Spice C - G

Cumin seed are the dried seed of Cuminum cyminum, a member of the parsley family. The Cumin plant grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and is harvested by hand. Cumin is a key component in both Chilli Powder and Curry Powder. The flavour of Cumin plays a major role in Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisines. Cumin is a critical spice in chilli powder, and is found in achiote blends, adobos, garam masala, curry powder, and baharat. Superstition during the Middle Ages cited that Cumin kept chickens and lovers from wandering. It was also believed that a happy life awaited the bride and groom who carried Cumin Seed throughout the wedding ceremony.

Fajita Spice is an easy way to make fajitas. It can be sprinkled on meats or in sauces. To use as a marinade, mix with water and a little oil, add meat and marinate. To make a sauce, mix water, oil, and corn flour to thicken. A squeeze of fresh lime juice brings all of the flavours alive. Fajitas can be made with steak, chicken or shrimp. Add some bell pepper, tomato, garlic and onion, chopped and grilled to perfection. Can you find a better family meal than a quick Fajita? Fajita Spice Blend can make Fajitas easy or be used to spice up a dip for that next spicy party snack

Fennel Seed is the dried, ripe fruit of the perennial Foeniculum vulgare. Tall and hardy, this plant has finely divided, feathery, green foliage and golden yellow flowers. Oval seeds form in clusters after the flowers have died and are harvested when they harden. Fennel seeds are an important ingredient in seasoning blends of the Mediterranean, Italy, China, and Scandinavia. Fennel seeds may be roasted prior to incorporation into seasoning blends to intensify their flavour. Fennel is used in curry blends, Chinese five spice, mirepoix, and herbes de Provence. Fennel is also used to flavour fish, sausages, baked goods, and liquors. Toasting Fennel Seeds accentuates their flavour. Fennel Seed added to meatballs or meat loaf gives an authentic Italian flavour. Sauté Fennel Seed with sliced peppers, onion, and sausage for a quick pasta sauce.

Fenugreek seeds are pungent, sweet earthy scent immediately reminiscent of curry. The seeds have a slightly bitter aftertaste but toasting the seeds seems to reduce this and increase the sweetness - in fact the roasted seeds are used in the manufacture of artificial maple syrup. The whole seeds are very hard so are usually used crushed or ground. Fenugreek, commonly known as Methi, seeds provide a tangy flavour and powerful curry scent to the vegetable and lentil dishes. Fenugreek seed are used in wide range of curry powder.

Garam masala is a classic recipe from the Northern states of India; the garam masala adds an aromatic complexity and peppery heat to a curry when added towards the end of cooking or just before serving. Add to a curry, soup or stew. Use to season chicken, lamb, fish with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon if possible. Sprinkle over roast root vegetables or potatoes.