Fenugreek is a robust herb and has light green leaves. The plant produces slender, beaked pods, each pod contains about 10 to 12 small, hard yellowish-brown seeds. The seed is produced as a spice. Fenugreek grows best in well-drained loams in mild climates. The crop matures in about 3 – 4 months after sowing. After … Continued
Fennel is a tall, hardy, aromatic perennial of the parsley family native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean area. It is distinguished by its finely divided, feathery green foliage and its golden-yellow flowers. The spice ‘fennel seed’ is the dried fruit of the common fennel of commerce. Fennel seeds are harvested when they develop a … Continued
Ginger is one of the earliest spices known in Western Europe. Although often called “ginger root” it is actually a rhizome. It is available in whole raw root (fresh ginger) and dried roots. The ginger plant requires a consistently warm and moist climate, brilliant sunshine, and heavy rainfall. The harvest begins nine months to a … Continued
Onion is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Its close relatives include garlic, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese onion. Onion is usually treated as an annual plant and harvested in its first growing season. Together with garlic, onions are one of the most commonly used dehydrates in seasoning and flavouring in today’s … Continued
The nutmeg tree is a large evergreen, it produces two spices — mace and nutmeg. Nutmeg is the seed kernel inside the fruit and mace is the lacy covering (aril) on the kernel. The nutmeg seed is encased in a mottled yellow, edible fruit, the approximate size and shape of a small peach. The fruit … Continued
Turmeric is an ancient spice, a native of South East Asia, used from antiquity as dye and a condiment. In many languages turmeric is simply named as “yellow root”. Turmeric is the rhizome of a ginger-like plant. It is usually available ground, as a bright yellow, fine powder. The whole turmeric is a tuberous rhizome, … Continued
Cumin is a seed spice of an annual small herb of the parsley family. The plants require a mild, equable climate and a fairly long growing season of three or four months. The crop is ready for harvest when the plants begin to wither. Cumin seeds are available whole, cracked and ground.
Black pepper comes from several species of a vinous perennial climber, which thrives best in humid rainy tropical regions. The spice is the fruit, called peppercorns. Pepper is known for its spicy aroma and hot pungent taste. It is present as bunch on a spike. As it matures the berry first grows into a sphere … Continued