You have probably heard spice blends!, spice blends! all over and you are wondering what they could be. And you may also even know what they are but you are not quite sure how they are made or how to preserve them. In this blog, we will dive deep into what spice blends are, how to make, use and preserve them so that they can last longer.

Spice blends.

Spice blends are combinations of different spices and herbs that are mixed together to create a unique flavour profile. They are used in cooking to add depth, complexity and transform the flavour of dishes. They are the secret to many of the famous delicious and specific cultural dishes and some examples of these spice blends are Curry powder, Garam masala, Herbs de province, Chinese five spice, the list goes on and on. 

Spice blends can vary from culture to culture, region to region, country to country and person to person, there is no set rule in making them but it is important to understand the basic of them before you begin to make your own. 

What are Herbs and Spices.

Herbs and spices are the ground basis of any spice blends. While they are often mentioned together, they come from different parts of plants and serve distinct purposes in cooking and in making spice blends. 

 Herbs

They are the leafy, green parts of plants. Eg; basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Herbs can be used fresh or dried and are often added towards the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavours or as garnishes. 

Spices

Spices on the other hand, come from parts of plants and has a more intense flavour which can withstand longer cooking times without loosing it flavour. They are from the seeds, bark, roots, and fruits. Examples include cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and pepper. Spice are simply the life of countless dishes we know today. 

Understanding the difference between herbs and spices helps in creating well-balanced spice blends that can enhance the flavour profile of any dish.

 How to make Spice blends.

 Spice blends are made from herbs and spices so knowing the taste of each spice and herb you intend to use, is what will allow you to make the best spice blend possible. Of-course you can experiment with many herbs and spices (and to tell you the truth, that is the secret to becoming the best at it.) but it is necessary that you know the purpose of your spice blend and the flavour profile you want to achieve. Heres how;

•  Choose your base flavour;

Start with spices that will form the foundation of your blend. Make sure to smell and taste the spice and take note of the flavour compounds. For example; cinnamon has a sweet warming flavour, so you can pair it cumin to bring out the warmth in it or cardamon to bring out the floral and citrus notes in it, as well as allspice, clove or anise. They all go well with cinnamon depending on what you are creating.

• Add Depth and complexity;

Incorporate spice or herbs that is similar to the base flavour you have created, whether its a strong, bitter, spicy or fruity herb or spice, this is help bring it all together.

• Balance the flavour; 

Use spices to balance the blend. Sweet spices like nutmeg can balance heat from chilli powder, while a hint of salt can enhance overall flavour.

• Grind and mix; 

If using whole spices, toast them lightly to release their oils before grinding. Mix all ingredients thoroughly, or you can mix and grind all together.

Remember there is no set number of spice and herbs you can use in making spice blends, but always keep it simple if the flavour of each spice is stronger!!.

Check our All natural spice blends  here!! 

 

How to use spice blends.

 Using spice blends effectively can take your cooking to the next level, here are some few ways to use them to elevate your dishes.

• Marinades and Rubs;  Combine spice blends with oil or yogurt for a flavourful marinade. Rub directly onto meat or vegetables before grilling or roasting.

 

•  Base for cooking: Add spice blends early in the cooking process to allow flavours to develop and release the flavours of other ingredients.

 

• Seasoning; Sprinkle spice blends over finished dishes for an extra burst of flavour. This works well with salads, fries, eggs, and even popcorn. For example, use our All purpose blend to seasoning chicken, meat, make omelette or sprinkle on fries. 

 

How to preserve Spice blends.

 

To ensure your spice blends stay fresh and flavourful, follow these preservation steps and you will get the most out of them;

1.  Keep your blends in airtight glass jars to protect them from air and moisture.
2.  Store your spice jars in a cool, dark place away from light and heat, such as a pantry or cupboard, to prevent the degradation of their flavours.
3.   For the best flavour, use your spice blends within six months. While they may last longer, the intensity of the flavours can diminish over time.

Bonus; Spices, herbs and spice blends can last for a longer time, they don't necessarily go bad. They can last for years and years, this is because at every stage another layer of flavour is revealed. You can simply revive spices and spice blends by toasting them in a pan over a medium heat for few minutes.

At Reen Spices, we understand the nature of the spice and herbs we use, we focus on the taste it add to your dishes, the simplicity it bring to your life and the health benefits it add to you. Which is why all our spice blends are all natural and has no artificial flavouring so that you can get the most out of your cooking. 

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