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Imagine
food without spices? It would taste really bland! But overdoing
the spices isn't good either. Seasoning with herbs and spices means
complimenting your dishes, not overwhelming the favour of the food.
We have included useful tips on how to use your favourite herbs
and spices, how to store them so they stay fresh and if you have
a garden and love growing your own herbs - when to pick and how
to dry them.
How to Use Herbs & Spices?
(1) Cooking spices for too long may result in too strong flavours.
(2) For long-cooking dishes, such as soups and stews, try adding
your herbs and spices an hour or less before serving. For best results
try crushing the herbs before adding to your dish.
(3) For shorter cooking dishes try adding dry spices earlier in
cooking. Fresh spices and herbs should be added towards the end
of cooking.
(4) Unless the recipe specifically calls for it, don't use more
than three herbs and spices in any one dish. Some Indian Recipes
are an exception to the rule, as they often calls for 10 or more
different spices in one curry dish.
By following these simple tips on using your herbs and spices, you
may just create a recipe that will be one of a kind and enjoyed
by everyone.
Storing Herbs & Spices
(1) Store spices in a cool, dark place. Heat, humidity and excessive
light will result in the dry herbs and spices losing their favour
more quickly.
(2) A good way to store herbs and spices are small glass or plastic
airtight containers.
(3) If stored properly, dried herbs and ground spices will retain
their favours for a year.
(4) To keep larger quantities of herbs and spices fresh, store them
in tightly sealed containers in the freezer.
(5) Do not store dry herbs and spices near any humid source, such
as sinks, dishwashers, kettles, coffee makers, on countertops, near
stoves and microwaves.
(6) Avoid storing dry herbs and spices inside the refrigerator due
to the high humid environment.
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