SUMMER SPICES AND HERBS
Summer is finally here and we bring to you the Summer Spices and Herbs that are aromatic, refreshing, and unforgettable! Here at Spice Station is your one-stop shop for unrivaled selections of spices and herbs from around the country, the world, and for every cuisine conceivable.
You want to put your culinary skills on display, so what better way is there than to dabble in the art of presenting flavorful foods with every dish, at every sitting.
Spices we can’t live without
VANILLA BEAN
Vanilla bean is an extraordinary summer spice as a blastoff in the morning with oatmeal (or in a fruity smoothie), sweetened with maple syrup, or honey.
Medicinal Benefits
-The vanilla bean is a reliable source of essential oils, vitamins, and minerals that include antibacterial properties.
-It supports the nervous system, and regulates the body’s metabolism.
-Lowers stress and depression.
-Works well as an antioxidant.
NUTMEG
It’s easy to know where to begin on the subject of nutmeg! The positive findings of this incredibly celebrated summer spice are numerous. It’s a favorite in breakfast dishes, and in other sweet or savory dishes.
Medicinal Benefits
-Many studies have proven that nutmeg’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties provide relief from toothache pain; halistosis (bad beath),
-Because of the potency of its oils, nutmeg aids in the relief of cough, colds, gastrointestinal diseases, and other maladies.
GINGER
One great way to enliven your smoothies is with this freshly grated summer spice–ginger!
Awaken the flavors of your Asian, European, and other dishes, soups, potatoes, baked sweet or savory delights.
Medicinal Benefits
-Ginger is popularly known for its relief of nausea.
-Removes toxins from your body.
-It is regarded as an overall health booster.
Summer herbs that brighten our days
CHAMOMILE BLOSSOMS
These delicate and versatile blossoms are bursting with goodness for both your inner and outer health. The pleasant aroma of this summer herb is not intrusive but seems to blend well with other herbs. Chamomile is a versatile herb and its popularity for beauty and health dates back to ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. It is also used in some desserts and drinks.
Medicinal benefits
-Famously known to calm the nerves and allows a good night sleep.
-It can be added to strawberry smoothies for a calming and enjoyable drink that can minimize stress.
-Controls allergies such as eye itchiness when used as an eye wash, and when used as a steam can ease nose stuffiness.
MINT
What looks more inviting than a sprig of mint leaves attached to the glass that’s holding your favorite drinks! Just rubbing a couple of mint leaves together in your hand and inhaling the aroma is so refreshing. It is a savored summer herb in most cuisines around the globe for its use in the following:
-Making delicious ice creams, mint julep, mojitos, smoothies, cookies, and candies; hot mint tea and hot, creamy mint chocolate
-Sauces, stews, grilled salmon, buttered beans, and salads
-Dishes like leg of lamb, veal, steak, and poultry
Medicinal Benefits
-Mint is often used as an aid to the common cold, relieves headaches, eases the discomfort of asthma, and promotes a healthy digestive system.
-Research shows that it may improve brain function.
-It is well known for its effects in improving breath freshness.
-Mint is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin A, Iron, Manganese, and Folate.
THYME
Thyme is highly prized for its longevity in the chef’s kitchen. The aroma of this summer herb stands out among many of its counterparts as a source of providing distinguished flavor to delicious meat and seafood dishes. The nutritional values it provides are lengthy. Here are some:
-Calcium
-Carotene
-Iron
-Manganese
-Protein
-Vitamins A and C
Medicinal Benefits
-Works as a guard against chronic inflammation in the body.
-Remedies coughs, colds, sore throats.
-Promotes bone health, prevents the risk of bone diseases.
-Rich potassium content, which controls the rise of blood pressure.
ROSEMARY
This long recognized and favorite summer herb lives up to the standards of culinary expectations. Rosemary is the seasoning for a variety of well-known recipes and exudes a pungent aroma that satisfies the longings of those who crave well prepared dishes such as:
-Steaks
-Chicken
-Seafood and pork
-Casseroles
-Pizza
-Soups
-Salads
Medicinal Benefits
-It is well known and recommended for stimulating brain functioning and improving the memory.
-Aids in improving and treating digestion.
-Studies have suggested that rosemary combats damage to the brain and nervous system.
-Can improve mood and concentration.
-High in antioxidants.
These summer spices and herbs can be found at Spice Station.
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!!
Spice up your Salads
Ideas to Help Make your Salads More Interesting
Are you trying to take control of your health? Maybe lose weight? Most likely, a nutritionist has recommended a change in diet. This means that you should incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet, which is easily done with a salad. Preparing the same salad can be monotonous, some salads can have a bland taste which may demotivate you. Here are some tips to spice up your salads and make it more tasty and nutritious.
Video Overview
1.Add Fruits to your salad.
Fruits contain the natural sweet or sour flavor, depending on your preference. The beauty of most salad is the taste. Adding naturally sweet fruits like pears, grapes, pineapples, or blueberries will do some magic to your salad for individuals with a sweet tooth, not to include antioxidant benefits as well.
For those with a preferential sour taste, add citric fruits like lime, oranges, or pomelo to your salad. The citrus fruits are an impeccable source of vitamin C that boosts your immunity and eliminate toxic oxidants.
2. Spice Up Your Salads Using Nuts For That Crunchy Taste.
Nuts are a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. The use of roasted nuts as toppings to your salad not only modifies your salad’s texture but also makes it tasty by adding a smoky flavor.
3. Incorporate a different Salad Dressing.
Warming the salad dressings can transform the taste of a bland salad to a tasty and savory salad. The beauty of salad dressing is that you can tweak the ingredients to their preference. You can use vinegar, olive oil, coconut milk, spices, or a basic vinaigrette. Two of the most recommended salad dressings are the Thai peanut dressing and a cumin garlic marinade. Or add our Med-Eastern Salad blend to incorporate a little bit of a kick to your salad! You won’t be disappointed.
4. Add color.
4. Add color.Research indicates that an individual’s appetite increases when the plate is filled with bright colors. To break the monotony in your salad, add some colorful fruits and vegetables like beetroot and strawberries. We like to call these rainbow salads, they are fun to eat and beautiful to look at. Try mixing up your base of the salads as well, purple cabbage, spinach, and butterleaf lettuce.
5. Embrace Different Recipes For Your Salads.
Changing the ingredients in your salad is an incredible way to experiment and discover what works for you. Additionally, it breaks the monotony that develops with regularly using one recipe.
You can adjust the type of veggies that you use. Romaine lettuce adds a bit of crispy texture to your salad while bibb lettuce has a bit of soft and buttery taste. Or forget the lettuce altogether and go for a cucumber, tomato, and feta salad with some lemon juice and olive oil.
The secret to finding what salad works for you is through experimenting. Happy eating!
For more spices to add to your salads, come shop on our website.
Tomato-Cucumber Salad Recipe with Chaat Masala
Here is a tasty, simple Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Chaat Masala Recipe that becomes instantly exotic and unique with the Chaat Masala, a zesty, little-known spice mix from India.
