Notice to customers Orders placed after 11 am on Friday 14 March will be processed as of Thursday 20 March
Aromatic Herbs & Spices
Spices and aromatic herbs are ingredients that are increasingly used in the kitchen, giving a unique flavor to their dishes. Sometimes it happens to confuse one with the other, even if they are different products, but their function is usually the same, that is to flavor the dishes, enhancing their flavor. The taste and benefits of aromatic herbs With the expression aromatic herbs, we generally refer to vegetables or herbs grown in pots and in the garden, but also available in the wild. There are several types, but among the best known products stand out bay laurel, basil, borage, oregano, parsley, thyme and sage. The aromatic herbs in the kitchen are used in many countries: for example pasta with tomato and basil is an indispensable must of Italian cuisine. The nutritional value of aromatic herbs is in itself rather poor, but these are very important ingredients because they vary the palatability of the foods and allow some useful substitutions for the body's well-being, such as spicy herbs as an alternative to salt. The aromatic herbs for sale on Natura d’Oriente are products of the highest quality, ideal for making your dishes tastier and to amaze your guests with unforgettable recipes. The taste and the benefits of aromatic spices The term spices indicate dry vegetable products that generally come from tropical countries or in any case from quite distant places, widely used since the past to preserve and flavor foods. Aromatic spices are obtained from different parts of the plants: cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and ginger stand out among the most appreciated. Spices and aromatic herbs can give any recipe a unique touch, whether it is a meat dish or a tasty side dish: the secret is to find the right balance!
Cassia ground cinnamon has an intense flavor that goes well with salty foods and flavors meat. In the Middle East it accompanies stews, lamb, goose and duck meat; in Thailand pork and dried fruit; in Morocco it is combined with pigeon pastilla; in Yorkshire it is excellent in braised ham. A pinch of cinnamon is perfect in mashed potatoes, ravioli and pumpkin risotto. It gives a unique aroma to vegetable pies or natural yoghurt.
The ground clove powder has a decidedly unmistakable penetrating scent, with a pungent flavor with a sweet and balsamic aftertaste. The strong, warm aroma attenuates a little with cooking, dominating other spices but balancing other odors in sweet and savory dishes. In particular, cloves flavor roasts, broths and stews. They contribute to good digestion, perfume the breath and give balsamic notes to the infusions.
Chinese five spice powder is a traditional spice blend, used in Chinese cuisine. This mix gives the dishes a light hint of minty taste, which still includes all the five flavors in cooking: sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter. A special taste to flavor meat and fish dishes, marinades and exotic sauces.
Ingredients:
star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, fennel.
Coriander is an aromatic herb with a sour flavor and sweet notes, with a citrus aftertaste that evokes lemon. In its ground version, coriander is used as a spice in the kitchen in a practical way for many recipes. It is also known for the benefits of its antioxidants which protect cells from oxidative damage, help digestion and cleanse the body.
The cumin plant, is one of the oldest medicinal plants, it produces seeds that have a spicy flavor and a rich and singular aroma. Some research is also testing its slimming power. The scientists involved compared the effects of using cumin extracts on overweight and blood sugar.
Ground fenugreek is a tasty spice with many beneficial properties. Used in cooking for many recipes, with its pungent and slightly bitter taste, it enriches spicy mixtures, first and second courses. It has an emollient action on the digestive system, and positively stimulates the metabolism of carbohydrates and triglycerides.
The beneficial properties of juniper were known from the time of the ancient Egyptians. They were in fact used for embalming and for disinfecting rooms. The numerous active ingredients contained in the plant, juniper, confer important therapeutic benefits on them. Widely used in folk medicine to treat various ailments.
Garam Masala spice blend is believed to contain a balance of all six flavors. It has sweetness, heat, spiciness, and a hint of floral nuances. When these spices combine, they create a special blend, adding incredible depth and complexity to a wide array of traditional dishes and creative recipes.
Ingredients:
Cinnamon, Cumin, Nutmeg, Coriander, Black Pepper, Cloves, Bay Leaf.
Ground star anise is a real antibiotic from nature. The most interesting active ingredient present in star anise, called anethole, has also shown anti-inflammatory properties. From the extraction of its essential oil it is used in medicine and herbal medicine for the preparation of drugs and natural remedies.
La Pampa Argentina a timeless classic of the South American tradition, tasty and slightly acidic, which adapts to almost all types of meat prepared on the grill or barbeque, but also boiled meats, in some cases it is also used (more diluted) to marinate meat before cooking.
Vanilla is mainly for flavoring desserts and for making excellent creams. The aroma is given by the presence of vanillin with antioxidant properties which helps maintain a young organism by counteracting the action of free radicals. It is also useful for fighting stress and defeating insomnia.
A version of the tomato in granules, rich in taste and ready to be used in many recipes. Dehydrated tomatoes can be used in the preparation of soups and stews, vegetable dressings, baked goods and many other dishes. They are a great ingredient in mouthwatering barbecue or pasta sauces. The tomato in granules is a dehydrated product, to be rehydrated before use.
