| Back to Back Issues Page |
 |
|
Spotlight On Spices! Issue April 2014 - Asafoetida! April 04, 2014 |
Given the never-ending arctic-feeling winter we just lived through in the northeastern states, and elsewhere, we’re more than ready for spring! I’ve been enjoying hearing the birds singing and seeing early blooms poking their colorful heads up through the soil.
Everything is saying spring has sprung finally! April showers will indeed bring beautiful flowers and the season’s first herbs and vegetables like asparagus. One herb that is still very much a mystery to most people starts with an "A" like April and is our . . . .
THE SPICE OF LIFE - AsafoetidaAsafoetida-Asafetida (Devil’s Dung, Stink Gum, Stink Finger, Food of the Gods, Hing) is the milky resin from a giant garden fennel. This resin is processed and converted to a ground version that is found usually in specialty food markets in the states. It has a fetid, strong pungent smell that disappears during the cooking process leaving food flavored nicely. Heated in oil, butter or ghee its flavor and odor becomes more desirable (similar to sautéed onions and garlic). Therefore Asafoetida can be a flavor substitute for onions and garlic, especially if an allergy, or religious observance (abstaining from onions and garlic) is involved.
It is a good flavoring herb for legumes, lentils, vegetables, and fish. Use just a pinch; like saffron spice, a little can go a long way. Keep small quantities of asafoetida, usually found in powder form in the states, and replace within about 6 months.
Learn more including Asafoetida's health benefits>>>
MONTHLY EVENTSApril is the Month for:
National Pecan Month
National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soy Foods Month
And, some of our favorite food days in the month of April include:
April 1 National Sourdough Bread Day
April 2 National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
April 3 National Chocolate Mousse Day April 11 National Cheese Fondue Day
April 12 National Licorice Day April 14 National Pecan Day
April 16 National Eggs Benedict Day
April 18 National Animal Crackers Day
April 18 National Hot Cross Bun Day (Good Friday)
April 19 National Garlic Day
April 20 National Glazed Ham Day (Easter)
April 20 National Pineapple Upside-down Cake Day April 22 National Jelly Bean Day
April 26 National Pretzel Day
April 27 National Prime Rib Day
April 28 National Blueberry Pie Day
SPICY TIDBITSCheck here for the latest news on any spice recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts:
MERCHANTS & RETAILERS:Websites for Spice Retailers:Atlantic Spice Company - atlanticspice.com
Durkee® - durkee.com
Maison Terre - maisonterre.net
McCormick® - mccormick.com
Milford Spice Company - milfordspice.com
Penzeys Spices - penzeys.com
Savory Spice Shop - savoryspiceshop.com
Spice Islands® - spiceislands.com
The Spice House - thespicehouse.com
Spice Accessories Websites:
Bottles, Containers & Jars:
Bottle Store - www.bottlestore.com
eBottles.com - www.ebottles.com
SKS Bottle & Packaging, Inc. - www.sks-bottle.com
Labels:
Online Labels - www.onlinelabels.com
Spice Racks:
Tubular Spices - www.tubularspices.com/Spice_Racks.asp
Spice Rack Source - www.spiceracksource.com/all-spice-racks/
YOUR TURNTell us what you would love to see in our monthly eZine. We want to keep this publication fresh and relevant. We want to put a spotlight on the herbs and spices that are of the most interest to you.
Use our Contact Form to give us constructive feedback or ask questions. Thank you!
Ellen White Eat Well. Live Well. Cook everyday with spices and herbs!
|
| Back to Back Issues Page |
