Discoveries at the Jungle: Spices Month!
Back to feed- Posted: 11/1/2017
- Categories: Discoveries at the Jungle
Before we start this journey, let’s talk a little about what constitutes a “spice.” Basically a spice is a seed, fruit, root, or other plant substance primarily used for flavoring, coloring, or preserving food. They are not herbs, which are leaves, flowers, or stems from plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Now you know the difference!
Early on (we’re talking 2000 BC) cinnamon and black pepper were the first spices to be used and traded in South Asia and the Middle East. The Egyptians used it in their mummification process, and in 1000 BC the China, Korea and India regions were using spices and herbs for medicinal purposes. Spices have been around for a very long time, indeed.
As history moved on, spices became a delicacy for royalty and the rich. This is what drove the spice trade to grow to such epic proportions, transforming from land caravans transporting spices over vast distances to ships taking them to different continents. Today India, Bangladesh, and Turkey lead the world in spice production. India alone produces 1.5 million tonnes of spices a year!
At Jungle Jim’s International Market we pride ourselves for being able to bring you products from around the globe, and that certainly is the same for spices. While you can find a selection of spices in our American Grocery section at the front of both stores, we invite you to go on a little adventure in our International Department to discover a world of spices! You can often find better deals, bulk spices, a wider variety, and fresh spices from around the world. Make sure you check out the locations of our featured spices at the bottom of each post so you can use those locations to help you navigate your own discoveries!
Tajin Seasoning – Mexico
Where you can find these: Fairfield: Orange 10 // Eastgate: Pink 12
Did you know? Cinnamon is used in holistic treatments to aid against arthritis, cholesterol, diabetes and memory loss.
Where you can find these: Fairfield: Orange 18 // Eastgate: Yellow 6
Did you know? Red peppers are unusually rich in vitamin C, and paprika made from them retains more vitamin C by weight than even lemon juice. Paprika is also high in other antioxidants.
Tajin Seasoning from Mexico and Edora Seasoning from Germany
Mama Sita’s Seasoning from the Philippines and AG Ferrari Sea Salts from Italy
Grace Caribbean Seasonings from Jamaica and Shan Seasonings from Pakistan
MDH Seasonings from India and Maesri Curry Pastes from Thailand