Archives for posts with tag: Spices

Chinese five spice is a blend of at least five distinct spices. Although the name indicates that only five spices would be the ingredients, some versions use up to eight ingredients to make the spice blend. This mixture of spices is an consuming mixture of ingredients that will excite the sweet, sour, salty, bitter and pungent taste buds on your tongue.

Commercial preparations of five spice powder have at least a few ingredients in common. The five ingredients that are typically gift contain star anise, fennel, cinnamon, clove and Szechuan pepper. Szechuan pepper may be replaced with the more common black peppercorns.

Chinese Five Spice Powder – A Savory Blend of Spices

Chinese Five Spice Powder – A Savory Blend of Spices

Depending on the brand of this spice blend, other ingredients may be gift or replaced for the primary five spices. To check out the range of ingredients in five spice powder, several commercial preparations were reviewed. The ingredients are listed below in the order that they appeared on the spice jar labels. This means that the ingredients are listed in decreasing order of quantity gift in the spice blend.

Commercial Chinese Five Spice Ingredients

Brand 1 – star anise, black pepper, cloves, fennel, cinnamon.
Brand 2 – star anise, black pepper, cloves, fennel, ginger.
Brand 3 – cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves, ginger, licorice, szechuan peppercorn, white pepper.
Brand 4 – cinnamon, clove, fennel, star anise, szechwan pepper.
Brand 5 – ginger, coriander, cinnamon, cumin, orange peel.
Brand 6 – star anise, fennel, cinnamon, clove, szechuan pepper.

Spice

Spice

Spice

Reviewing that list you can see that there is a great range among the five spice blends. Not one spice is gift in all the brands. Brands 1, 4 and 5 have the same ingredients, although they’re not in the same proportions, and black pepper has been replaced for Szechuan pepper in Brand 1. Even though the ingredients are essentially the same, the tastes would be distinct due to the distinct relative amounts of spices.

Ginger appears to be a common additive and lends pungency to the mixture. Brand 5 is the most distinct from the rest. None of the other spices contain orange peel, and this one omits star anise that all the other five spice powders contain. The episode here is that it will pay you to read the ingredient labels on the spice blends that you purchase. Alternatively, you could make your own. It’s not that hard to do.

Homemade spice blends can be varied to one’s taste. One method for five spice powder is as follows: 4 parts fennel seed, 2 parts cinnamon stick, 2 parts black peppercorns, 2 parts anise seed, 1 part whole cloves, and optionally, 1 part coriander seed and 1 part cumin seed. All spices are dry roasted in a heavy skillet to bring out their aroma and flavor. The spices are stirred enduringly while being roasted until all the spice aromas can be detected. The mixture is then cooled down completely. A mortar and pestle could be used to crush the spices into a powder, but a spice mill or coffee polisher will do a more unblemished job. Transfer the five spice blend powder to a labeled spice jar and enjoy.

Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet
ASICS Mens GEL-Nimbus 13 Running Shoe,White/Black/Royal,10 M US
Marineland PC-ml360 Multi-stage Canister Filter- 55 to 100-Gallon, 360GPH
ASICS Mens GEL-Neo33 Running Shoe,Royal Blue/Limeade/White,10.5 M US
ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PEB-RRED01S 10.1-Inch Netbook (Red)
Rosewill Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switch (RK-9000)
Marina Easy Clean Water Changer, 50-Foot Hose
Saucony Womens Progrid Ride 5 Running Shoe,Vizipro Pink/Blue/Yellow,8.5 M US
Logitech Wireless Speaker for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch (980-000589)
Acer Aspire One AOD257-13685 10.1-Inch Netbook (Espresso Black)
Aquatop PSE1 Hang-On Protein Skimmer w/ UV + Power Filter
50ft Python No Spill Clean And Fill
ASICS Womens GEL-Cumulus 13 Running Shoe,White/Red/Turquoise,6 M US
Zoo Med 511 Turtle Clean Canister Filter
Razer TRON Gaming Keyboard (RZ03-00530100-R3U1)
Mizuno Mens Wave Prophecy Running Shoe,Dark Palladium/Silver/Lichen,10.5 D US
Celluon Magic Cube Virtual Keyboard – Celluon MAGICCUBE
Python No Spill Clean and Fill
Saucony Womens Pro Grid Guide 5 Running Shoe,Grey/Black/Vizi Pro Pink,8.5 M US
ASUS Eee PC 1025C Atom N2600 Dual-Core 1.6GHz 1GB 320GB 10.1″ LED Netbook Windows 7 Starter w/Webcam (Black)
Wacom Intuos3 Grip Tablet Pen ZP501ESE
Marineland PC0350C Magnum 350 up to 100-Gallon, 350 GPH
ASICS Womens Gel Speedstar 6 Running Shoe,Limeade/White/Turquoise,6.5 M US
Asus VS247H-P 24-Inch Full-HD LED Monitor
Kensington Wireless Orbit Mouse (K72352US)
Digital 300 Watt Hardside Waterbed Heater with a 4oz Premium Clear Bottle Conditioner & Patch Kit For California King, Queen & Super Single Water Beds
ASICS Mens GEL-Evolution 6 Running Shoe,Graphite/Lightning/Storm,10.5 M
Dell UltraSharp U2412M 24″ LED LCD Monitor – 16:10 – 8 ms
Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
48″ 260w Pl Aquarium Light Reef Marine Fish Tank Hood Light
ASICS Womens GT-1000 Pr Running Shoe,Pink/Black/White,10 B US
Viewsonic VX2450WM-LED 24-Inch (23.6-Inch Vis) Widescreen LED Monitor with Full HD 1080p and Speakers – Black
Max Keyboard Nighthawk-X8 Purple Backlit Mechanical Keyboard (Brown Cherry MX)
Baby biOrb Aquarium with LED Light, Silver, 4 Gallons
Mizuno Mens Wave Inspire 8 Running Shoe,Pewter/Anthracite/Cyber Yellow,10 D US
ViewSonic VX2250WM-LED 22-Inch (21.5-Inch Vis) Widescreen Full HD 1080p LED Monitor with Integrated Stereo Speakers
Tursion 8″ x 5″ Huion Graphic Drawing,Capture Pen and Touch Tablet (Black)
Aqueon LED Aquarium Light Fixture, 48-Inch
ASICS Mens GEL-Cumulus 13 Running Shoe,White/Royal/Black,8 M US
ASICS Mens GEL-Blur33 2.0 Running Shoe,Carbon/White/Sulfer Yellow,10.5 M US
Verbatim Ultra-Slim Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard iPhone, iPad (All), iPod Touch, Kindle Fire HD (All), Google Nexus, Samsung Galaxy, other Android Tablets 97753 Black
Aquatop CF500UV 5-Stage Canister Filter with UV 9W, 525 gph
ViewSonic VX2703MH-LED 27-Inch LED-Lit Monitor
ASICS Womens GEL-Cumulus 14 Running Shoe,Black/White/Hot Berry,9.5 M US
ViewSonic VA2212M-LED 22-Inch LED-Lit Monitor
48″ 216w T5 Aquarium Light Fixture Reef Fish Tank Light
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Gaming Keyboard-MAC (RZ03-00381300-R3M1)
ASICS Mens GEL-Cirrus33 Running Shoe,Lightning/Granite/Red,10.5 M US
Coralife 05271 Super Skimmer with Pump, 65-Gallon
COOLER MASTER USA SGK-4020-GKCR1-US USB QUICKFIRE TK GAMING KEYB
ASUS VS228H-P 21.5-Inch Full-HD LED Monitor (Black)
ASICS Mens GEL-Cumulus 14 Running Shoe,Storm/White/Royal,11.5 M US
Hydor Usa Inc AHYS03201 Koralia Nano-Skim Protein Skimmer
Logitech G600 MMO Gaming Mouse, White (910-002871)
ASUS VH236H 23-Inch Full-HD 2ms LCD Monitor
Saucony Mens Progrid Ride 4 Running Shoe,White/Black/Red,8.5 M US
Coralife New Style Super Skimmer Protein Skimmer for tanks up to 65 gallons
Motorola Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad – Retail Packaging
Acer G276HL Dbd 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor
ASICS Mens GEL-Excel33 Running Shoe,Storm/Lightning/Neon Orange,9.5 M US
Kinesis KB500USB-BLK Advantage USB Contoured Keyboard (Black)
Acer G236HL Bbd 23-Inch Screen LED-Lit Monitor
Saucony Mens Powergrid Triumph 9 Running Shoe,White/Royal/Yellow,8 M US
SolidTek DM-L2 DigiMemo L2 8-1/2-by-11-Inch Digital Notepad
Nine West 9 Jacquard 0240002NW Satchel,Black/Ivory/Black,One Size
ASUS VS239H-P 23-Inch Full-HD LED IPS Monitor
FOM 360 Degree Rotate Detachable Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard Sliding Cover Case for iPad 2 iPad 3 iPad 4 – Green Ship From U.S.A
Hobo Upper Hand Shoulder Bag,Taupe,one size
Viewsonic VX2453MH-LED 24-Inch Ultra-thin Widescreen LED Monitor – Black
The New V2 Standard Goldtouch Adjustable GTU-0088 Keyboard Is for Both Mac and P
Hobo Opal Cross-Body,Black,one size
Rena 721 Filstar XP2 Canister Filter
HP 2511x 25-Inch LED Monitor – Black
SteelSeries Diablo III Gaming Mouse
Tommy Hilfiger Th Logo Pebble Leather Bowler Satchel,Cafe Au Lait,One Size
JBJ Automatic Top Off System W/Float Sensors
Asus VS248H-P 24-Inch Full-HD LED Monitor
Wacom PTK440 Black Intuos4 Small Pen Tablet with Pen & Mouse (Factory Refurbished) – Newest Model
Blue Q – Moon Garden Shoulder Tote
Marineland PC-ml220 Multi-stage Canister Filter- 30 to 55-Gallon, 220GPH
XTEK Purple Stand Leather Case Cover W/ Removable Detachable Wireless Bluetooth ABS Keyboard For Apple iPad 2 iPad 4 New iPad 3 3rd Gen.
Asus VE278Q 27-Inch Full-HD LED Monitor with Integrated Speakers
Nine West Magic Mirror Clutch,Carob Dark Brown,One Size
Nine West 9 Jacquard Cross Body,Brown/Khaki,One Size
Kensington Slimblade Trackball USB 2.0 for PC and Mac, K72327US
Dell U2713HM-IPS-LED CVN85 27-Inch Screen LED-lit Monitor
Gyration Wireless Air Mouse GO Plus GYM1100NA
Algae Mower Vac
Baggallini Expandable Tote Bag, Black
HP W2072a 20-Inch Screen LED-lit Monitor
XTEK Leather Case w/ Removable Detachable Wireless ABS Bluethooth Keyboard For Apple iPad 1ST GENERATION iPAD iPad 2 iPad 3 iPad 4- Rose
Tetra Pond Floating Pond Sticks, 11.00 Pounds
Nine West Vegas Signs Satchel,Khaki Gold Metallic,One Size
Viewsonics VA2703 27-Inch Full HD 1080p Widescreen LCD Monitor – Black
Wacom CTH461 Bamboo Craft Tablet
ASM Protein Skimmer Sedra 3500 Replacement Pump
Nine West Womens Amazon VS X Body 79925696-022 Cross Body,Adriadic Black,One Size
ViewSonic VA2431WM 24-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor with Speakers
Polaroid 7″ 4GB Internet Tablet with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS, Cortex A8 1GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB Internal Storage
Marineland Eclipse Seamless Integrated Aquarium System Twelve, 12 Gallons

I love to cook. I suppose it’s part of being a specialist Herbalist; the medical herbs I use are often found in my spice rack or crisper drawer. If you were wondering what that montage of small bottles and tins can do for you, read on about some of my favorites, what they can do for food and for your health.

Your Spice Rack – How to Use Spices When Cooking

Your Spice Rack – How to Use Spices When Cooking

1) Cayenne: Not all tastebuds can handle the heat of this spice. It can of course cause burns in the mouth and throat. However, it stimulates digestive juices, helping your body to make best use of the nutrients taken with it. We use it mostly in meats and soups, however try adding a pinch to your hot chocolate…it can of course make it stand out.

2) Chili Powder: These are made from hot peppers, but normally milder versions that are easy on the tongue. It is of course good in barbecue sauce, chili and other Mexican foods. Like cayenne, it can stimulate digestive juices.

3) Cinnamon: This spice is mostly used in desserts or drinks, though some cuisines add it to their savory dishes. I use it for colds and sore throats, along with a few other ingredients, together with the one below. For a tea, use stick cinnamon as the powdered stuff won’t do.

Spice

Spice

Spice

4) Cloves: Ham and pumpkin pie would not be the same without cloves. For the pie, powdered is best as you don’t of course want to chomp down on a bit of not quite ground cloves. Oil of cloves has been used as a dental numbing agent for centuries, but use caution when applying as it can burn.

5) Garlic: Garlic bread, salmon with garlic and olive oil, roasted garlic on toast, there are a lot of culinary uses for this bulb. Medicinally, it’s used for infections and to lower blood pressure.

6) Ginger: This is another ingredient to pumpkin pie, but it is mostly used fresh in Asian cuisine. Egg flower soup and stir fry may include some fresh ginger. It is also an expectorant, helping take off phlegm from the lungs. If you have a sore throat, you may want to use caution because it is spicy. another use for ginger is nausea, especially from morning sickness and request for retrial sickness.

7) Marjoram: This is a mild herb, often used for fish and chicken. If you’re planning a camping trip, dry drinking a broth or tea of this herb at least once a day. It may make your sweat too spicy for insects to dine on.

8) Parsley: Italian cuisine loves parsley, as do many others. It goes with salads, fish and chicken. It can also be used as part of a mustard/parsley crust for pork loin roasts. Herbalists use it primarily as a diuretic, something that pulls fluids from your system. If you’re pregnant, don’t use it in medicinal amounts as it may cause uterine contractions.

9) Rosemary: If you like this herb, try using stems from it as skewers for shrimp and chicken. It is very strong, however. Herbalists use it to help deal with depression, but caution is advised if you have high blood pressure. It has a prestige of manufacture it go up.

The herbs and spices in your cabinet can be put to many uses. When I first started learning, I read some cookbooks cover to cover to make sure I understood what was used for what. That may be a good place for you to start.

Cuisinart SBC-1000 Blend-and-Cook Soup Maker, Black
Soup-A-Chef Electric Soup Maker
Cuisinart SB-2000SA Blend and Cook Soupmaker
Soyapower Plus soy milk maker, rice milk maker, nut milk maker, and soup maker, largest capacity, with 2-year warranty
Family Cat 49236 Three Post Cat Tree with Two Sky Loungers, Natural Beige
Soyajoy G3 Soy Milk Maker – Newest and The Only Model for Making Hot As Well As Raw Milks From Beans, Almond, Hemp, and Othe
MidWest Tower Feline Furniture, 22 by 15 by 50.5-Inch
Secura 6-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6qt, 18/10 Stainless Steel Cooking Pot, Pressure cooker, Slow cooker, Food steamer, Rice cooker, Browning/sautรฉ pan, Soup maker
Cuisinart SBC-1000 Blend and Cook Soup Maker – Bundle
Spring Dragunov SVD AK Sniper Rifle FPS-400 Bipod, Scope, Flashlight 40″ Airsoft Gun Good Quality Rifle
Armarkat B7801 78″ Classic Cat Tree in Ivory
Cuisinart CBT-1000 PowerEdge 1.3 Horsepower Blender with 64-Ounce BPA Free Jar, Brushed Stainless
Petco Premium Tree Terrace for Cats, 28.7″ L X 35.8″ W X 58.6″ H
Big Boss 800-Watt Blender and Soup Maker
H&K G36C Gun (Black, Large)
Triple Cat Perch Color: Gray
VitaClay VM7900-6 Smart 6-Cup Programmable Multi-Cooker
Ruger Blackhawk Combo air rifle
TRIXIE Pet Products Palamos Cat Tree
Cuisinart SBC-1000 REFURBISHED Blend and Cook Soup Maker + 10 Piece Stainless Steel Cups/Spoons Plus Plastic Leveler + Oven Mitt Chocolate
Crosman Phantom .177 Caliber Break Barrel Air Rifle up-to 1200 FPS
Molly and Friends “Sequoia” Extra-Large 7-Foot-Tall Premium Handmade Cat Tree with Sisal, Beige
Secura 6-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker 6qt, 18/10 Stainless Steel Cooking Pot, Pressure cooker, Slow cooker, Food steamer, Rice cooker, Browning/sautรฉ pan, Soup maker
CYMA 030 Electric Airsoft Pistol Semi/Full Auto AEP 300 fps Metal Gear Box
New 25″ x 32″ x 47″H Cat Furniture Pet Animal House Scratching Tower – Royal Blue
Breville BSB510XL Control Grip Immersion Blender
Soft Air COLT M4 CQB Full Metal AEG (Black)
TRIXIE Pet Products Sancho Cat Tree with Bamboo
Zojirushi NS-ZCC10 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker and Warmer, Premium White
U.S. Marine Corps Airsoft Task Force, 6 Kit
Mini Pagoda Cat House Color: Gray
Blendtec TB-621-20 Total Blender, Black
CYMA CM028 AK-47 Replica Metal Gear AEG Airsoft Rifle
Trixie Montilla Cat Playground
Panasonic SR-DE103 5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker
Umarex Tactical Force Combat CO2 Pistol
Family Cat 49257 Condo Cat Tree with Sky Lookout and Booster Base, Natural Beige
Ninja Kitchen System 1100 – AS SEEN ON T.V. – 1100 WATTS OF POWER
Soft Air M4 AEG Electric Powered Rifle/Spring Powered Pistol Airsoft Field Duty Kit (Black)
Kitty Mansions Dallas Cat Tree, Beige
Ninja BL700 Kitchen System
WELL L96 AWP Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle
25″ Tunnel Cat Tree
Fagor 670040230 Stainless-Steel 3-in-1 6-Quart Multi-Cooker
H&K MP7 AEG Airsoft Submachine Gun, Black airsoft gun
Family Cat 49252 Condo Cat Tree with Sky Lookout, Natural Beige
Zojirushi NP-HBC18 10-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Warmer with Induction Heating System, Stainless Steel
Soft Air Thompson M1A1 AEG Airsoft Rifle (Black/Wood)
Go Pet Club Cat Tree, 33-Inch by 22-Inch by 72-Inch, Beige/Black
BONUS PACK! Joyoung CTS-1098 Easy-Clean Automatic Hot Soy Milk Maker with FREE Soybean Bonus Pack
76″ BUNGALOW Cat Tree by Majestic Pet
Walther P99 Blowback CO2 Airsoft Pistol airsoft gun
Miallegro 9080 Mitutto 450-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Stainless Steel with Whisk and Chopper Attachment 5-Speed Turbo
Family Cat 49231 Two Tier Cat Tree with Lounger, Natural Beige
Digital Camo Airsoft Vest
Zojirushi CD-LCC30 Micom 3.0-Liter Electric Dispensing Pot
Super Deluxe Cat Tree Color: Cocoa Carpet
A&K SVD Dragunov Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Blendtec TB-631-20 Total Blender FourSide, Red
Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree, Blue
UTG Gen 5 AccuShot Competition Master Sniper Rifle, Black
Sanyo ECJ-N55W 5-1/2-Cup (Uncooked) Electric Rice Cooker with Porridge/Soup Cooker and Steamer
Dual Hide-Away & Lounge Tower with Bamboo Rubbing Posts, Brown – 16 x 22 x 59 Inches (WxDxH)
Spyder Victor 09 Paintball Gun Marker Mega Set
KitchenAid KSB565SM 5-Speed Blender with 48-Ounce Glass Jar, Silver Metallic
Family Cat 49283 Three Story Cat Tree with Sky Lounger, Natural Beige
Well MB05 G-22 AWM APS-2 Airsoft Sniper Rifle w/ 3-9×40 Scope & Bi-Pod L96 AWP 500 fps Bolt Action Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Zojirushi NS-TGC10 Micom 5-1/2-Cup Rice Cooker and Warmer, Stainless Steel
Z Cat Scratcher Cat Perch Color: Green
Sig Sauer P226 X-Five .177cal.- BAX System-Full Metal Body-Blow Back
Soup-A-Chef Electric Soup Maker – Cooks after it Chops
69″ Cat Tree Furniture Post Condo House Scratcher Toy Bed Hammock 3 Tier Cream Paw Print
Umarex H and K MP5 K-PDW, .177
Cuisinart Blender & Soup Maker – Black
Armarkat Cat Tree Model A7463B, Beige
Soft Air Kalashnikov AK47 AEG Full Metal Body Electric Airsoft Gun, Brown Black
Breville 800BLXL Die-Cast Hemisphere 2-Speed Blender with 67-Ounce Polycarbonate Jar
Window Cat Perch Color: Beige
Well MB06 SR-2 Tactical Airsoft Sniper Rifle w/ 3-9×32 Scope & Bipod AWP 500 fps Bolt Action Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Best Quality Soup-A-ChefT Electric Soup Maker – Cooks after it Chops
Classic Cat Tree A6403 by Armarkat
M14 Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle
Sanyo ECJ-F50S Micro-Computerized 5-Cup (Uncooked) Rice Cooker and Steamer
Majestic Pet 48-Inch Casita Fur for Cats
2011 315-FPS Airsoft Rifle M16/M4 Style Red Dot Version 1:1 Double Eagle CQB 614 AEG Full Auto Rifle Electric Airsoft Gun Airsoft Rifle Gun Assault Rifle Gun
Zojirushi CD-FAC22 Zutto Micom Electric Dispensing Pot
Cat Scratch and Lounge Color: Green
COLT M1911 A1 CO2 Full Metal Blowback Airsoft Pistol
Zojirushi CD-JUC30FS Micom 3-Liter Water Boiler and Warmer, Sweet Pea
Molly and Friends Pussycat Playground” Premium Handmade 5-Tier Cat Tree with Sisal, Model 38243, Beige
VB M14 Spring Gun Sniper Rifle M1 Grand Airsoft Tri-Rail Mount, FPS 285, Airsoft Gun
Cuisinart CBT-700 Die-Cast 700-Watt Blender
GoPetClub “Jungle GYM” Cat Tree Furniture Condo Bed House Pet Scratcher Post F2090
FULL 1:1 CYMA Desert Eagle Full Auto Electric Pistol METAL GEAR BOX AEP Airsoft Gun
Soyabella Soymilk Maker (SB-130)
Molly and Friends “Cradle Condo” Premium Handmade 2-Tier Cat Tree with Sisal, Model 36, Beige
GB AK47 JG AK Tactical Airsoft Rifle AEG
Trixie Tarragona Cat Playground
G&G Combat Machine R16 Carbine Airsoft Electric Gun M4 AEG C-R16-CAR
Blendtec Home HP3A Blender WildSide-Red