Cinnamon in bark is the spice preferred by cooks to give a particular flavor to their recipes. In healthy terms, cinnamon helps keep blood sugar in balance, helps prevent cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, triglycerides and ulcers. Tip: do not cook it too long, it can become bitter.
The cumin plant is one of the oldest medicinal plants, it produces seeds that have a spicy flavor and a rich and singular aroma. In recent years, some research is also verifying its slimming power. The scientists involved compared the effects on overweight and blood sugar levels of the use of cumin extracts.
The beneficial properties of juniper berries were known from the time of the ancient Egyptians. They were in fact used for embalming and for disinfecting rooms. The numerous active ingredients contained in juniper berries give them important therapeutic benefits. Widely used in folk medicine to treat various ailments.
Wild fennel seeds are considered a particular aromatic spice in cooking, to enrich the flavor of our dishes with a rather sweet taste reminiscent of anise. They are used as ingredients in the home preparation of bread, crackers and breadsticks. Excellent flavorings for recipes with pork, boiled potatoes, gratinated vegetables and other Mediterranean cuisine specialties.
These small and aromatic seeds are known for their excellent properties, used both in cooking and for beneficial infusions. They give a very intense aroma and a slightly bitter taste to many recipes, appreciated in Asian, French and Cajun cuisines. Celery seeds are excellent for soups, broths, sauces, flavoring meat and the famous celery salt. They contain precious nutrients and antioxidants, useful for our well-being.
Thyme is a spice that makes many preparations pleasant. With an aromatic and slightly spicy taste, it can be easily used to flavor pasta dishes, roasted or grilled meat, fish and fillings. Excellent liqueurs and vinegars are also produced. Combined with wine, garlic, onion or brandy, it is used to prepare excellent sauces for meat dishes.
Gomasio is a Japanese condiment made from toasted and chopped sesame, used in cooking to flavor first and second courses, soups, salads and delicious sauces. It represents a beneficial aromatic solution, compared to common table salt: it contains less sodium and provides the body with various nutrients. The version of black gomasio includes dark sesame rich in antioxidants and minerals.
The crusco pepper is a variety of pepper typical of Basilicata, a region in southern Italy. Once harvested, the peppers are dried in the sun or in special dryers, becoming crunchy and maintaining a sweet and intense flavour. Cruschi peppers are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, used both whole and in powder form, to enrich traditional dishes such as pasta, soups and side dishes, giving a unique and characteristic taste.