Spice blends are a flavorful combination of different spices in varying proportions that are ground up to a powder form (fine to coarse consistency). They are used to accentuate or improve the flavor and aroma of the food recipes which utilizes them. Cooked grains and proteins go through incredible transformation through the application of spice blends. The meal recipe that was once okay can be turned into a phenomenal dish with the use of the spice blends.
How are these spices able to play a delightful role in creating appetizing meals for us? The magic is in the natural compounds or a combination of them which are known as phytochemicals. These secondary compounds have a unique aroma and flavor. Once the spices are exposed to oxygen, they begin to oxidize and break down leaving behind a less flavorful and less aromatic substance. For spice blends that are stored well in an air-tight container or bag and kept away from sunlight and moisture, it can last up to 2 - 3 years. For whole spices that are stored well, they can hold up to 2 – 4 years.
How to use the spice blends to create magic in your kitchen? Spice blends have been used in different cuisines around the world and every cuisine has its own spice concoctions with special ingredients. In general, the spice blends go well in stews, curries, sauces, rubs and even in baked goodies.
The best way to start using the spice blends is to explore them. If you love a certain cuisine and its flavors, start by using the spice blends of that cuisine in your kitchen. Spice blends are a combination of different spices and usually come in the powdered consistency. So, when added to the recipes that you are cooking, they will become a part of the body of the food substance. Hence it is important to add any spice blend in milder quantities to get a feel for the spice blend on your palette before taking the deep dive.
It is essential to awaken the natural oils in these spice blends before using them in a recipe by what is called as spice blooming. There are two essential ways the spice blends can be bloomed and they are dry blooming and blooming in oil (or in fat such as ghee or butter). While blooming the spice blends over the heat it is important to employ our senses to get the right results (the wonderful aroma emanating from the spice blends is a clue that it is done and ready to go off the heat). Blooming the spices or spice blends beyond that certain point yields an acrid taste and smell. We have simplified the spice blooming technique to a 2-minute art form called the Pear Spice Blooming Techniques. You can learn more about it on the Pear Spice blooming page.
Cooking with spice blends need not be complicated. We know the culinary art of spices and we help you master them. Our spice blends have distinguished flavors with which you can create your own culinary masterpieces. You can do it effortlessly by joining our cooking courses. Start by exploring products and Course collections.
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