Buy spice mixes at Mayer' Spices
Spice blends have been used for centuries in regional cuisines around the world and are an essential part of the respective cooking culture. Depending on the focus of the aroma-dominating component, very different tasting blends can be created from the same ingredients.
Categorization of spice and herb mixtures
Spice and herb mixes can be categorized in several ways:
1. the origin of spice mixes
Indian spice mixes
Classic, regional spice blends exist all over the world. Indian cuisine is known for its extensive spectrum of flavors. It often uses very strong and characteristic spices, such as cumin, coriander, fenugreek, mustard or fennel. The most famous mixtures are probably Garam Masala, Tandoori Masala, Panch Phoron and, from a European point of view, the huge number of curries whose origin goes back to the mixtures used to prepare the dishes of the same name.
Oriental seasoning blends
The cuisines of the Orient are also known for their large number of classic seasoning blends. In many cases, oriental cuisine uses even more individual components. The blends are often very playful and like to use sweet components for savory dishes, such as cinnamon, star anise and rose petals, ingredients that are used in Western cuisine mainly for desserts and sweet pastries. Oriental spice blends are very well balanced and have a complex spectrum of aromas. Well-known representatives are, for example, the Moroccan Ras al-Hanout, Persian Advieh or Zhatar (Zahtar, Za'atar) from the Middle East, which tastes very different depending on the region using the same components.
Mediterranean spice mixes
Mediterranean cuisine uses mainly herbs, tomato and garlic for mixtures. The typical herbs of the south, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano and basil are the basis of the famous herbs of Provence, Italian or Greek herb mixtures and are given a typical accent by adding individual characteristic ingredients, such as lavender or mint.
Home cooking seasoning blends
For German home cooking, Mayer's Spices offers a wide selection of spice blends that make it easier for you to prepare traditional dishes such as Swabian fried potatoes or a hearty Bavarian roast. Of course, we also offer sweet blends such as apple pie spice, gingerbread spice or classic spices for mulled wine.
There are also numerous spice blends in the rest of the world. Franconian bread spice, American Cajun Spice, Japanese Shichimi Togarashi and African Berbere: Worldwide, there are certainly well over a thousand mixtures that, using the same basic spices in different combinations each time, have quite different flavor profiles.
The World of Curry
Curry is not just curry – the variety of regional recipes is nearly endless. And not only in Indian cuisine. Our Cochin Curry is an aromatic blend with fine notes of coriander and cumin, ideal for poultry and fish. The English Curry is the classic, mild blend with turmeric, coriander, and fennel – an ideal introduction to the world of curry. Red Thai Curry combines fiery heat with paprika, turmeric, coriander, and chili, perfect for coconut milk dishes. Java Curry offers a mild and fresh blend with ginger and lemon. Madras Curry is the bold, spicy South Indian variety, ideal for lamb and hearty meat dishes. Sri Lanka Curry combines many different aromas. The freshness of turmeric and ginger, earthy and nutty notes of coriander, cumin, and fenugreek seeds. Our Goa Curry has a warm, spicy aroma and harmonizes perfectly with lamb or poultry. Our fruity blends add exotic accents: Pineapple Curry goes well with poultry and shrimp, while Banana Curry with its fruity aroma pairs excellently with all coconut milk-based curry dishes.
2. the general use of spice mixtures
Many spice blends are developed specifically for a particular type of dish or method of preparation. For example, pickle spice can be used to preserve cucumbers, cabbage, and other vegetables. Blends such as Barbecue Rub can be used for different types of meat, which should end up with the typical sweet-smoky flavor of the American method of preparation. Spice mixtures for fish often contain dill, parsley or juniper with their delicate flavors emphasize the inherent taste with the aim of not masking their natural flavor.
3. the specific use of spice mixes
The majority of spice blends are blends developed for a specific dish. Chilipowder, for example, is a blend with cumin, oregano and various chilies, specifically for chili con carne. Pizza seasoning consists largely of oregano and adds that certain something to the Neapolitan specialty. Goulash spice uses the full-bodied sweetness of noble sweet paprika as a flavor base and is refined by other ingredients. Christmas spice mixtures for gingerbread or speculoos provide a very specific aroma and thus bring a festive mood to the plate.
Often, the mixtures differ only in nuances, which, however, ultimately make up the certain something of a dish. Thus, all over the world there are blends for specific dishes with which even novice cooks and people with little time can prepare dishes full of character.
Which blend you ultimately choose depends on your personal taste and the country cuisine you like. Experimenting with different spice blends can take your dishes to a new level of flavor and allow you to discover the unique flavors of different cooking cultures.
Hand-blended at Mayer's Spices according to authentic recipes and, of course, made only from natural ingredients.
