Spices Whole
A spice is usually made from seeds, fruit, roots or bark that is dried. Spices are added to foods in small amounts to add flavor. Most recipes call for one or more spices to be added to the food during preparation.
Spices can be brought either whole or ground up. Ground spices are usually sold in commercial food store chains. They are popular because they are convenient and easy to use. However, spices whole are the popular choice for serious cooks. Whole spices add versatility for the chef.
Even if you are the average cook there are many advantages to using spices whole in your every day food preparation. Whole spices have a longer shelf life than ground spices. While most ground spices will only last about six months, whole spices are good for up to a year. It is important that all spices be stored in air tight containers. Spices should be stored out of sunlight because sunlight destroys the spice’s aroma and flavor. Never store spices on the stove top or near heat because this shortens their shelf life.
There are many ways you can use whole spices in your everyday cooking. They can be toasted before being added to recipes for extra flavor. You don’t have to be a serious cook to use this method to add additional flavor to your everyday meals. Whole spices such as cinnamon and cloves can be added to teas for extra flavor. An ordinary tea can become extraordinary with one of these whole spices added to it.
There is no need to worry about how you will grind up your whole spices. There are a number of high quality grinders for sale to the public. Consumers can buy the inexpensive, simple to use grinders such the ones sold for pepper. If you are a serious cook, you may wish to invest in a high tech, professional grinder.
Whole spices are excellent choices because of their value. Buying whole spices in bulk and then storing them properly will save money because bulk spices are cheaper. Make sure you buy bulk spices from a reputable dealer who sells only quality products.
