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Here are some guidelines:
Whole Spices and Herbs:
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Leaves and flowers...................1 year
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Seeds and barks................over 2 years
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Roots.....................................over 3 years
Ground Spices and Herbs:
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Leaves..........................................6 months
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Seeds and barks.......................6 months
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Roots............................................1 year
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Teas (black and green).........1 year
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Coffee:
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Whole beans and roasted.............3 months
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Ground (not vacuum pack)...........2 weeks
Eeny, Meeny, Miny . . . Marjoram?
So you've stocked your cupboard and are eager to spice up your meals. But
what to add to what? The possibilities for seasoning each dish may seem endless,
but don't be daunted. When you're at a loss about what to add to a dish,
refer to the information below. Don't be limited by traditional uses, though
- some of the most exquisite dishes come from unexpected seasonings.
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Beans (dried) - cumin, cayenne, chili, parsley, pepper, sage, savory, thyme
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Beef - basil, bay, chili, cilantro, curry, cumin, garlic, marjoram, mustard,
oregano, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme
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Breads - anise, basil, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, dill,
garlic, lemon peel, orange peel, oregano, poppy seeds, rosemary, saffron,
sage, thyme
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Cheese - basil, caraway, celery seed, chervil, chili, chives, coriander,
cumin, dill, garlic, horseradish, lemon peel, marjoram, mint, mustard, nutmeg,
paprika, parsley, pepper, sage, tarragon, thyme
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Chicken - allspice, basil, bay, cinnamon, curry, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger
lemongrass, mustard, paprika, rosemary, saffron, sage, savory, tarragon,
thyme
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Corn - chili, curry, dill, marjoram, parsley, savory, thyme
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Eggs - basil, chervil, chili, chives, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, lemon
peel, marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, sage, tarragon, thyme
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Fish - anise, basil, bay, cayenne, celery seed, chives, curry, dill fennel,
garlic, ginger, lemon peel, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, saffron,
sage, savory, tarragon, marjoram
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Fruits - allspice, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger,
mint
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Lamb - basil, bay, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, garlic, marjoram,
mint, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, savory, tarragon, thyme
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Potatoes - basil, caraway, celery seed, chervil, chives, coriander, dill,
marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley, poppy seed, rosemary, tarragon, thyme
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Salad Dressings - basil, celery seed, chives, dill, fennel, garlic, horseradish,
marjoram, mustard, oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, rosemary, saffron,
tarragon, thyme
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Salads - basil, caraway, chives, dill, garlic, lemon peel, lovage, marjoram,
mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, thyme
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Soups - basil, bay, chervil, chili, chives, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic,
marjoram, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme
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Sweets - allspice, angelica, anise, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, ginger,
lemon peel, mace, nutmeg, mint, orange peel, rosemary
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Tomatoes - basil, bay , celery seed, cinnamon, chili, curry, dill, fennel,
garlic, ginger, gumbo file, lemongrass, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary,
savory, tarragon, thyme
As a beginner, you may want to stick with herbs and spices that are known
to complement each other. Common flavor families include:
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Bouquet Garnis - basil, bay, oregano, parsley
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Herbal - basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme
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Hot - chili peppers, cilantro, cumin, garlic
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Pungent - celery, chili peppers, cumin, curry, ginger, black pepper
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Spicy - cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, star anise
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Sweet - allspice, anise, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg
An easy method for testing herb and spice combinations is to mix them with
small amounts of a mild cheese, like cream cheese. Allow them to sit for
at least an hour, then sample your blends, noting which flavors you most
enjoy. Be sure to label the samples so you'll know how to duplicate or modify
each to suit your taste.
For Every Thing, There is a Seasoning
If you enjoy cooking with herbs and spices, you find creative cooking
opportunities everywhere. You can make your own blends (curry powder or pumpkin
pie spice, for example), herb vinegars, herbal cheese, teas, jellies. But
don't neglect the endless possibilities for everyday cooking. A pinch of
this, or a teaspoon of that, will make all the food you serve special.
The Icons below will guide you to the other Spice For Life Pages
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