Spicewalla

Ground Turmeric - A longtime staple as a fabric dye and ingredient in Ayurvedic cooking and medicine (since 500 BC!), turmeric is currently enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity due to its anti-inflammatory and digestive qualities. A rhizome that looks similar to ginger root when pulled out of the ground, dried and powdered turmeric has stunning marigold color and earthy taste that pairs well with citrus or honey.

Rubbed Sage - Sage is like a crush that sneaks up on you—maybe not the first one you notice, but once you’re aware, you can’t get enough. Its distinctive peppery flavor, and eucalyptus-like scent adds a distinctive coziness to traditional bread stuffings and veal saltimbocca—which might have to do with its early use by ancient Romans as a meat preservative. The plush, velvety leaves dry up beautifully, and are frequently paired with garden fellows rosemary and thyme.

Spanish Paprika - Sweetly mellow and distinctive, Spanish paprika traces its roots back to Mexico. The colonial-era Spanish adopted the bright red pepper plant with gusto, and disseminated it to the Balkans, Hungary, and beyond. Sweet, or dulce, paprika is made from the mild, medium-sized Bola and Jacaranda peppers, and has more vegetal flavor than heat. It’s traditionally stirred into Spanish aioli and creamy Eastern European chicken paprikash (hence the name).

Mexican Oregano - Fragrant dried oregano is a staple in many cuisines, including Greek and Mexican. It originated in the mountains and grows well in even rocky climates. The mildly licorice smell is transporting and able to lift up highly spiced dishes like chicken tinga, but also plays well with mellow background flavors like feta cheese and simple grilled shrimp.

Smoked Paprika - Columbus brought smoked paprika from Central America to Spain, where it was beloved for its fire and punch. Both smoked and sweet paprika are made from the same family of thin, long red peppers, and both lend savory flavors, rather than real heat. Also called pimenton, smoked paprika gives chorizo its bright red color, and lends a woodsy note to meat or veggie dishes. A little goes a long way.

Thyme - An easy way to soothe stress is to take a big whiff of thyme, which may be part of the reason Greeks burned it as incense during antiquity. A cousin of the mint family that grows easily in most climates, thyme’s woody stems sprout delicate leaves that contain antiseptic properties and a strong herbal scent. They are a staple in the French herb bundle bouquet garni and the Mediterranean’s za’atar blend. Made in United States.

Spicewalla