The sweet and warm flavor of cinnamon, the intense and unmistakable aroma, make Ceylon cinnamon a famous spice in the kitchen. Used to flavor desserts, creams, fruit, it is also excellent in baked specialties and savory recipes. The aroma stands out in hot drinks such as tea, infusions, milk, punch and mulled wine; Its taste is famous and makes chocolate delicious. A cinnamon stick is approximately 25 cm long.
Cloves have a very particular scent, penetrating and warm, and give dishes a pungent taste with a sweet and balsamic aftertaste. The intense aroma attenuates with cooking, dominates over other spices but harmonizes the flavor in many sweet and savory dishes. Whole cloves make roasts, broths and stews more aromatic. They facilitate good digestion, perfume the breath and give balsamic virtues to infusions.
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 sage with a pungent and camphoric flavor can be used to flavor meat, vegetables, omelettes, soups and stews. In French recipes, sage is used for the preparation of soups and flavoring white meats and salami, while in Italy it is the protagonist of recipes such as tortelloni with butter and sage, Roman saltimbocca or in the scent of porchetta.
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.
The organic vanilla pod is highly appreciated for its intense and natural aroma; mainly used to flavor desserts and to make excellent pastry creams. The pods of the Bourbon vanilla variety have a high concentration of the aromatic principle vanillin, and complex flavor notes. It is versatile on desserts, savory dishes and refined culinary creations. In addition, the pod provides antioxidant properties and a calming scent that combats stress and promotes rest.
This type of paprika gives the typical flavor of red pepper, of which it represents a dried version and reduced in the form of crunchy flakes. Typical of Mongolian cuisine, it lends itself well to the preparation of various recipes, particularly tasty as a spice for stews, baked goods, pizzas, raw salads and cheeses. Recommended for cooking in the preparation of various first courses to flavor their taste. The version of the refined paprika in flakes is convenient and can also be used in considerable quantities; otherwise you risk giving a weak contribution to the dish.
Green paprika flakes lend themselves very well to the preparation of various recipes. Green paprika flakes is the only spice that must be used in considerable quantities, otherwise there is a risk that it will not make any contribution to the dish. It is particularly suitable for raw salads, or it can be cooked in various first courses.
Laurel is also called "Laurel" or "Poets' Tree", it has been known for centuries in cooking and herbal medicine. Its dried leaves are used both to flavor dishes and as an infusion. An infusion based on bay leaves helps digestion: it avoids annoying fermentations, fights stomach discomfort and loss of appetite. Very useful in the kitchen for flavoring potatoes, stews and second courses such as white meat stew.
