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Spotlight On Spices! Issue March 2012 - Saffron, the Most Expensive Spice March 18, 2012 |
In our neck of the woods, March has not been itself. It did not come in like a lion; instead, the weather has been lamb-like - - pretty mild from the start. We’ve been in the high sixties and low seventies for the past week, and looking forward to the same in the coming days. Spring has sprung, daffodils are in bloom, and there are many spice and herb choices and food days to celebrate and enjoy. These include March 27th’s National Spanish Paella Day. Paella is a delicious crowd-pleasing dish. Make your favorite paella recipe with this month’s …
THE SPICE OF LIFE - Saffron, The Most Expensive Spice
Whole Saffron spice is a thread called a stigma. Stigmas are the female parts of a plant. Saffron spice stigmas come from a fall crocus.
Each plant yields three stigmas which are red in color. They sit atop the plant’s style which is a slim yellowish color stem. Sometimes, pieces of the style may be the source of the non-red materials found amongst your red saffron threads.
Stigmas are hand-picked, therefore harvesting saffron is labor-intensive which factors into the final price making it the world’s most expensive spice by weight. However, a few threads go a long way. One gram of saffron spice equals the amount needed for four recipes (six servings each), or the quantity needed to cook up a crowd-pleasing pot of paella.
Saffron spice is indigenous to the Middle East, Mediterranean Region (Greece, Spain), North Africa and India (Kashmir Saffron). Iran (Persian Saffron) is the world's largest producer by volume.
Ground Saffron spice is sold sometimes in an adulterated manner (mixed with other spices such as Turmeric). Buy from reputable merchants and spice companies.
MONTHLY EVENTSMarch is the Month for:
National Celery Month
National Frozen Food Month
National Nutrition Month
National Peanut Month
And, some of our favorite food days in the month include:
March 1 National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
March 2 National Banana Cream Pie Day
March 4 National Pound Cake Day
March 6 National Frozen Food Day
March 7 National Cereal Day
March 9 National Crabmeat Day
March 10 National Blueberry Popover Day
March 14 National Potato Chip Day
March 15 National Peanut Lovers Day
March 16 National Artichoke Heart Day
March 19 National Poultry Day
March 20 National Ravioli Day
March 25 National Lobster Newburg Day
March 26 National Waffle Day
March 27 National Spanish Paella Day
March 28 National Black Forest Cake Day
March 31 National Clams on the Half Shell Day
SPICY TIDBITSCheck here for the latest news on any spice recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts:
MERCHANTS & RETAILERS:Websites for Spice Retailers:Atlantic Spice Company - www.atlanticspice.com
Durkee® - www.durkee.com
McCormick® - www.mccormick.com
Milford Spice Company - www.milfordspice.com
Penzeys Spices - www.penzeys.com
Savory Spice Shop - www.savoryspiceshop.com
Spice Islands® - www.spiceislands.com
The Spice House - www.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/
YOUR TURNTell 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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