Paprika is a fine powder made from especially mild varieties of capsicum peppers. For smoked paprika, the peppers are slow-dried over oak fires, resulting in an unmistakable smokey flavour and aroma. Native range Central America, South America, Caribbean Islands Major producers Spain, Portugal Harvesting Most capsicum peppers are grown as
Sesame is one of the oldest recorded plants grown for its seeds. The Egyptians and Babylonians used ground sesame seeds in their breads and this continues in the Middle East today. Sesame is an annual tropical plant and the seeds may be pale gold or white, red, brown, or black,
Cayenne pepper is a very fine powder made from especially hot varieties of capsicum peppers. It is named on account of its origins in the Cayenne region of French Guyana. The placenta and seeds are included in the powder, adding to its ‘hotness’, so it should be used judiciously. Native
Star anise is the dried fruit of a small to medium evergreen tree. The tree bears fruit after about 6 years and can have a productive life of up to 100 years. Each point of the star-shaped husk contains a shiny amber-coloured seed. Both the seed and husk are used
Our Cajun Seasoning is blended in New Zealand from imported and local ingredients. This seasoning can be used for fish, chicken, beef, and on roasted vegetables. Use it to give an authentic Cajun flavour to jambalaya and gumbo dishes. Ingredients Spices, dehydrated vegetables, rice flour, salt (contains anti-caking agent 535), dried herbs.
Celery is an herbaceous member of the carrot, parsley, and caraway family, developed by Italian gardeners in the 17th century from the wild celery of the European salt marshes – a plant know as “smallage”. In the second year, the flower head produces masses of small seeds which are grey-brown
Pepper is a perennial vine indigenous to the Malabar Coast of India, and this area is still reputed to produce the highest quality pepper. Pepper grows best in humid, rainy, tropical areas. The plants start fruiting after about 3 years and continue to do so every third year for up
Cardamom is the fruit of a large herbaceous perennial shrub of the ginger family. It flourishes in areas which have a constant warm temperature and with moderate rainfall, and grows wild in the forests of southern India. Native range Southern India, Sri Lanka Major producers India, Guatemala, Colombia, Tanzania, Vietnam,
Sumac is an essential ingredient in cuisine from the Middle East (especially Lebanon) and Turkey, where it is used as a major souring agent (where other regions would employ lemon, tamarind, or vinegar) and as a condiment.
Sesame seeds can be scattered over breads or ground and added to the dough before baking. They are used to dress cold chicken, noodles, and vegetable salads
It is an ingredient in Moghul dishes and the Arabs have long used nutmeg (and mace) to flavour mutton and lamb dishes. Western cuisine makes extensive use of nutmeg in both sweet and savoury dishes.