Spice Jungle

Blazei Brazilian Cap Mushrooms is also known as the Princess Matsutake, the mushroom of life, God’s mushroom and the almond mushroom. It has a almond-like flavor, slightly salty and similar to that of a raw almond both at the start and the finish. The Blazei Brazilian cap mushroom is an ideal addition to lighter soups, salads, or perhaps to serve with wild duck or pheasant.

Cardamom Seeds, Decorticated are the tiny, fragrant seeds removed from the cardamom pod. It has to be simply ground as needed (or toasted beforehand to better release their flavor). The cardamom flavor is spicy, floral, with hints of grapefruit and ginger. Cardamom is used in both sweet and savory cooking of many types of cuisines. Add these cardamom seeds to Indian curries, Russian breads, Tibetan chais, or Swiss sweet buns.

Hibiscus Powder is a bright Persian pink powder. It’s a caffeine free, instant tea. It is obtained from hibiscus flower which also goes by the name jamaica, sorrel, chai torsh, bissap, and many others. From Iran to Mexico to Tobago this crimson blossom has a serious fan following. Hibiscus flowers are a sort of miracle plant. The leaves are used to make healing compounds. The seeds have diuretic properties. The fibrous stems are used to make burlap, and the sepals which is the fleshy part that holds the flower are used for food coloring and for tisanes. The flavor of hibiscus is very cranberry-like with an added floral quality to it. Often citrus juice or other fruit juices are added, sometimes black tea, and almost always a sweetener is stirred in to offset the tartness.

Cinnamon Sticks, 4 Inch Cinnamon is sourced from the bark of various species of the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamomum is a tree farmed in much of Asia, though primarily in Indonesia, China, and Vietnam. The spicy and unique flavor, sweet aroma, and warm heat are derived from an essential oil called cinnamaldehyde.

Maitake Mushrooms (Hen of the Woods), Dried is a North American favorite on the East Coast, the Hen of the Woods mushroom grows in large, clustered masses that look like the feathery tails of chickens. (Hence the name.) They have an enjoyable flavor that possesses a subtle spice. The Hen of the Woods mushroom pairs well with strongly flavored meats that have been smoked, grilled, or massaged with a potent spice rub. Of course, this shroom can also take the place of meat in pasta dishes, mixed grills, or tucked into tacos with a bit of pico de gallo and hot sauce.

Scorpion Pepper name comes from both the spicy sting of these peppers and because the peppers look like a scorpion’s telson (stinger), growing gnarled and bulbous before tapering off sharply into a curved tip. These are bright red and fiercely potent. As a rather curious contrast the flavor is extremely floral, often described as being reminiscent of rose and geranium. This powder is best used to finish off chiles, salsas, and your enemies.

Black Salt (Kala Namak) is a sulfury, mineral heavy, highly prized salt from Northern India. It is used as both flavoring and medicine. Indian black salt (Kala Namak) is produced using centuries old methods and sourced from secret locations.

Vinegar Powder, Apple Cider is a souring agent with a fruity kickshould which should be used as a substitute for vinegar itself.

Vinegar Powder, White Balsamic is a sweet and sour powder. We take quality white balsamic vinegar and dehydrate it until only solids that are a mix of grape solids, tannins, and acids are left behind. The balsamic vinegar powder has a sharper tartness than the liquid form. In addition, this form allows it to be used as a rub. Combine with salt and pepper and use this white wine vinegar powder for homemade pita chips or potato chips. We also like it rubbed onto a pork loin with a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and smoked salt.