Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at World Spice. We love spices every day, but for Valentine's Day, we really wanted to show it.
Everyone on our team has a favorite, and we’ve got the prose (and poetry!) to prove it.
💌 Spicy Love Letters
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Brining Poultry: Wet & Dry Methods
What is brining? Brining, whether using the wet or dry method, is a key technique to maintain meat's juiciness and freshness during cooking. The wet method involves immersing meat in a saltwater solution, enhanced with spices and herbs like our Northwest Forest Brine. In contrast, the dry method, a more recent approach, utilizes dry ingredients, primarily salt, to draw out surface moisture and enhance flavor and tenderness by reabsorbing both the moisture and seasoning. How to brine The Wet MethodYou’ll start by adding one 8oz package of salt (or our Northwest Forest Brine) to 2 quarts of water in a large pot and bring the solution to a rolling boil. Stir to dissolve the salt and sugar, take off the heat, then let sit for 5-10 minutes. Add another 2 quarts of cold water and wait for the brine to return to room temperature (this is important to avoid accidentally cooking your turkey in the hot brine). Place the turkey and the brine into a large container or food grade plastic bag and keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. The turkey will absorb the flavors, resulting in a deliciously seasoned and juicy bird when cooked. Dry MethodCarefully rub salt or the Northwest Forest Brine all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Then place the turkey in the refrigerator in a large container or food safe plastic bag for one hour per pound of turkey. Rinse off the brine and be sure to pat dry the turkey for crispy skin. Pro tip: Get a brining bag for your turkey online or at your local grocery store. It simplifies fridge storage. Once you incorporate brining into your holiday routine, it simply adds to the bustle and flavor of the season, along with a dose of stress reduction because your turkey will not be dry. Bonus! This favorite recipe of ours is perfect for a lightly sweet brine.
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How to Toast Spices
As autumn approaches and we crave roasted, toasty, and nutty flavors, it's the perfect time to explore the art of toasting spices. Toasting spices like fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and whole chiles deepens their flavor and adds a new dimension to your cooking. Toasting spices mellows their intensity, allowing you to sprinkle them whole as a garnish—like mustard seeds—or use them as a crunchy decor, like sesame seeds. It’s a simple way to add richness to your dishes. How to Toast Spices: Heat a heavy pan (cast iron works great) over medium heat until it's warmed up. Add your spices, such as fennel seeds, peppercorns, or star anise. Shake or stir frequently for 30 seconds to a minute. The spices will begin to darken in color and may start to jump as they toast. Transfer to a bowl immediately to avoid over-toasting. Pro Tip: Spices like cloves and sesame seeds toast quickly due to their high oil content, so keep a close eye on them! If you already love that toasty flavor, try some of our pre-toasted spices like Toasted Cumin (yup, we do the work for you!), Syrian Za’atar, and Kashmiri Garam Masala.
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Why We Only Carry Loose Leaf Tea
As the days get cooler, there's nothing better than wrapping your hands around a warm cup of tea. If you're about to stock up for cooler weather, know this: Once you try our teas, you'll taste the difference... Freshness and Quality We source minimally processed tea, ensuring that all of those wonderful natural oils, flavors, and aromas remain intact. Unlike tea bags, which often contain broken leaves or dust and are usually good for just one brew, loose leaf tea's whole leaves fully expand, allowing for multiple infusions. Plus, loose leaf tea is kinder to the planet—no individual bags, less waste🌿✨ Make it YOUR Cup of Tea With loose leaf tea, you’re in control. Want a strong cup? Just add a bit more tea. Prefer it lighter? Use less tea and steep it for a shorter time. Did you know? Whole leaves can be steeped several times, with each infusion releasing different layers of flavor. In fact, many tea lovers believe that the second or third steeping reveals the tea’s finest nuances. This means you're getting a great value for your money, as each pot offers a range of flavors and many cups of joy. Let’s make every cup count. Ready to brew? Check out our favorite brewing wares! 🛍️
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