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Spotlight On Spices! Issue January 2013 - Cumin to Spice Up 2013!
January 17, 2013


Happy New Year and welcome to 2013! It has taken me half a month to decide which spice or herb to highlight. Just when I figured it out (Za’atar), I felt the need to bring back a former favorite that’s been in great demand at the spice shop where I work. So, bear with me and wait just a couple more weeks to learn about Za’atar which will have a brand new page on my website by February 1st.

So, this month's ...

THE SPICE OF LIFE - Is Cumin to Spice Up 2013!


Cumin is the world's second most popular spice. It is a member of the Parsley family. Cumin spice looks and smells like caraway seed, another member of the Parsley family. Other popular members of this plant family include anise, carrot, dill, and fennel. Black Cumin is mistaken at times for Nigella (Charnushka).

Cumin dates back to Old Testament times, originating in the Mediterranean but now grown also in India, China, Indonesia and Japan.

This spice is traditionally used in Asian, Mexican and Middle Eastern cooking for curries, chili, stews and breads.

Cooking Hint

Buy seeds instead of the ground spice. Toast and crush the seeds as you need them. Doing this will release the essential oils, and help preserve the spice's potency longer.

Cumin is good for foods like: beans, cheese dishes (fondues, soufflés), chicken, chili, eggs, fish (tuna), ham, meatloaf, pasta, rice, seafood, soup, stews, stuffing, turkey, vegetables (beet, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

For more about Cumin and its healthful properties >>>read more...



MONTHLY EVENTS


January is the Month for:

National Oatmeal Month

National Slow Cooking Month

National Soup Month

And, some of our favorite food days in the month include:

January 4 National Spaghetti Day

January 19 National Popcorn Day

January 20 National Cheese Lover's Day

January 22 National Blonde Brownie Day

January 23 National Pie Day

January 24 National Peanut Butter Day

January 28 National Blueberry Pancake Day

January 29 National Corn Chip Day

January 30 National Croissant Day

SPICY TIDBITS

Check here for the latest news on any spice recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts:

Food ALERT! Widget

MERCHANTS & RETAILERS:

Websites for Spice Retailers:

Atlantic Spice Company - atlanticspice.com

Durkee® - durkee.com

McCormick® - mccormick.com

Milford Spice Company - milfordspice.com

Penzeys Spices - penzeys.com

Savory Spice Shop - savoryspiceshop.com

Spice Islands® - spiceislands.com

The Spice House - thespicehouse.com

Spice Accessories Websites:

Bottles, Containers & Jars:

Bottle Store - www.bottlestore.com

eBottles.com - www.ebottles.com

SKS Bottle & Packaging, Inc. - www.sks-bottle.com

Labels:

Online Labels - www.onlinelabels.com

Spice Racks:

Tubular Spices - www.tubularspices.com/Spice_Racks.asp

Spice Rack Source - www.spiceracksource.com/all-spice-racks/



Check out our website that's All About Sweet Potatoes


How to Grow Potatoes




April May be National Florida Tomato Month, But Learn How to Grow Your Own ...

growing tomatoes

YOUR TURN

Tell us what you would love to see in our monthly eZine. We want to keep this publication fresh and relevant. We want to put a spotlight on the herbs and spices that are of the most interest to you.

Use our Contact Form to give us constructive feedback or ask questions. Thank you!

Ellen White

Eat Well. Live Well. Cook everyday with spices and herbs!



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