Food Guides: Spices

Spices are an invaluable tool for any cook. Spices are a part of history. They have been used for preserving foods, for preparing the deceased for burial. Many of the early explorers were seeking not only new lands, but the exotic spices of other parts of the world.

Used in cooking, spices add flavor and aroma to the foods, and spices can also evoke certain moods, or thoughts of certain regions. Different parts of the world use different spices in their foods. By using spices wisely, these flavors from around the world can be brought right into your kitchen.

You can purchase most spices in either whole or ground form. Whole spices have a longer shelf-life than ground. The flavors in the spices come from volatile oils, which are lost over time. Ground spices will last about a year, while whole spices will last from 3-5 years before they lose their flavor. All spices should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry, dark place. So don't put them over the stove, or in the refrigerator.

To bring out more flavor with whole spices, they can be gently heated in a dry skillet over medium heat, be careful not to burn them. After toasting, grind them in a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder. Or you can just add the whole spices to the dish, wrap them in a piece of cheesecloth for easy removal.

When using ground spices, they should be added towards the end of the cooking time if they are used for hot dishes. If they are being added to cold dishes, they should be added several hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Add a little bit of spice at a time, and taste, until you get the desired flavor. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out. And above all, experiment, find out what spices you like, and what dishes you like to use them in.