moisture, which is a major enemy of freshness. Many are sold already packaged in glass jars. If the ones you choose do not come in this type container, it is a simple matter to swap them over into glass ones. Some of these containers are very decorative, and even come with special racks to hold the jars on display. The variety of colors and textures make a decorative unit in the kitchen.

One tip for maintaining freshness is to never hold the container over a boiling pot. Shake the spice out into the palm of your hand and add to the pot that way. Steam is an enemy to freshness, and you don't want the steam rising into the bottle. Also, store in a cool, dry place, not over the stove like many cooks do.

Freshness can be determined in a number of ways. One is to check that it has maintained the original color. When a red spice turns brown, that indicates it is not fresh. Green ones fade into a dull color. Others just lose all color. Check for strength of aroma by putting a small amount in the palm and rubbing it. A strong aroma that is like the original indicates continued freshness. Fresh spices give off a strong aroma that is like the original.

To be sure you are getting what you want, it is important to note the growers' location. Flavors vary by location. Some locations will mean peppers are hotter, vanilla is sweeter, and flavors like dill will be stronger. Find the perfect location for the particular spice you are investigating to get the flavor and quality that you are looking for.

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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