Herbs and spices have been used in cooking and healing for thousands of years, and they are an essential part of many cuisines and traditional medicine practices. However, with the rise of industrialized farming and food production, the quality of herbs and spices available on the market has greatly diminished. It is now more important than ever to carefully choose the herbs and spices we use in our cooking and make sure that they are of good quality, free from harmful additives and chemicals, and sustainably sourced.
One of the main reasons why buying good quality herbs and spices is crucial is to ensure that you are not consuming any Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). GMOs are plants or animals that have had their genetic material altered through genetic engineering, and their long-term health and environmental effects are still largely unknown. The use of GMOs in food production is a controversial topic, and many consumers choose to avoid them.
By only purchasing herbs and spices that are certified GMO-free, you are not only preventing potential risks to your health, but you are also supporting sustainable and ethical agriculture practices. GMO-free herbs and spices are grown using traditional methods that are better for the environment and do not pollute the soil or water.
Another reason to opt for good-quality herbs and spices is to avoid consuming preservatives, additives, and fillers. These substances are often added to enhance the color, flavor, and shelf-life of herbs and spices, but they can also be harmful to our health. Some preservatives have been linked to allergies, digestive issues, and other health problems. Additionally, fillers are often used to dilute the herb or spice, which means you are not getting the authentic, pure flavor and benefits that you paid for.
Furthermore, when purchasing herbs and spices, it is essential to check the country of origin. Some countries may have less strict regulations when it comes to food safety and pesticide use. By choosing herbs and spices grown in the USA, you can be sure that they have been produced under strict guidelines and are free from harmful chemicals.
Additionally, buying herbs and spices grown in the USA also supports local farmers and small businesses. By choosing to support local producers, you are contributing to the economy and helping to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient food system.
In conclusion, the quality of herbs and spices we use directly impacts our health and the environment. Choosing good quality, GMO-free, and USA-grown herbs and spices is not only beneficial for our well-being but also supports sustainable and ethical food production. So, next time you reach for a jar of herbs and spices, make sure to read the labels and choose wisely. Your taste buds and your health will thank you!
I have created my must-have list of herbs and spices that no boat or house should be without.
Now I know you’re saying, Gari, I don’t have room! Well, you can fit these in a space about 12” by 7” or about the size of a shoebox. A shoebox would work great for this as it’s dark, and you can stash it someplace cool.
the enemy of dried herbs and spice
AIR-LIGHT-HUMIDITY-HEAT
NOW, HERE WE ARE ON A BOAT WITH PLENTY OF ALL FOUR, SO WE HAVE SOME WORK TO DO.
- AS FOR AIR, I HAVE AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER I KEEP MINE IN
- AS FOR LIGHT, I KEEP IT IN A CUPBOARD AND NOT OUT ON A COUNTER OR BY A WINDOW
- NOT MUCH TO DO ABOUT THE HUMIDITY, BUT PLACING A COUPLE OF DRIED BEANS IN EACH JAR WILL HELP ABSORB HUMIDITY AND HELP KEEP YOUR SPICES FLOWING NICELY
- DON’T LEAVE YOUR SPICES NEXT TO THE STOVE OR UNDER A WINDOW, TRY AND FIND THE COOLEST, DARKEST PLACE TO KEEP THEM
NOW AGAIN, I KNOW THIS SOUNDS LIKE A LOT, BUT WITH THIS LIST, YOU CAN START CREATING YOUR OWN SPICE BLENDS AND SAVE MONEY, CONTROL YOUR SALT, CONTROL YOUR SPICE LEVEL, AND SAY GOODBYE TO HARMFUL INGREDIENTS.
NOW, I KNOW PRE-MADE SPICE BLENDS MAY SEEM EASY AND CONVENIENT, BUT THE TRUTH IS THEY ARE EXPENSIVE, AND SOME MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT MAY POSE A RISK TO YOUR HEALTH.
SALT, F.A.T., AND SUGAR ARE USED ON A LARGE SCALE BY THE FOOD INDUSTRY AS A WAY TO INTENSIFY FLAVOR.
A LARGE NUMBER CONTAIN MSG MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, A DANGEROUS EXCITOTOXIN THAT MAY LEAD TO INFLAMMATION, MIGRAINES, OBESITY, AND CELL DAMAGE, TO NAME A FEW.
MSG HIDES UNDER MANY NAMES
- HYDROLYZED PROTEIN
- SODIUM CASEINATE
- YEAST EXTRACT
- TEXTURED PROTEIN
- AUTOLYZED YEAST
IT CAN EVEN JUST BE CALLED SEASONING
EVEN SEASONING THAT HAS A NO MSG ADDED STICKER ARE SUSPECT, AS THIS TERM ONLY SIGNIFIES THAT AN ADDITIONAL MSG WAS NOT ADDED TO THE PRODUCT AND DO NOT NEED TO MENTION ANY MSG IN THE INGREDIENTS THEMSELVES
SO, WITH THE FOLLOWING LIST, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN BLENDS, MAKING AS LITTLE OR AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE, HAVING CONTROL OVER WHAT GOES IN THEM, AND SAVING MONEY.
I SAVE EMPTY SPICE JARS AND USE THEM FOR MY HOMEMADE BLENDS, AND THEY SHOULD BE KEPT THE SAME AS YOUR OTHER SPICES AND LAST ABOUT 6 MONTHS
My Spices
Ingredients
- Granulated Onion
- Granulated Garlic
- Basil
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Cayenne
- Dried Dill
- Dried Chives
- Dried Rosemary
- Ground Allspice
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ground Cloves
- Ginger
- Mustard Powder
- Celery Salt
- Bay Leaves
- Coriander
- Dried Celery Flakes
- Dried parsley
- Kosher Salt
- Black Peppercorns
- Mixed Peppercorns
- White Peppercorns