Few aromas in the kitchen can conjure the sensation of Christmas. These organic raw materials first gained popularity in England throughout the Middle Ages when soldiers and traders brought them back from far-flung regions.
Spices were a valuable commodity in ancient times, reserved primarily for the wealthy and aristocracy due to their scarcity.
Since Christmas was a time of big feasts, many spices became associated with the season, with classic meals giving an exotic makeover and adding some extremely flavorful spices.
The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and star anise have become associated with the Christmas season. But where do these delightfully aromatic spices come from, and how can you get them for your company?
Continue reading to learn more about several of the most lucrative spices sure to please your clients in a broad range of industries.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon’s warm, spicy aroma has the potential to evoke a sense of nostalgia that few other spices can match. It is derived from the bark of a bushy evergreen tree called Cinnamomum.
This rich brown spice was originally more costly than gold and was utilized in embalming and religious rites in Egypt. Later, in medieval Europe, the use of cinnamon to spice dishes became associated with the aristocratic classes.
Cinnamon is sought after for its various benefits, whether culinary, medical, or religious. It is created by cutting the inner bark of the Cinnamon tree. When the bark dries, the strips curve up into cinnamon sticks. These sticks are available whole or pulverized into powder.
Cinnamon is good for spicing everything from curries to cakes to drinks. It’s popular in apple pie and tastes like a rub on roasted root vegetables. Cinnamon is high in antioxidants and ideal for seasoning various meals and beverages.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg, the seed of a peach-like fruit, has a long and spicy history. A history that isn’t particularly Christmassy. Nutmeg spice dates back to the first century BCE when it was regarded as a valuable trading currency.
Today, India is among the world’s leading nutmeg powder exporters, with the Netherlands, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka close behind. Nutmeg spice has a distinct, distinguishable aroma that is earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Nutmeg powder may have a spicy flavor for those sensitive to spiciness in cuisine. This spice’s full flavor is best enjoyed in buttery and creamy foods, which can assist in softening the nutmeg’s sting.
Cloves
Cloves, one of the oldest spices, are the little reddish-brown buds of an evergreen tree endemic to Indonesia’s Molucca Islands. Though you’re probably familiar with cloves from cooking, they’ve been utilized in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Cloves have a strong scent and a spicy, almost bitter taste balanced by traces of woody sweetness. They have the strongest flavor profile of any spice on our list, so use them sparingly and just in the amount specified in the recipe.
They can dominate a meal and taste harsh if used in excess. On the other hand, a modest amount can impart a nice warm pepperiness to both sweet and savory items. This spice can be eaten whole or used when powdered.
Whole cloves provide a richer, more powerful flavor. However, clove powder is considered the best alternative for long storage life and to engage in sustainable transport. Jeeva Organic has you covered with clove powder if you want to use cloves this holiday season.
Star Anise
Star anise is native to Southwest China and derives its name from its star-shaped pods with an average of eight points and a single pea-sized seed. For almost 3,000 years, this spice has been utilized in medicinal and flavorful food.
An English sailor discovered star anise during his travels and took it back to Europe, where it immediately became popular. Star anise has a strong flavor akin to licorice and fennel and is warm, sweet, and spicy.
Star anise was formerly used to flavor puddings and jams due to its sweet flavor. It is now frequently used in savory meals as well. Western cultures commonly use star anise to flavor liqueurs such as absinthe, Sambuca, and pastis.
It’s a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine and one of the main flavors in Chinese five-spice powder. The delicious flavor of the famous Vietnamese soup, Pho, is derived from star anise combined with several other spices, many of which are included on this list.
Now that we’ve covered all the good spices for the holiday season let’s look at the best organic ingredients available from Jeeva Organic. Among them are the following:
- Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
- Organic Cassia Cinnamon Powder
- Cinnamon Bark ExCeylon Cinnamon Extract Powder 10:1
- Organic Star Anise Seed Powder
- Organic Nutmeg Powder
- Clove Powder
- Organic Clove Powder
Jeeva Organic is a global supplier of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and organic raw materials. We are experts in locating the best organic ingredients. Our reliable supply chain ensures that you receive the products on time and with the necessary documentation.
This holiday season, make your business lucrative by sourcing only the best, most commonly traded best organic ingredients. Jeeva Organic offers your company a profitable holiday season.
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