Variety is the spice of life, and spice is the variety in cooking. With globalization more and more people are beginning to use a variety of spices and discover the great difference they can make.
Herbs and spices can add a real lift to an otherwise ordinary meal. The selection of just the right spice or mix of spices always adds authenticity to any ethnic dish. With so many recipes available for free online there is really no longer any excuse for not knowing what spice to use with which dish. With a little practice and experimentation we all find our favourite spices and combinations.
There are many ethnic shops around which cater for specific spice needs. Authentic Indian spices, Thai, Chinese and other ethnic spices can be found in specialty stores. Some people can feel a little intimidated in these stores if unsure of the exact spices they want. Large outlets like Spice World are great under those circumstances. They have staff that can help with your needs, or you can search online and order your spices that way. Using an online service like this you can also search for new recipes and be sure that they will have the right spice in stock.
Spices should always be stored in a sealable spice jar to keep them fresh. There are hundreds of attractive spice racks available that can accommodate just a small amount or many jars. If you are using a lot of spices it is a good idea to work out some sort of system with your spice rack so that you can put your hands on the right spice quickly.
For the real spice enthusiast, and the freshest (and cheapest) spices possible it might be worth investing in a spice grinder. Some people prefer to use a mortar and pestle feeling it is more ‘authentic’. Some spices are sold in separate grinders too, and while they tend to be a little more expensive initially they can be a great in between alternative to buying pre-ground or using a single grinder.
If you are just beginning to experiment with using spices start with small amounts and just a few basic spices and work your way up from there. Spices make a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire as well as often having beneficial effects for your health.
