Fresh mint: Why is this lovely-looking herb a “Bad Actor?” You’ll find out below. Photo by Ben Fink courtesy Suvir Saran from his book, Indian Home Cooking, A Fresh Introduction to Indian Food, by Suvir Saran and Stephanie Lyness.
Organic Find Of The Month: Pinch Plus Organic Herbs & Spices
With all of the brands of certified organic herbs and spices available these days, why would you choose these? The best answer I know is that not only are they certified organic, but they’re multi-purpose. Pinch Plus Organic Herbs and Spices are packaged in small packets that are light-, air-, and moisture-proof; each packet contains a one tablespoon portion of a popular herb or spice. If you’re one of the millions of people who enjoy the Great Outdoors but still want to eat well, these are ideal companions on a camping trip, for that condo on the slopes, or if you’ll be doing a little cooking while sailing the high seas. If unopened, the herbs or spices in these packets can last for three years or more, so if you have no need for turmeric during your weekends at the cabin this summer, it will still be good next year.
Pinch Plus Organic Herbs and Spices also make thoughtful gifts. There’s a ten pack of cinnamon, rosemary, oregano, and other culinary standbys, there are rubs (fine for veggies, as well as meat or fish), and there are Gourmet Booklets (photo below). A Gourmet Booklet is a small, folding “booklet” featuring three herbs or spices commonly used in the cuisine of a particular country (Mexico, France or India, for instance). One side of the booklet’s pages contains the packets or descriptions of what’s inside them; the other side contains several recipes using those herbs or spices.
Pinch Plus spice packets.
Take the India Booklet, for example. The packets contain mint, garam masala and curry powder, and you’ll find practical recipes for a chicken vegetable curry, chana dal (spiced yellow lentils) and mint raita (a cooling, yogurt-based complement for a curry). So clever, and lovely for a hostess gift (or if you don’t want to have to carry a cookbook when you travel). Online ordering, of course! For more information, check out Pinch Plus Organic Herbs and Spices. They’re organic herbs and spices for people on the go!
Sources & Acknowledgements
Aaron Mosby, American Spice Trade Association
Brian R. Hill, Staff Scientist, Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA)
