Ginger is one of the earliest spices known in Western Europe. Although often called “ginger root” it is actually a rhizome. It is available in whole raw root (fresh ginger) and dried roots. The ginger plant requires a consistently warm and moist climate, brilliant sunshine, and heavy rainfall. The harvest begins nine months to a … Continued
Oregano is a flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. This herb is a perennial bushy, semi-woody shrub with spreading stems and branches with tiny white to purple flowers. Oregano, also known as wild marjoram, can be used in a variety of dishes with meat, … Continued
The star anise is a small evergreen tree native to south-western China and northern Vietnam. When ripe, the hard and brown fruits of this tree open out in the form of a star, hence the name. The star anise tree comes into production in the sixth year and may continue bearing for 100 years. The … Continued
Pepper comes from several species of a vinous perennial climber, which thrives best in humid rainy tropical regions. The spice is the fruit, called peppercorns. Pepper is known for its spicy aroma and hot pungent taste. It is present as bunch on a spike. As it matures the berry first grows into a sphere of … Continued
Pink pepper is not related to black and white pepper (Piper nigrum). In fact there are several species of pink pepper, the Schinus terebinthifolius and the Schinus molle are the most common ones. Schinus terebinthifolius, also referred to as Brazilian red pepper, is a small tree, so not a vinous plant like Piper nigrum, that … Continued
Pepper comes from several species of a vinous perennial climber, which thrives best in humid rainy tropical regions. The spice is the fruit, called peppercorns. Pepper is known for its spicy aroma and hot pungent taste. It is present as bunch on a spike. As it matures the berry first grows into a sphere of … Continued
Paprika powder is made from the sweeter fruit variety of the Capsicum annuum plant. They are usually part of the Longum group of the capsicum annuum variety, and are longer and smaller than the round bell-pepper capsicum. Capsicums used for paprika powder grows best in subtropical temperatures. In Spanish paprika spice is known as pimentón. … Continued
Mace is the aril (the bright red, lacy covering) of the nutmeg seed shell. The mace is removed from the shell and its broken parts are known as blades. In its natural state, mace is a bright crimson lace. As it is dried, it develops its characteristic aroma but loses its bright red colour. It … Continued
Cloves are the immature unopened flower buds of a tropical tree. When fresh, they are pink, dried, they turn to a rust-brown colour. Measuring 12 – 16 mm (1/2” – 5/8”) long, they resemble small nails, with a tapered stem (Clove translates to ‘nail’ in Spanish). The large end of the clove is the four-pointed … Continued
Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree. Cinnamon comes in ‘quills’, strips of bark rolled one in another. The pale brown to tan bar strip is generally thin, the spongy outer bark having been scraped off. There actually are two kinds of cinnamon as we know it. True (Ceylon) cinnamon comes from … Continued