The Valuable Medicinal Effects of Clove
Clove is a unique and powerful spice in both flavor and medicinal effects. Some say it originates from Indonesia, although there are reports of its existence dating back to ancient Syria. According to so evidence, traces of clove was found in a burnt down kitchen in Mesopotamia around 1700 BC. One of the original uses of clove is for freshening breath.
Since then, research on clove is uncovering an array of benefits and properties of this pungent spice. The strong potency and flavor are what stands out about it. Most people either like it, hate it, or perhaps tolerate it if disguised enough by other flavors. With clove, it’s all about the subtly and using it in the right way in cuisine. However, the health benefits make it worth tolerating, especially if you battle with certain ailments. So, what can you gain by adding more clove into your diet?
Blood Sugar & Diabetes
Research has uncovered some interesting and potent effects for diabetes and glucose levels. A study published in 2019 showed that the potent antioxidants and nutrients in clove may help lower glucose following a meal. The benefits were even greater for those that had pre-diabetes. The clove extract reduced the post meal glucose spike by over 25%!
Furthermore, clove may help promote insulin production and sensitivity when paired with cinnamon. The effects of both are enhanced when combined with each other. In addition, fenugreek may also add valuable benefits for diabetes and pre-diabetes when used on a regular basis. Several studies have further verified clove as one of the most potent spices for these conditions.
Clove for Infection Defense
One of the most powerful attributes of clove spice is its effects on different pathogens. Moreover, the oil has shown in many studies to defeat and disrupt many different types of infections. The compounds within it help halt the growth and spreading of organisms that can cause problems in the body if left uncontrolled.
However, the spice itself can also be helpful when germs are lurking. Its anti-microbial properties are what made it such a great breath freshener for so many years. In addition, clove is helpful for different types of fungal and yeast infections when used properly. If using clove essential oil, it must be diluted in order to be safe for use.
Clove may Lower Triglycerides
Triglycerides are certainly one of the biggest enemies of cardiovascular disease. Along with c-reactive protein and certain cytokines, these markers are important to keep stable. One small study saw a significant drop in triglyceride and LDL (the bad) cholesterol. Another study at Penn State noticed a 30% reduction in triglycerides when comparing a meal with clove, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, and garlic to a similar meal without the spices included!
Pain Relief
Clove is well known for providing relief for toothaches. However, it is also helpful for muscle aches, bunions, wounds, and cuts. It’s important to properly dilute it first if using the oil or it will sting. Making a water-based extract from the tea and spice is fine to apply as is.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, preliminary research shows potential benefits for certain types of cancer, liver health, parasites, hypertension, digestion, ulcers, and more! Some of these aren’t yet totally proven, but encouraging research exists. Since it is safe to use, there’s no need to wait years to start benefiting from it.
Clove is also one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. The ORAC value is much higher than most superfoods that are always pushed for their antioxidant value. In hundreds of herbs, foods, and spices tested, clove ranks as number 2 behind only sumac bran. Very impressive potency for a humble and overlooked spice.
Spice Up Your Fruit Salad
Spice Up Your Fruit Salad
Who doesn’t love a fresh and tangy fruit salad in the summer? This classic dish is popular with all ages, and it can be done many ways. Fruit salad can be too sweet for some people, and spicing it up will give it that savory flavor that takes it to the next level. If you haven’t tried adding some Spice Station spices to your fruit salad, you are missing out!
Video Overview
Fruits to Use
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Mango
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
Feel free to mix it up and substitute in other fruits, or even neutral vegetables such as cucumber. Fruits that are in season will have the best flavor, so it will depend on the season. Chop up your larger fruits into bite size pieces. You can even use a melon ball tool for the watermelon and cantaloupe if you are feeling fancy! The great thing about fruit salad is that you don’t have to measure anything to make it. Just grab the fruits that you love, and fill up your bowl! Load up your chopped fruit into a big, decorative bowl and then get started on your seasoning.
Seasoning Mix
- Lime Juice
- Chile Powder
Squeeze the lime juice over the fruit in the bowl and mix well to make sure all fruit is coated. Then sprinkle on the chile powder and mix again to ensure all fruit is evenly coated. The amount of lime juice and chile powder you will need will depend on how much fruit you are using and how big you want your fruit salad to be. You can adjust the levels of both ingredients based on how tangy and or/spicy you want your fruit salad!
Bring some spice to the sweetness with this refreshing combination that is perfect for those hot summer days. This spiced up fruit salad will be a hit at summer picnics and potlucks, and brings a Mexican twist that will appeal to kids and adults alike who appreciate some spice!
Cooling Herbs for Summertime
Cooling Herbs for Summertime
When the weather is hot and humid during the summer months, you need something to cool you down since staying comfortable can be a considerable challenge. One effective way to help you stay cool is drinking some herbal teas. Not only are herbs delicious, but they are also beneficial to you. Since summer, there’s always a rise in the sense of heat in the body and mind that may bring symptoms such as heat rash, digestive issues, or irritability; you can use these five cooling herbs to refresh yourself in the heat.
Video Overview
Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular and common herb that will help you stay cool in the summer. The menthol in peppermint offers a cooling effect. You will find the fresh and minty flavors to be very refreshing. Peppermint is a member of the mint family, but it has a stronger flavor than the other members. You can add mint leaves to your drinks to help enhance the flavor. If your sinuses are blocked during summer due to pollution or humidity, the menthol in peppermint will open them as it’s good for clearing respiratory passages. Moreover, peppermint has some anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the sunburns and heat rash caused by summer heat can be soothed using this special herb.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus offers many health benefits and can also cool during summer. The herb is full of antioxidants that will help you fight stressors related to UV rays. During summertime, when the days seem to be longer and hot, you will reap the cooling benefits of this beautiful herb. In addition, it has some thirst-quenching abilities that make it popular for ingestion during summer. You will also get rid of bloating when you use this wonderful herb. In the summertime, people hydrate a lot, thus add some extra water weight. The herb will help you dispel some of the excess water, and you will be more physically comfortable and enjoy your beach body.
Rose
Roses are used to making rose oil or perfumes and can also be used as an herb for internal medicine. When you wear a rose on your skin, your mind becomes calmer, you become less irritable, and the herb also provides heart soothing effects. In addition, if you ingest roses, you get somebody cooling effects, and it may also help you ease the menstrual cramps. The herb can also be used in relieving diarrhea. To cool you down, spritz some rose water on your face, and your body will cool down immediately. If you prefer herbal drinks, you can purchase organic pink, and red dried rose petals and add them to your mint tea.
Chamomile
ChamomileChamomile is a safe and effective herb used to cool the body, reduce anxiety, or ease insomnia. The herb also has some tremendous digestive effects. Use this herb, mix the dried leaves with some water, rinse your hair, or spritz it on your skin. Cooled chamomile water will help soothe inflammation from sunburns and also skin bites.
Final Thought
Herbs are some of the best ways to cool yourself during the summer heat. You can get mint rose, chamomile, and hibiscus in most grocery stores. Do not let the summertime heat keep you from enjoying your vacation or time at home. These herbs will help cool you down.
Peruvian Pink Sea Salt: Baking Magic and Health Myth
Peruvian Sea Salt: Baking Magic and Health Myth
From the majestic peaks of the Andes comes the magical product known as Peruvian Pink Salt. Peruvian Pink Salt is hand harvested from the fresh springs of the Maras Mountain Region. This sea salt has a course and uneven texture that can be used for many different aspects of life.
Video Overview
What Is Peruvian Pink Salt?
Peruvian Pink Salt is a mild salt that comes from the Andes Mountain Region that holds the key to many health benefits as well as helping to smooth out the taste of many fine foods. Peruvian Pink Salt contains many different nutrients that are believed to be helpful to the human body when ingested with care and precision. So when you ask: What is Peruvian Pink Salt we are able to safely and confidently tell you that it is a mild salt that will keep your health on the top tier when it comes to supplying you with needed minerals and nutrients. These will keep your body operating in an optimal condition.
Uses For This Spice
Uses For This SpicePeruvian Pink Salt can be used for:
* Seasoning Foods
* The salt is used to regulate your sodium intake because it is easier for your body to absorb the minerals from Peruvian Sea Salt that it is from regular table salt.
* Peruvian Sea Salt is also known to have healing properties. The best way to partake in these advantages is to utilize the salt in a salt bath. This will relax the body and all for your muscle to fully relax and become rejuvenated from the minerals and healing properties.
* Sea Salt can be used to create a face/body mask. The properties of the Sea Salt have anti-inflammatory properties. These aspects can be used to heal and soothe troubled areas of the skin. For those that are troubled with breakouts and skin irritations easily, this is a great addition to your daily skin care routine.
* Sea Salt can also be used to create a homemade body scrub. This salt is very coarse yet smooth and can assist in removing unwanted layers of skin from the body.
* Peruvian Sea Salt can also be used to treat dandruff on the scalp. Please consult a medical Pediatrician before using this on a baby. However, for an adult the properties in salt calm the inflammatory aspects of the scalp that are triggering the dandruff and it absorbs excess oil from the scalp that can be causing bacteria to grow.
* Sea Salt can also be used to whiten your teeth as well as a mouthwash for after brushing. The Sea Salt kills bacteria that can be found in the mouth and can cause bad breath.
Peruvian Sea Salt has many different attribute and characteristics and uses for this spice but one thing that we can assure you of is that it is a great addition to your daily health and meal plan. The minerals that are found in the Peruvian Sea Salt are amazing and can work wonders for the body.
Making your own Margarita Salt Rim
Making Margarita Salt Rims
The Classic Margarita
If you are a fan of tequila, there is no more quintessential beverage than the Margarita. Making a Margarita is easy and uses simple ingredients common in many households. Tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice, with a salty flare at the rim. As such, the Margarita is also the perfect cocktail to get creative. If tequila is liquid bliss, a Margarita is liquid bliss with style. Rather than continuing to look for your lost shaker of salt, why not try something with a bit more spice or sweetness.
Video Overview
For those who also enjoy a spicy margarita, try one of the many spice station blends, such as Chili Lime Salt, as your margarita rim. The green chili, combined with flaky salt, provide just the right amount spice to complement your afternoon beverage. Enjoy on its own, or with a bowl of tortilla chips to leave you both satisfied and craving for that next irresistible taste.
If, however, you have more of a sweet tooth, try a Margarita rimmed with Lemon Twist Salt. Just the right combination of exotic and classic, each sip will reward you with a melody of flavors swirling with the citrusy base. The perfect combination for fall or winter, and excellent either before or after a meal, Lemon Twist Salt is sure to be a winner, you can even mix it with a little bit of sugar.
How to Make a Salted Rim
Whether you try a spicy or sweet blend, try something new and interesting. It may just become your next favorite drink. Once the perfect blend is selected, applying your rim is easy.
- Step 1: Take an empty Margarita glass and slightly wet the rim either with your fingers or lime wedge.
- Step 2: Spread the spice station blend in a thin layer on a small plate and touch the damp rim of the glass to the blend.
- Step 3: Fill the glass with a classic Margarita base and you have your very own drink creation. You now have a Margarita with style. A Margarita with your style.
Make It Your Own
The next time you grab for that bottle of tequila, get creative. If Chili Lime Salt or Lavender Vanilla Sugar does not define your style, try one of the other beverage spice station blends. Perhaps try Vulcan’s Fire Salt, or even Hibiscus Blossoms. Experiment with different flavors or try mixing more than one blend to create your perfect Margarita. While the Margarita may be an old standard, making it your own never gets old.
Making Your Own Salad Dressing
Making Your Own Salad Dressing
Have you ever thought about making your salad dressing but are not aware of how to do it? You are not alone, but it is effortless to create and tasty at the same time. Your salad dressing requires a few ingredients. When ready to make your dressing, there are many varieties to choose from such as Ranch, Creamy Italian, Honey Mustard, Classic Vinaigrette, Creamy Blue Cheese, Asian Sesame, and more. Be aware that any extra salad dressing you make can last just over several weeks when stored firmly in a jar or bottle.
Video Overview
Try a Vinaigrette.
Vinaigrette is very easy to make. Just mix a few tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil, balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, three tablespoons yellow mustard, a few drops of fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, and minced shallots to taste. Once thoroughly mixed, place your newly made dressing securely in a mason jar and keep it refrigerated. When you are ready to use it, simply shake it before pouring it out.
The good thing about this dressing is that you can always experiment with its taste by adding or lowering the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
When you want to make your salad dressing the freshest tasting, try to add Spice station spices to it. Making your own dressing can help to lower cholesterol, help with asthma, reduce high blood pressure, and specific respiratory issues due to all natural ingredients and less processed ingredients.
A Few Great Tips When Creating Your Salad Dressing
A Few Great Tips When Creating Your Salad DressingGive your dressing a boost by adding fresh herbs. Always experiment when adding herbs like thyme, basil, or even rosemary. Be sure to add these herbs after the olive oil and blend everything smoothly.
Cut back using mustard powder, but instead, use fresh yellow mustard. The flavor is important but cutting back on mustard powder gives your dressing a good source of flavor compared to the other ingredients.
If you can use a different form of balsamic vinegar, your dressing will come out slightly different every time. If you want the best flavor for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, a little goes a long way.
Homemade Salad Dressing Has Health Benefits
Homemade salad dressing has health benefits because you will not be adding extra unwanted sugar, oil, and sodium to your body. It comes out fresh and tasty compared to store-bought dressings.
Save Money Today!! Create Your Own Salad Dressing!!
Meet Bloody Mary’s Spicy Cousin: Bloody Maria
Meet Bloody Mary’s Spicy Cousin: Bloody Maria
The Classic Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary first graced our palates in the 1920s or ’30s, but its exact origin and namesake is a bit of a mystery. It’s no mystery, however, that the tomato juice and vodka-based breakfast beverage is the perfect hangover cure.
Video Overview
History on the Bloody Mary offers a few different perspectives on where the name originated. Is it named for the last victim of a crazed serial killer, Jack the Ripper? Or does it hail from the bloody reign of terror held by Queen Mary I, the first Queen to rule England? Alternatively, it could be named after a young waitress who worked at a Chicago Diner called “Buckets of Blood.”
However it came about, we’re sure glad it did. Nothing goes better with a Sunday brunch than tomato juice and liquor. Bonus points for crunchy, green garnishes!
If you enjoy a Bloody Mary, try a Bloody Maria!
Now, onto Maria. We all have our preferences, right? Our “drink of choice,” if you will. Well, the Bloody Maria uses tequila instead of vodka, so if that matches your style, you should take note.
Much like its birth story, the exact recipe for a Bloody Mary isn’t written in stone. Vodka and tomato are standard and add-ins such as hot sauce and seasonings vary by the bartender.
After swapping out vodka for tequila, you’ll need some other ingredients:
After swapping out vodka for tequila, you’ll need some other ingredients:- Worcestershire sauce
- Horseradish
- Hot Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Salt & Pepper
- Celery Salt
Try using spice station spices such as this chile lime salt which sounds perfect for a Bloody Maria!
Garnishing, the final touch on a beverage, is crucial when it comes to Bloody drinks. For a Bloody Mary or Maria, the more the Mary-er. Some things to include on the rim of your glass:
- olives
- celery stalks
- peperoncini
- pickle spears
- fried foods
- cheese
- pickled peppers
After that Bloody Maria quenches your thirst, consider what spice station spices might kick your recipe up a notch. This is a fun drink to experiment with if you enjoy cooking with spices because the possibilities are limitless. History on the Bloody Mary consists of essentially nothing but experimenting with different ingredients to make the perfect spicy brunch beverage!
Salt, What Kind Should I Use?
So Many Different Types of Salt out there, What Kind Should I Use?
Even though salt is regarded as being one of the most simple cooking ingredients, in all actuality there’s much more to it, than you may know. For starters, there are different kinds of salt and they each have their own characteristics that make them slightly different, so what kind should you use? While some are highly concentrated, other types of salt dissolve easier than others. In fact, if you aren’t aware of the differences between different types of salt, you could end up over or under-salting your food. Let’s take a look at different kinds of salt and when to use them.
Video Overview
1) Sea Salt
Chances are that, if you’ve heard about different kinds of salt before, you’ve heard about sea salt. Sea salt us less concentrated and finer than the traditional salt that we use. Sea salt is a popular choice amongst seafood restaurants, because its fine crystal makes it the best type of salt to use on delicate foods like shellfish and fish. Additionally, because it disperses evenly, sea salt is great for baking as well.
2) Iodized Salt
Iodized salt, commonly referred to as table salt, consists of anti clumping agents, which contribute to its distinctive metallic taste. Because of the fact that it’s highly processed, it has a weaker flavor and salinity than traditional salt. Meaning, you would have to add a greater amount of iodized salt, to get the same level of saltiness that you would get from using regular salt. Iodized salt is ideal for people who have to watch their sodium intake.
3) Coarse Salt
Coarse salt, also come from the sea. However, unlike sea salt, it’s more concentrated and doesn’t dissolve as easily. Most chefs proclaim that coarse salt should be used as a topping at the end, as opposed to using it as an ingredient in the cooking process.
4) Flaky Salt
4) Flaky SaltMost people enjoy flaky salt more so for its texture than its taste. It has a distinctive crispy texture, which makes it great for adding a finish touch to a dish which has already been prepared. Based on the fact that it’s more expensive than other kinds of salt, most people who love it tend to avoid using it for general cooking purposes, and save it for special occasions.
5) Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt, as its name suggests is pink in color as a result of its potassium, calcium and magnesium content. These extra chemicals which are not found in other types of salt, gives it a distinctive flavor. Most chefs proclaim that it’s ideal for finishing a dish.
6) Kosher Salt
Despite its name, kosher salt, isn’t exactly kosher. But, it’s called that due to the fact that the best use for it is to kosher meat, which is a process by which blood gets removed from the meat. Many chefs use kosher salt, because it has a low salinity which means that it’s quite difficult to over salt foods that you use it on.
With all these types of salt, we hope we answered your question of “what kind should I use?” At our Spice station online store, we also have an abundance of salt blends, including chile lime salt, and garlic pepper salt.
For something even more interesting and fun, check out our Hiwa Kai Black Lava Salt!
Adding Some Heat to Your Dishes, with Video
Try to add some Heat to your Recipes
If you are bored of your day to day eating routine, it just might be time to spice things up a little bit in the kitchen, both figuratively and literally. Different types of hot spices, spicy blends, hot sauces, and fresh peppers can all contribute different flavor profiles and heat levels to foods and individual dishes. Vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower are all delicious when roasted with hot spices. Proteins like chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and salmon are also all delicious when prepared with spicy sauces and seasonings.
Video Overview
Try Different Types of Hot Spices
Black pepper is not the only spice out there that will add some flavor to your food. In fact, black pepper is likely one of the most mild spices on your spice rack. Smoked hot paprika, chili powder, crushed red pepper, and cayenne pepper are all popular choices for hot spices. Powdered and dried hot spices are perfect to keep in the pantry because they last for a very long time. This will allow you to spice up foods without having fresh ingredients on hand.
Try Spicy Blends from Different Brands or Make Your Own
Try Spicy Blends from Different Brands or Make Your OwnMany different cultures and different brands produce their own spice blends. These blends can contain different herbs and spices, depending on the recipe. Spice blends can also easily be made at home by using a recipe or experimenting with random ingredients. Spice rub blends are delicious when used on smoked or grilled meats like brisket and ribs. When shopping for spice blends, make sure you find one that does not contain too much salt. Salt can always be added at home and the best spice blends focus on maximizing flavor and heat. Paying attention to heat level descriptions on product labels is important when shopping for hot spice blends. When making your own at home, it is sometimes easier to control the heat level. You can also tweak pre-made spice blends by adding your own addition salt, herbs, or spices.
Use Fresh Peppers to Spice Up Foods
If you have fresh peppers on hand, they are a great way to add heat to different culinary dishes. It is important to do your research and make sure that you know the heat level of the type of pepper that you are using. For example, when handling extremely spicy peppers like ghost peppers you will want to use great caution. Peppers that have extremely high spice levels should be cut carefully while wearing gloves to prevent heat transference. Other popular fresh peppers used to spice up dishes include jalapeno peppers, shishito peppers, red bell peppers, orange bell peppers, green bell peppers, chili peppers.
You can always take a look at our spice blends here.
Spices for Upping your Grilling Game
What Spices to Use to Up Your Grilling Game
Becoming a Grill Master
Grilling is a useful skill that helps you to enjoy delicious meals, to keep the house cool inside during summer months, and to become the life of every party and entertaining situation. A good grill master knows how to flavor meats and vegetables with all of the right spices, sauces, and marinades. Keeping your pantry stocked with spice station spices is one key to grilling success.
Video Overview
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is one of the healthier spices for grilling. It can be used for making marinades and can also be used in homemade spices blends. Garlic powder compliments all sorts of meats and vegetables that are delicious on the grill. This assortment includes steak, chicken, pork, mushrooms, asparagus, potatoes, and onions.
Onion Powder
Real chopped onions are best used for marinades. When it comes to spice rubs for grilling, onion powder is a far better option. Even the finest chopped fresh or dehydrated onion will have a hard time sticking to meats that are about to go on the grill. Dry onion powder mixes well with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and other spices.
Paprika
This is another one of the healthier spices for grilling. Paprika does not contain any sodium, so it can be used to give heavy flavor when avoiding or limiting salt intake. Paprika can give a delicious smoky, sweet, or spicy flavor. This depends on the type of paprika that is purchased. It is delicious on red meats like beef, venison, and lamb.
Chili Powder
Chili PowderThis is an important ingredient for smoky rubs and dry barbecue blends. Chili powders come in a range of varieties. Depending on personal preference and recipe needs, you can find chili powders of all heat and spice levels.
Salt
Iodized salt, sea salt, kosher salt, rock salt, and pink himalayan salt are just a few of the many salt options available for grilling. The right amount of salt is key for unlocking flavor and tenderness in grilled meats. Applying too much salt can give a bitter and overwhelming flavor. It also poses multiple health risks so we suggest keeping it to a minimum.
Pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper and finely ground white pepper are two great options for grilling. Freshly cracked black pepper is a good complement to grilled vegetables like onions and asparagus and to grilled seafood like fish or shrimp. White pepper mixes nicely into a variety of spice rubs.
These are just a few spice station spices that can up your grilling game, check out our bbq rub spice set!
