Spice Essentials

17/04/2023

Here’s to Independence,
And here’s to the future.
🇿🇼🥂🇿🇼🥂🇿🇼🥂

15/04/2023

What’s for dinner?

Time to take that chicken out and do the magic. All spices and herbs available and ready for delivery.

15/04/2023

We put our Paprika to the test with this amazing Paprika Roast Chicken recipe and OMG!!!!! Did somebody say Succulent!!!

Rub paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black and white pepper all over a whole chicken( or chicken portions). Roast in the oven until cooked through and golden brown.

13/04/2023

Let’s try this Paprika Roast Chicken sometime… Rub paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all over a whole chicken. Roast in the oven until cooked through and golden brown.

13/04/2023

How well do you know your Paprika?

Paprika spice, made from ground dried peppers, is a popular spice in many cuisines around the world. This versatile spice comes in a variety of flavors and strengths, ranging from mild to hot, and can be used in everything from stews and soups to marinades and rubs. Originally from Central America, paprika is now a staple in Hungarian and Spanish cooking, but it is also used extensively in Indian, Turkish, and Moroccan dishes.

One of the most common uses for paprika is in traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash, where it adds warmth and depth of flavor to the dish. In Spanish cuisine, smoked paprika, or pimentón, is often used to flavor chorizo sausage and to add a smoky flavor to stews and rice dishes.

Paprika is also a common ingredient in Indian dishes, where it is used in spice blends like garam masala and tandoori masala. In Turkish cuisine, paprika is often used in marinades for grilled meats and vegetables. And in Moroccan cooking, paprika is a key ingredient in spice blends like ras el hanout and adds a slightly sweet, smoky flavor to tagines and couscous dishes.

12/04/2023

Good morning world ☀️☀️☀️

Just a reminder that even though your day may seem absolutely ordinary like a tomato and onion sauce, a smile and a positive outlook can give it a little flavor, just like a pinch of paprika.

See what we did there? 😂😂

05/01/2023

04/01/2023

Hello January fast 😍Cutting off meat from your diet can be a £ #%¥ # but there’s a ton of recipes you can make with what you’re allowed to eat.And who knew that boiled eggs and spices can make such a delicious egg curry? (Recipe can be adjusted to accommodate our non-vava eating friends too!) !

04/01/2023

Yes your smile is sweet, but my dear, sometimes you gotta roar 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

04/01/2023

Enough said!!!!

03/01/2023

Our first working day of the year!!! A reminder to all of you to keep going no matter what. So will we!!!
Happy New year!!!

Find us at The Hill Wellness Centre, 78 Crowhill Road, Harare. We’re ready to serve!

30/12/2022

Join our Spice Pairing Masterclass today!
https://chat.whatsapp.com/EQ29QAMiJ8e4RVKh3pMpjJ

30/12/2022

Finish the year soft!

In the morning, defrost the chicken and drain the water out of the bowl. Put some salt, olive oil and Spice Essentials lemon and herb and massage the chicken until the herbs and oil are evenly distributed. Close the bowl and let it rest.

At 5pm, grease your roasting pan and lay your chicken on. Switch on the oven’s top and bottom elements at 180 degrees for about 20 mins or until golden brown. In fact, when it’s done you’ll know😉

Send us some pics so we can showcase your work!

19/12/2022

We have found the G. O. A. T. 🔥🔥
120g of Black Pepper, $4.
0776446680.

14/12/2022

Earth, Air, Fire and Water: The elements test for glass or plastic spice storage.

Fresh spices lose their integrity as a result of exposure to the elements, leaving them stale and lacking in flavor and aroma. Packaging carries a huge responsibility for that as it determines the preservation and shelf life of its contents.

If given the choice between glass and plastic packaging in selecting your spices, you must consider the impact of the elements on each as outlined below.

Earth

Plastic warps and degrades over time due to various reasons, including repeated handling, denting or distorting, which leaves it unusable. Single use plastic containers in particular are not environmentally friendly as plastic is not biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to break down.

In comparison, a glass storage jar can continue to be re-used hundreds of times without breaking down, melting, or warping as it offered a double barrier of protection. Unlike plastic, glass is also an environmentally friendly mineral material that can be recycled endlessly. Glass is therefore the stronger, more durable and eco-friendly choice.

Air

Plastic storage containers don’t provide an air-tight seal as they are porous and allow air to leak into the food container. When spices are exposed to air they become stale faster. Stale spices lack the full flavor and aromatic qualities of fresh spices.

A glass storage jar has an air-tight seal that locks in the freshness which seals in the natural essence of the spices. With no air leaking in, spices stay fresher longer and their shelf-life is better preserved. Glass jars can preserve the freshness of spices for a maximum of 2 years.

Fire

When exposed to extreme conditions eg heat or cold, plastic tends to leach toxins into the items stored in them. In comparison, glass is not affected by temperatures and can store spices without leaching toxins into the food, making it the healthier option.

In addition, when properly cleaned, or after boiling them for a few minutes to be sterilized, glass jars can be used to preserve a different spice and they will not carry the smell of the previous spice, unlike plastic.

Water

Plastic containers allow for moisture to enter the packaging. The effect of this is, for spices containing oils, moisture permeation may cause oxidation. Dry spices can absorb this moisture which can change their texture and flavor. Smooth and finely ground spices, such as salt, can become lumpy. The warm kitchen temperatures may also cause some spices to grow moulds.

With a glass storage container, as long as the air-tight lid is securely sealed, it will keep moisture out.

Glass is the finest material for storing spices since it prevents any moisture or air from getting into the spices. Even though they are transparent, the issue of light exposure is resolved if they are maintained in a dark environment.

With glass being a top scorer in all 4 categories, it goes without saying that finest quality spices do indeed find their way to glass jars, where they keep fresh for up to 2 years. They do indeed give value for money.

24/11/2022

Knowing how to season and flavor a meal gives you the power to create limitless flavors and combinations, ensuring that your dining table is never boring.

A little bit of the right seasoning can turn a bland dish into an appetizing and aromatic meal. In addition, because of their health benefits, herbs and spices are indeed essential in your kitchen but it takes knowledge to know which spices to use for which ailment, and which herb treats which disorder.

Join us for a morning of discerning and blending on the 17th of December at 78 Crowhill Road in Borrowdale, Harare. The masterclass will be a $10 well spent as we prepare for the holidays!!!

Call or WhatsApp us on 0776191709 for enquiries and reservations!

22/11/2022

There’s nothing that moves a woman’s heart more than her man making dinner for her 😉 trust us, we know!

Happy ChooseDay!