Do you love the idea of growing spices but are faced with the reality of 3-month growing season? We can all admit that cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, saffron, ginger, and nutmeg all echo with the mystique of an exotic locale. No matter, there are spices you can grown in your backyard, even if your growing zone is better [...]
“It was the aroma. The exotic scent of spices: rich, alluring, and almost magical. A scent that would sometimes overpower the freshness in the air and sometimes subtly mingle with it to create a tantalizing bouquet. A scent that would always bring me back to my childhood.” Author: Christina Arokiasamy Such is the introduction to [...]
If the title sounds like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean, there is good reason. September 19 (today) is National Talk Like A Pirate Day. The action is worldwide, I had to get Spice Sherpa in on the fun. Here are 3 things to get you going for the day. Ye be warned–thar be no [...]
In my last post, I shared how to make authentic, homemade vanilla extract. What ensued was a lively discussion over the confusion about the color of vanilla (check out the comments and chime in). People were surprised that vanilla was steeped in vodka and not bourbon. Vanilla beans are NOT steeped in bourbon. When you purchase authentic Bourbon [...]
Coriander is a spice, cilantro an herb, yet both come from the same plant. Lavendar, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage: herbs. Cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and cardamom are spices. Increasingly, I see the two terms used interchangeably. So what gives? I did some spice sleuthing to get the scoop. Here’s what I found… A Dictionary According to [...]
Love, beauty, and raw sexuality. (Aren’t you glad you’re reading this post?) These are the qualities of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, whom the Romans called Venus. The Egyptians had Hathor, the Etruscans had Turan, Astarte for the Phoenicians, and the Armenians relied on Astghik to keep things volumptuous and lively behind closed doors. [...]
Last week a reader visiting Morocco sent a Twitter message, “I’m in Morocco. Marrakesh tomorrow and haven’t bought spices yet. What to get? Saffron? Paprika? Tell me, it’s overwhelming!” Overwhelmed in Morocco? It’s understandable. The sounds, souks, colors, culture, flavor and aromas…it’s collectively intoxicating. Morroco catches a steady stream of Europe’s gastronomic influence through Spain while embracing its North African geography. The [...]
Cardamom is a new cinnamon? Okay, I’m willing to admit this is a bold statement. But we’ve had a new black (pink), thirty is the new twenty, and staying home is the new vacation. So let’s explore cardamom as the new cinnamon. In the United States we love our cinnamon. Cardamom, although growing in popularity, [...]
Aaah, the Romans. What is it about this ancient civilization we find so fascinating? The jewelry? Gladiators? Canals? Bathhouses? Their gods? If nothing else grabs your attention then surely you must take interest in their food. They lived in a climate kissed by the sun, the sea, and the four seasons. Now thanks to the other [...]
Spices hold intrigue and romance. Their allure initiated the Age of Exploration, fueled piracy and set forth chains of reaction that shaped civilizations. Bold statements for what is today considered common household staples. But that’s the point. Spices’ exotic stories, sensual connections, and international flair have never disappeared. What about you? What intrigues you most [...]
Happy Halloween from Spice Sherpa
Pieces of Eight, Pirates and Spicy Treasure
The World's 4 Most Luxurious Spices 
