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How to Choose the Best Spice Grinder

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There are many things to consider when choosing the spice grinders that are best suited to your business. Each spice manufacturer has their own requirements, which often depend on the type of herbs and spices that are sold. Providing a range of grinder tops is one way to ensure that your customers get the best use of your products, but it is not always as simple as choosing at random. 

To help you get a better idea of what you will need to look for when choosing your spice grinders, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
What to Consider When Choosing Spice Grinders
Some of the spice grinder tops you may consider include the following:

Adjustable grinders.

Adjustable grinders have the ability to create a coarser grind and a finer grind with one single lid. If your speciality is salt, pepper or other coarse spices that benefit from a varied grind, this can be a very useful USP to customers. Finer ground spices may not benefit from this type of lid, while coarse ground spices may also grind more easily in a fixed grinder. Adjustable screw-on grinders work by pulling up for a coarser grind and pulling down for a finer grinder. Made from high-grade materials, these grinder tops are designed for maximum efficiency.

Fixed grinders.

As the name implies, this grinder produces the same grind, every time. This type of grinder is ideal if you are selling finely ground salt, pepper or other spices that require a finer grind. Look for grinders that meet stringent ISO guidelines, which will ensure that they last as long as possible. Many cheaper grinders are made from poor quality plastics, breaking soon after they have been purchased. A good quality grinder should last long after the spice has been used. Ideally, these grinders should be able to be reused by customers to add optimal value after purchase. Customers can then purchase refill spice packs at a reduced price.

Sprinkler tops.

If you are selling herbs and pre-ground spices, it is equally important to choose your flip top closures wisely. There are a number of different sprinkler tops to consider. The best way to choose is to consider the weight and nature of the spice or herbs you are selling. Larger flakes such as garlic flakes, rosemary and organogram can be sold with large or single hole sprinkler tops, while finer particles require closures that have a few holes to distribute more efficiently.

If you would like to learn more about ordering wholesale grinders through Global Grinders, please get in touch today. We offer a wide range of high quality spice grinders in Cape Town that cater to your needs and budget.

Spices

Investing in Wholesale Spice Grinders This Year?

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Whether you are starting a new venture or expanding your current product line, now is the best time to invest in quality wholesale spice grinders. Choosing a supplier can be daunting, especially if you are not fully sure of what to look for when making your final shortlist. Rather than leaving any decisions to chance, consider the following tips on how to find the best quality wholesale spice grinders in 2018.

How to Find the Best Wholesale Spice Grinders in 2018

Some guidelines to consider when choosing a wholesale spice grinders supplier this year include the following:

Look for ISO certified suppliers.

ISO certified suppliers are the only suppliers that can offer complete peace of mind. Due to the rigid nature of ISO standardisation, along with the required quality testing involved in standardisation, the result is a very high quality grinder that will not have any trouble meeting basic standards. The biggest risk to choosing the cheapest rather than the best quality grinders you can find is that your business image can end up paying the price if the bottles or grinder tops break, fail to grind evenly, do not have liners, do not last, or do not meet basic quality guidelines. Very few businesses can afford to put their reputation at risk.

Look for tamper-proof liners and other added security features.

Induction liners and other liners are essential if you are buying grinders in bulk to sell bottled spices or herbs. There are a number of different liners, including tamper-proof liners, induction liners and pressure sensitive foam liners. Whichever you choose, liners help to retain freshness on the shelf. When they are not used, there is a far higher risk of exposure to moisture, air, and other contamination. This, once again, could end up doing great harm to your reputation if you are selling spices at markets or retail outlets this year. Another essential feature to consider is Likewise, traceability codes, which provide a clear chain of evidence that follows international compliance standards.

Look for suppliers that offer a wide range of grinder and sprinkler tops.

If your potential supplier only stocks grinder tops in a single size, without a selection of sprinkler tops, you may find yourself limited to the products you can sell. If your business is largely coarse salt or whole spices, this will not be too much of an issue. If, however, you aim to sell a range of herbs and spices, then it is always a good idea to invest in a selection of flip top lids and sprinklers to suit your product requirements. If you are selling bottles in various sizes, it is also essential to ensure that you have corresponding tops that are made for each bottle size.

Look for high quality PET plastic or glass bottles.

Glass bottles are generally the ideal choice, as they can be recycled easily by your end consumer. Glass also adds more value to your product, which is never a bad thing. If you do decide to choose plastic, look for PET plastic that is made to a far higher quality compared to regular plastic. This type of plastic is also recyclable, and it is also designed to be safe to use for food products such as fresh herbs and spices. Regular plastic may seem cheaper initially. It can compromise the quality of your product, however, especially after any time spent on the shelf.

We hope that these guidelines make it easier to find your ideal supplier for bulk grinders in the new year ahead. If you’d like to know more about our approach to wholesale spice grinders, get in touch with the Global Grinders team today.

Spices

More Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Wholesale Spice Grinders

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If you are serious about your business, it is vital to choose wholesale spice grinders carefully. A few months ago, we shared some tips on mistakes to avoid when purchasing bulk spice grinders. Today, we are sharing some more mistakes that you will certainly want to avoid.

Many businesses assume that the best way forward is to find the cheapest, easiest option. Although price is certainly one factor to consider when buying wholesale spice grinders, it is not the only thing that you should be thinking of when making your decision. In this mini guide, we share a few more mistakes to avoid when sourcing grinders in bulk quantities.

Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing Wholesale Spice Grinders Mistakes

Some of the top mistakes to avoid when you browse and compare wholesale spice grinders include the following:

  • Choosing opaque bottles rather than clear bottles. One danger in buying the cheapest grinders rather than the best value grinders is that you may end up with murky, discoloured or opaque bottles. While you could easily look for high quality plastic bottles to save money, it is essential that you choose PET plastic. Bottles must be clear and spotless, to reduce the risk of consumer confusion. Be very wary of plastic bottles that are not made according to stringent guidelines, especially if you cannot be sure that the supplier is ISO certified. This could put your customers at risk of the bottles are made from harmful toxins. When in doubt, always choose glass unless you are certain that the plastic is food-grade quality PET. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If no answers are provided, it may be hard to know whether or not you are getting the best quality products.
  • Choosing the wrong type of closure. Be wary of suppliers that are only able to provide the most basic of closures. For some types of herbs and spices, you will not require a grinder top. For salt, pepper and many coarse, hard seasoning types, you will need grinder tops. A good grinder supplier will give you a variety of options, with lids that fit various bottle sizes. This is the most effective way to ensure that you are able to package and sell the right lids with the right type of seasoning. Packaging and selling whole peppercorns or coarse salt in a sprinkler type lid will end up increasing your odds of losing your customers. This is something that few businesses can afford to risk.
  • Choosing grinders without getting tamper proof liners. Finally, another major mistake is to forget about tamper proof liners when ordering grinder sets. These are vital if you are a certified spice merchant or you plan to be storing herbs, spices or salts on the shelf or in a pantry for any amount of time. Whatever type of spice business you may have – catering, shop, market or something else entirely – freshness is essential when using or selling spices and herbs. Without liners, products will not remain optimally fresh. This has a knock-on effect, putting your customers at risk of poor quality seasoning and putting your business reputation at risk for selling or providing stale seasoning.

Ready to find out what to do instead of these mistakes? Get in touch with our team today. You will be able to take the stress and guesswork out of the process with the help of Global Grinders – the leading supplier of wholesale spice grinders in Cape Town.

Spices

5 Criteria for High Quality Spice Grinders

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Which criteria are the most important when choosing spice grinders in bulk? Although price is one factor to keep in mind, there are many other things that will determine whether or not you get the best value. A good quality grinder has the ability to grind easily and consistently. You should be able to adjust your grind, and the bottle should be clear and firm.

Because we want you to have the best possible experience, we have put together a list of the most important criteria that ensures a quality grinder. To find out more about what you should be looking for when testing spice grinders, keep reading.

Choosing the best Spice Grinders

5 Criteria for High Quality Spice Grinders | Global Grinders

Some of the things to consider when choosing spice grinders include the following:

Does the grinder course salt easily?

To test how easily the grinder works, try using heavy rock salt. A good grinder will be able to grind without seizing up or getting stuck. A poor quality grinder will struggle to grind, making it harder to use. The best way to test how easily the grinder grinds is to request a sample so that you can test it out yourself. Use a range of medium to coarsely ground spices, including peppercorns and large salt chunks.

Is the grinder bottle clear?

Although many glass bottle sets may be clear, not all plastic grinders are clear. If your business is in retail, this can have an effect on your brand’s reputation and even your sales. Clear grinders allow customers to easily see the spices and salts you are selling, while opaque grinder bottles may not have the same effect. High quality grinders, such as those sold by Global Grinders, are made from premium grade PET and plastic that is clear and durable. One again, this is why it is useful to request a sample before placing your order.

Does the grinder bottle feel firm?

On a similar note, when purchasing plastic or PET bottles, it is essential that the grinder feels firm. This can also make a difference to how your spice business is perceived by your customers. If it can easily be squeezed, there is a far higher chance of breakage. Bottles should feel firm to the touch, bending only a tiny fraction when squeezed, if bending at all.

Is the grind consistent?

If some particles are large and others are fine, it will be very difficult for your customers to ensure the perfect consistency in meals when using your spices. On that note, grinders should produce a consistent grind that produces even particles every time. This is something that should be carefully tested before placing your order.

Can the grinder adjust for coarse or fine grind?

Finally, another thing to check for is the ability to adjust your grinder for coarse or fine grinds. If your grinder is only able to produce one or the other, it may not add as much value as one that can do both. Only Global Grinders is able to guarantee this feature, giving you the best grind, every time.

 

Contact Global Grinders today to learn more about our top quality products. You can request a sample, and find out more about our range of spice grinders.

Spices

Starting a Spice Business? Choose Your Spice Grinders Carefully.

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If you are thinking about starting a spice business, spice grinders are one ingredient you cannot afford to overlook. Many business owners are so focused on the spices and herbs that they don’t stop to think about how their product will be packaged and sold. Grinders come in a wide variety of sizes, styles and materials. From full grinder sets that include grinders and bottles, to individual bottles in glass and PET plastic, in various sizes, and flip top closures and grinder tops, there is a huge range of choice available at spice grinder wholesalers such as Global Grinders.

Starting a Spice Business - Choose Your Spice Grinders Carefully

While you are getting your business plans underway, it is important to do some research to determine which spice grinders you plan to use.

Why Choose Spice Grinders Carefully in the Spice Business?

Why is it so important to put thought and effort into the spice grinders that you choose? Some things to consider include the following:

  • Cheap, poor quality grinders cannot guarantee freshness. One of the worst things to happen to any spice business is complaints that your herbs and spices are not fresh. Due to the nature of retail sales, product often sits on the shelf for any time between a few days and a few weeks, or even longer. Poor quality grinders will almost always lead to poor quality spices that do not last. Cheap grinders may not have the same technology that quality grinders have, either. Which brings us to our next point…
  • Tamper proof liners are essential. The only way to guarantee that your spices stay fresh after being bottled is to use tamper proof liners that seal in the freshness. These liners should be sealed onto your bottles after spices and herbs have been added. Once opened, the spices need to be used within a few months. While ground spices can last up to a year if they are kept in air-tight containers, they lose their taste and potency once they are exposed to air. Without tamper proof lining, you may find that your spices lose their flavour quickly. As a result, you may not get repeat business if customers are not satisfied.
  • Poor quality grinder tops and closures are also less than ideal. Cheap plastic lids that are easily broken will quickly lead to your spice business developing a bad reputation. Quality grinders and tops however will help you grow your reputation in all the right ways. It is a good idea to do some research to see which grinders and flip top closures are best for the type of spice you plan to sell. Finely ground spices do not require a grinder top, but they will need a fine grind suitable lid. Coarser ground spices on the other hand, along with coarse flavoured salts, will require a grinder.

Here at Global Grinders, we offer a wide range of whole grinders, at competitive prices. Whatever your needs may be, we are here to help. We offer a selection of bottles in glass and PET plastic, along with various grinder tops and flip top lids to suit your needs. We also offer tamper proof linings as a value added service, making it even easier to get started with everything you need for your spice business.

Browse our Ready to Grind range, or contact us today for price lists on our spice grinders and bottles.

Spices

Choosing Spice Grinders for the Catering Industry

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The catering industry has unique requirements where spice grinders are concerned. In a busy kitchen environment, food is prepared on a frequent basis – often in large amounts. A personal chef for example may need to have a large amount of spice on hand to prepare lunches and dinners. A catering company that specialises in functions, such as weddings, birthdays or other celebrations, not only needs to have large volumes of seasoning, but may also require a large number of smaller bottles of salt and pepper for tables.

Choosing Spice Grinders for the Catering Industry

What can caterers look for when considering wholesale spice grinders for their business needs? Let’s take a look.

Purchasing Wholesale Spice Grinders for the Catering Sector

Some of the features to consider when ordering spice grinders in bulk for your catering requirements include the following:

  • Size. Whatever the size of your business, larger sized grinders will likely the most cost-effective option. When you are cooking for large groups on a regular basis, you will find that you go through seasoning and spices at a far quicker rate than a regular consumer would do. The best sizes for this type of industry are the 325ml and 375ml catering bottles. These are available in high quality PET, which is ideal for the often busy environment of the kitchen. Glass bottles are harder to find in larger sizes, but these may not always be practical in the catering environment. Larger sized bottles will ensure that your spices, salt and pepper go a long way. They can also be ordered in bulk to ensure that you always have sufficient stock on hand. For businesses that specialise in functions, smaller bottles may also be needed in bulk to cater for individual dining tables.
  • Grinder. Larger sized bottles typically require a larger grinder that fits onto the bottle. The 63mm grinder is adapted to fit catering size bottles. Grinders are made from high grade plastic, resulting in a sturdy grinder that will last. This means that you can purchase a smaller number of grinders, while bulk ordering bottles. This grinder provides a basic turn and grind style that is practical and suitable to use for coarser pepper and spices. Coriander seeds can be ground with this grinder, while sugar, course salt, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and many other spices can also be ground in a good quality grinder.
  • Closure. For finer grinds, flip top closures are used. These are available in a number of different sizes. The teaspoon size is made for pouring spices, the 7 hole lids are designed for sprinkling larger particles and the 19 hole flip top is made for finer sprinklers. Snap on/non-removable sprinklers are also provided, which are fitted with built-in tamper evident band on the lid to seal in the freshness. Flip top closures are designed to snap securely closed when not in use, which helps keep spices and herbs fresher for longer.

As a trusted supplier of wholesale spice grinders, Global Grinders has worked with a number of industries. To learn more about our range, you can view our ready to grind selection or contact us with order information.

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Recharge Your Coffee With These Freshly Ground Spices

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There are many ways to add flavour to your brewed coffee, and freshly ground spices are one of the healthiest ways to enhance a cup of java. If you are tired of the usual sugar and milk combination that you always stick to, try one of these spicy blends the next time you put a pot of coffee on the machine.

Recharge Your Coffee With These Ground Spices

For best results, use good quality ground coffee in a plunger or a machine. Grind your selected whole spices just before you start making the coffee, then add them to the ground coffee and make as usual. This will allow the spices to infuse into the coffee as it percolates, which in turn will ensure full flavour and aroma.

Best Whole Spices to Add to Your Coffee

Depending on your mood and taste preferences, you could choose to add any of the following whole spices to your coffee…

  • Cardamom. This exotic spice is frequently used for coffee in the Middle East. Commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, it is said to help neutralise the stimulating effects of caffeine. It also adds a delicious dose of flavour. Grind a few whole cardamom seeds and then sprinkle the powder into your coffee before brewing.
  • Salt. As strange as it sounds, many believe that salt helps to balance the bitterness of strong coffee. Of course, a good quality coffee that is made properly won’t be bitter, but freshly ground salt can maximise the flavour of coffee. It is said to be especially effective in cold coffee.
  • Cinnamon. Warm, delicious and full of flavour, cinnamon has plenty of health benefits, too. Try breaking up a stick and placing small chunks of bark into your spice grinder. You can then grind the bark directly over your ground coffee before brewing.
  • Cocoa or Cacao Nibs. For a dose of healthy chocolate goodness, try grinding cocoa or cacao nibs over your coffee before brewing. While not quite a spice, this raw chocolate makes an excellent addition to your coffee. Dried, fermented cocoa or cacao beans are crunchy with a nutty, less creamy flavour compared to dark chocolate. The nibs have many health benefits, and do not contain added sugars and preservatives.
  • Nutmeg. You can grate nutmeg directly over your coffee before roasting for depth and earthy sweetness, or prepare grated nutmeg in advance and grind the grated pieces after they have dried out. The warm smell of this spice makes it amazing, while the taste is sure to add an extra something to your favourite coffee blends.
  • Moroccan Blend. Cinnamon, black peppercorns, ginger, nutmeg, green cardamom and clove are used in a traditional Moroccan spice blend made especially for coffee. Prepare the spices by grinding before you start the coffee, or make a slightly large amount to have on hand.

Make sure that you have a selection of good quality spice grinders to grind and store your favourite spices. This will make it easier to prepare your own custom coffee blends using whichever whole spices suit your current mood.

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Choosing the Best Peppercorn For Your Spice Grinder

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One of the most ubiquitous whole spices used in spice grinders all over the world is without a doubt the humble peppercorn. This spice can be found in almost every part of the world, and is used in almost every global cuisine. While black pepper is the best known of all the peppercorn varieties, there are also other varieties that can add plenty of flavour, aroma and complexity to dishes.

Best Types of Peppercorn to Use in Your Spice Grinder

It is important to note that until you have tasted freshly ground pepper milled directly onto food, you cannot truly appreciate the taste of this heady spice. Equal parts pungent, rich and sharp, the taste and smell is distinctive, working well over a simple piece of avocado toast, perfectly brewed cup of chai or an elaborate five-star dish worthy of MasterChef. Already ground pepper is very different to freshly ground, with much of the flavour and freshness lost within 30 days of the spice being ground. As peppercorns are ground whole, the flavour is protected inside the outer shell of the dried berry. The grinding mechanism of a spice grinder breaks through this shell, releasing the flavour inside.

The scent of whole peppercorns does however reveal a hint of the flavour to come. If you visit a spice market, and compare different peppercorn varieties, you will soon notice this subtle difference in aroma.

Which Peppercorns Should You Have in Your Pepper Grinders?

As each kind offers its own distinct flavour, you may find that it’s handy to have a few different kinds of peppercorn. Stocking up on a few good quality spice grinders is the best way to grow your spice collection and enjoy delicious, fresh, whole spices for every meal.

All pepper comes from the same plant – Piper nigrum. Varieties differ according to when the berries are picked, and how they are processed to achieve the final colour and flavour.

  • Green Peppercorns.  Popular in Thai, French and Creole cuisine, green peppercorns are picked before the berries have matured, while they are still in their green stage. They are typically air-dried, freeze-dried or pickled in brine to avoid fermentation and keep them from ripening after plucking. This type of pepper is aromatic and fresh, but milder than other types. This type is often used in traditional peppercorn sauces. As a fair amount of processing is required, and the yield is often smaller for immature berries, they cost bit more than black or white peppercorns.
  • Pink or Rose Pepper.  Pink pepper is not a true pepper, but is actually a dried berry from a tree that is found on the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean. Often, in cookbooks and supermarkets, this type of pepper is called ‘red peppercorns’ – true red peppercorns are very rare however. The flavour is very similar to black pepper, but a little milder and sweeter. It can be on the pricey side as berries are imported and therefore not easily found at spice markets and supermarkets.
  • White Peppercorns.  White peppercorns are fully mature berries that are picked when partially ripe. Their skins are removed by soaking the berries in water for a few days and then rubbing them off manually or mechanically. The smell is earthy, while the taste is hot and spicy. As the flavour is very distinctive, it is often used in sauces, soups and dishes rather than as a final seasoning on its own. The additional processing steps also make this pepper slightly more expensive than black pepper, even when buying spices from the same region.
  • Black Peppercorns.  The most common type of pepper, black peppercorns are mature berries that are picked before ripening, as they begin to move from green to yellow. The berries are boiled briefly, then left to ferment and dry in the sun or dried by air heating, until they turn black and wrinkled. The taste is moderately spicy, especially when ground from whole peppercorns.

Each peppercorn has its own place in your spice grinder, as you can see! Try them all, and you will soon begin to enjoy the versatility and taste that freshly ground peppercorns add to your meals.

Spices

11 Fascinating Facts About Whole Spices

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You use whole spices every day in the kitchen (hopefully freshly ground with the help of a good quality spice grinder!) but you may not have known the interesting history and background behind everyday herbs and spices.

Spices have been used for thousands of years, by many cultures all over the world. From the traditional spices of India to the hot seasonings of Mexico, the complex blends used in Chinese cooking, the simple combinations favoured in French and Italian dishes and the tried-and-trusted favourites used in South Africa, a meal without spice will literally not taste the same.

Facts About Whole Spices

The diverse origin of spices shows just how much of a history seasonings have had over time, while also showing a number of surprising benefits and unique features!

Things You Never Knew About Whole Spices & Herbs

Some things about whole spices that you may or may not have known include the following:

  1. Red peppers are one of the highest sources of vitamin C. Paprika, which is a tasty spice made from red pepper has more vitamin C than lemon juice when compared by weight. This spice is also rich in other antioxidants, making it an excellent one for daily health.
  2. The hottest chilli in the world award goes to the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion chilli. This chilli pepper puts new meaning to the term ‘red hot’, and is apparently able to burn its way through latex gloves!
  3. Nutmeg is known for its deliciously sweet taste that is ideal for baking and desserts and curries. This spice is also a psychotropic – in high enough doses, it causes hallucinations, delusions and an impending feeling of doom.
  4. The powerful, pungent spices of mustard and wasabi are only spicy once when are crushed. In whole seed form, they have a much milder flavour. Once their cells are damaged, components within the plant combine to create allyl isothiocyanate, which is a compound that gives these spices a pungent taste.
  5. The spice known as allspice is often assumed to be a blend of spices. In reality, this spice comes from a berry of a Jamaican plant known as pimento. The nickname is likely to have come from the spice’s well-rounded flavour, which tastes a little like cinnamon, nutmeg and gloves combined. This spice is commonly used in sweet and savoury dishes.
  6. Pepper is one of the oldest spices in the world. Peppercorns are believed to have been used in food for the last 4,000 years. From as far back as the 4th Century BC, texts mention this spice being used to prepare feasts in India.
  7. Another nutmeg fact – this plant actually produces two spices, which are nutmeg as we know it and another spice known as mace. Nutmeg is the seed, while mace is the covering on the seed. They have similar flavours, with mace being a bit stronger. Nutmeg was at one point considered so exotic that the Dutch allegedly traded the island of Manhattan to the British in return for nutmeg growing islands owned by the British Empire.
  8. There is a big misconception that spicy foods such as chilli can cause stomach ulcers. In reality, spicy foods actually have the opposite effect. They stimulate the protective lining of the stomach, helping to kill bacteria that cause ulcers. Other foods that have similar properties include garlic, onion and oregano.
  9. The most expensive spice in the world is saffron, which is grown in Iran, India and Mexico. The spice is commonly used for its rich, complex flavour but is also popular for the bright yellow colour it infuses into dishes.
  10. Cumin is a popular spice for curries and savoury food, with a history that dates back to Biblical times. The Romans and Greeks often used this spice for seasoning. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that cumin promoted fidelity, and the pretty pink and white flowers were often used in wedding ceremonies.
  11. The deliciously sweet cinnamon is one of the few spices taken from the bark of a tree rather than its leaves, berries or seeds. It is very similar to cassia but the latter is not as pure. Bark is carefully taken from the tree and then put out to dry. In warm, dry environments, the bark forms perfectly dried quills in up to six hours. These quills are them cut and packaged for sale.

The next time you are cooking up a storm, stop for a moment and consider the amazing journey that your favourite whole spices have come to get from their origin to your pepper grinder.

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Whole Spices for Every Cuisine

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Whatever your taste buds prefer, having a few spice grinders is the best way to integrate a variety of whole spices into a world of flavoursome cuisine styles. From Asian to Indian; Mexican to Italian and even Middle Eastern, spice plays a vital role in many of the dishes enjoyed around the world. While it is possible to buy pre-ground spices when cooking exotic dishes, buying whole preserves the full aroma and taste, while also giving you the best health benefits.

Today, we take a look at some of the best whole spices to use when cooking various cuisine styles.

Explore a World of Flavours With Whole Spices

Some spices and herbs may overlap. After all, as diverse as our planet may be, certain staples are enjoyed everywhere. While the same spices may be used in Chinese, Thai, Indian and Italian cuisine, they are used completely differently in each part of the world. So, you might have a spice such as cumin, cardamom or chilli appear internationally, but how that spice is introduced into food will be totally unique to each region. This is what makes spice such an amazing addition to dishes – it allows you to add a huge depth of flavour and experiment with combinations, ingredients and varietals.

  • Asian Cuisine

Chinese and Thai spices include dried pomegranate seeds, whole green aniseed, black onion seeds, black peppercorns, caraway seeds, cardamom seeds (black and green), cinnamon, cloves, black cumin, fennel seeds, fenugreek leaves, green peppercorns, mustard seeds, stone flower, punch puran, dried chilli, kokum seeds, sesame seeds (white and black), dried hibiscus flower, dried plums, white pepper, Sichuan peppercorn, star anise, dried citrus peel, allspice berries, bay leaves, and dried sand ginger.

  • Indian Cuisine

Spices used in Indian meals include coriander seeds, curry leaves, garam masala, nutmeg, dried chilli, saffron, linseed, aniseed, caraway seeds, black and green cardamom, cinnamon bark, dried melon seeds, Charoli seeds, cloves, cumin, dagarful, fenugreek (leaves and seeds), dried garlic flakes, halon seeds, black kokum, liquorice root, long pepper, lovage seeds, mace, mustard seeds (black, yellow and brown), crispy fried onion, onion seeds, popped lotus seeds, blue and white poppy seeds, and tamarind seeds.

  • Mexican Cuisine

Spices used in Mexican meals include a wide variety of fresh and dried chilli (Chipotle, Ancho, Pasilla, Habanero, Guajillo, Serrano and De Arbol), as well as dried garlic, cumin, coriander, Canela (also known as Ceylon or ‘true’ cinnamon), dried avocado leaves, anise, cloves, mint, basil, dried onion, nutmeg, annatto seed and Mexican oregano. It is important to learn about each type of chilli before using – some can be extremely hot, while others are on the milder side.

  • Italian Cuisine

Spices and herbs used in Italian cooking include anise, star anise, basil, bay leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, juniper berries, parsley, oregano, dried and fresh rosemary, sun dried tomatoes, sage, hot pepper, black peppercorns, thyme, fennel seeds, dried garlic and dried tomato powder. Often, the focus is on fresh herbs, but some can be dried and crushed in a spice grinder. Ideally, it is best to stick to one or two seasonings rather than mixing too many.

  • Middle Eastern Cuisine

Spices and herbs used in Middle Eastern cuisine include cumin, coriander, turmeric, dried mint, Aleppo chilli, green and black cardamom, cinnamon, Moroccan coriander seeds, cumin, fenugreek, paprika, saffron, sumac, Turkish urfa biber pepper, sesame and caraway. Many blends are also used, including Baharat (allspice, black peppercorn, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, nutmeg and dried chilli peppers or paprika).

Stocking up on a good range of glass or plastic bottled spice grinders is a great way to build a spice collection that will allow you to experiment with many different types of spice. By choosing quality whole spices, you will get the best results from your delicious meals.