The most beautiful spices

Why do some people eat bland food and are afraid of putting spices in food? For most cases this happens because they just don't have the right info about condiments and herbs and are not sure how to use them. So a bit of information might just change eating habits for the best.

A spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark primarily used for flavoring or coloring food. On the other hand, herbs are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used also for flavoring or as a garnish. Most spices are grown in the tropical regions of the world, with some thriving in the cool misty highlands. Many of the seed spices come from more temperate areas.

Spices have a long history linking Europe, Asia, India, etc. In 1497 the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama returned from his voyage with a cargo of nutmegs, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and peppercorns. Evidence of early herb gardens dates to Europe in the Middle Ages. Spices indigenous to India were cultivated in Babylonian gardens as early as the 8th century BC. India's history as a spice-producing nation is largely down to its climate, which is varied and ideal for growing a range of different spice crops. Ginger was first cultivated by the Chinese and Indians and it was one of the spices that led to the opening of spice trade routes. Ancient Chinese myth suggests the medicinal use of herbs and spices began as early as 2700 B.C. Americans join later in the game, they made their first foray into spice trading in the late 18th century.

We as packaging designers are always looking for beauty even in nature, so we started to wonder which would be in our opinion the most beautiful spices and we have 3 candidates on our list:

1. Anise because it looks like a scented wooden star 

In foods, mostly desserts, anise is used as flavoring because it has a sweet, aromatic taste. It is also commonly used in alcohols and liqueurs. It is a plant that hails from the same family as carrots, celery and parsley.

2. Saffron because of its royal color 

Saffron aroma is irreplaceable: musky, honeyed, floral, bitter, and fierce. It is believed that saffron originated and was first cultivated in Greece, but today the spice is primarily grown in Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India. Saffron has always been one of the world's most expensive spices, treasured for its goldenrod color and rich, distinct flavor.

3. Pink pepper because it resembles jewelry 

Pink peppercorns lend foods a different kind of heat, closer to chili than black pepper, it is slightly spicy, and has a typical sweet aroma. The tree grows in South America and is not related to the black pepper one.

  

A creative packaging is very important for any spice because these little magical things need to travel quite a lot until they reach the destination where they will be used in amazing dishes. If you are curious to know more about follow this link: https://www.creativebydefinition.com/creative-packaging-spices.html

Condiments are flavorful and strong in taste and aroma, so a little goes a long way. For starters, spices contribute rich flavor to food without adding any calories, fat, sugar or salt. They allow you to be creative and original with your cooking, they are the essence of life and can enhance any meal so don't be afraid to try them and learn more about what goes with what.