When Do Spices Give Up The Ghost?

How long can bottled spices be kept; what is the shelf life? The good news is, spices typically do not spoil. The bad news is, they lose their strength. What is interesting is that a lot of cookbook writers tell you to purge your pantry once an herb or spice is about 6 months old. But most spice
companies are not so reckless. They tell you to keep and use the spices as long as they appear to have flavor—and they trust you to be able to tell! Stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, spices retain their potency longer than you’d think — as long as 4 years for whole spices, 2 to 3 years for ground spices, and 1 to 3 years for leafy herbs, depending on the herb. Whole peppercorns, nutmegs and cinnamon sticks hold on to their flavor for ages. Particularly potent whole spices, such as cloves, cumin, and cardamom will also last for a long time. For ground spices, shake the jar, let it settle, and give a sniff. If there’s essentially no smell, it should be tossed out. If the spices have a bit of fragrance left but are not as potent as you remember or think they should be, just use more in the recipe. Then you’ll run out sooner and have a reason to start fresh with a new batch. Of paramount importance in getting the most flavor and value out of your herbs and spices is to store them well — nowhere near the heat of the stove, nowhere near the humidity of the stove or dishwasher, nowhere bright and sunny. But don’t get the idea that putting them in the freezer is ideal, either. Condensation will be a problem each time the bottle comes out of the freezer and is likely to introduce moisture in the
spices. Similarly, don’t ever shake herbs or spices out of the bottle directly into something you’re cooking — that’s the quickest way possible to steam and despoil your spices.

As Watkins associates, realize that most people have spices on their kitchen shelf that they’ve had for 5, sometimes 10 or more years. Compare the smell of a new Watkins spice to one that is years old. What a difference! Almost everyone needs a new set of spices. And guess what? We have the best!!

Information taken from oChef.com.

Simple tips to experience the health benefits!

Try these simple tips to experience the health benefits Watkins array of spices have to offer.

• Sprinkle Watkins Cinnamon on oatmeal, yogurt, French toast or in muffin batter.
• Add a dash of Watkins Thyme to scrambled eggs, omelets or soufflés.
• Stir Watkins Oregano into your favorite soup base, chicken, tuna salad or dressing.
• Try a sprinkle of Watkins Ground Ginger over fresh fruit for a refreshing dessert.
• Add Watkins Rosemary Leaves to mashed or roasted potatoes.
• Curry Powder can be added to rice dishes.

Mmmmm Watkins spices make everything taste so much better!

What is curry powder?

Curry powder is one of the world’s oldest spice blends. The version known to most Western cooks originated in England and was designed to approximate the characteristic flavor of Indian curry cookery, which became popular during the British colonization of India. There are many curry blends used in India (such as Madras), and most Indian cooks vary the blend according to each separate dish. Curry powder has grown to be used as a single spice in Western kitchens, and is also very popular in the Caribbean. Use curry powder generously in Indian and Caribbean curries, and sparingly in Western dishes such as deviled eggs, fish, shrimp, meats, vegetables, rice, French dressing, white sauce, fish chowders and soups.

Warm & Inviting Smell!

Looking for a way to have the warm inviting smell in your home. Try this!

Place 1 cup of water & 2 tsp of Watkins Pumpkin-Pie Spice into a large microwave safe bowl. Heat on high until the mixture boils. Cook for 3 minutes, then let sit for 15 minutes, and your home will smell wonderful.

Grandma only used Watkins quality Cinnamon...

...in her pumpkin pie and banana bread, continue the tradition with award-winning high-oil Korintje cassia cinnamon. Our cinnamon contains 3.5% essential oil, while many others on the market contain only 1 to 2%, and inferior brands as low as .5%.

Don't Spoil a Good Thing!

Spicing up your foods not only makes them taste great, it can also help to reduce the presence of bacteria such as E. coli, and slow the spoilage of leftovers. In studies, garlic, onion, allspice, clove, cinnamon, sage and oregano were found to have the greatest antibacterial benefits, killing off most of the bad bacteria present in foods. Thyme, tarragon and cumin were also very effective. While researchers caution that foods must still be cooked to the proper temperature to prevent food-borne illness, it's clear that a sprinkling of spices can help keep bacteria at "bay" and preserve your leftovers for a longer "thyme." Watkins offers over 50 herbs, spices and seasoning blends, including Poultry Seasoning with sage, onion, garlic and other spices that can help to keep your Thanksgiving leftovers from going foul.

Brenda Koth, MS, RD

Cinnamon shown to lower...

blood sugar,fats and cholesterol!
Recent studies have shown that just 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
every day may help to lower blood sugar, fats and
cholesterol by up to 30 percent! Researchers suggest it
may also stave off the onset of type 2 diabetes in those at risk.

Watkins Purest Ground Cinnamon contains a high amount of
essential oils for optimum flavor, aroma and health benefits!
Try some every day on cereal, oatmeal, toast, apples and
savory dishes. Place in coffee grounds before brewing for rich
flavor and aroma.

The following is a summary of this ground-breaking study
published in the journal Diabetes Care, December 2003:

A Spoonful of Cinnamon Helps

Treat Diabetes

by Alison McCook, Dec 11, 2003.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People with diabetes can help
keep their bodies healthy by simply adding a dash of spice to
their diet, new research reports.

In a study, diabetics who incorporated one gram -- equivalent
to less than one-quarter teaspoon -- of cinnamon per day for 40
days into their normal diets experienced a decrease in levels of
blood sugar, cholesterol and blood fats.

And for people with diabetes, the less of those substances in the
body, the better.

Type 2 diabetes arises when the body loses sensitivity to insulin,
a hormone that shuttles the sugars from food into body cells to be
used for energy. As a result, the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the
blood remains high, leading to fatigue and blurred vision. Over the
long term, excess blood glucose can increase the risk of heart disease,
kidney failure and blindness.

The current findings suggest that a small amount of cinnamon can help
protect diabetics from these and other potential complications of their
condition, study author Dr. Richard A. Anderson of the Beltsville Human
Nutrition Research Center in Maryland told Reuters Health.

Diabetics could add a dash of cinnamon to their morning servings of
coffee, orange juice or cereal, Anderson noted. "You can also make a
cinnamon tea by simply boiling water with stick cinnamon,
" he suggested.

Anderson noted that cinnamon may also help stave off the onset of
type 2 diabetes in people at risk of the condition.

During the study, Anderson and his colleagues asked 60 people with
type 2 diabetes to consume 1, 3, or 6 grams of cinnamon each day for
40 days, or the equivalent amount of wheat flour, as a placebo.

Reporting in the journal Diabetes Care, Anderson and his team
found that all cinnamon-takers experienced a drop in blood levels of
glucose, fats and cholesterol by up to 30 percent. No change was seen in
the people taking placebo.

Anderson explained that cinnamon contains compounds that help make
insulin more efficient, improving the hormone's ability to bring glucose
to the cells that need it.

As an added bonus, cinnamon contains virtually no calories, Anderson
said, allowing diabetics to add zest to their meals without adding to
their waistlines.

Previous research has shown that cinnamon appears to help fat cells
recognize and respond to insulin. In recent studies, the spice increased
glucose metabolism by about 20 times.

Healing With Herbs and Spices - Medicine Never Tasted So Good!

Herbs and spices have been used for thousands of years to sustain the health and well-being of mankind. Their antibiotic and antiseptic properties have helped to heal wounds and ward off disease, preserve and flavor food, and cleanse and beautify the body, both inside and out. Spices were so valued throughout ancient times that wars were fought over them, and they were traded equally for gold, making them literally worth their weight in gold.

Today, the value of herbs and spices continues to grow, as they are taking their place in modern medicine as a natural curative and preventive for many ailments. As the health benefits of herbs and spices continue to be tested and proven, the day may come when you can replace your medicine cabinet with your spice rack!

Herbs and Spices .... why Watkins?

Not all spices are created equal. The essential oil content of herbs and spices are what hold their healing and cleansing powers. The higher the essential oil content, the better the flavor and quality, and the greater the health benefits. Watkins uses top quality herbs and spices which are the highest in essential oil content, and great care is taken to ensure that these precious oils are maintained. Other brands may look the same, but the much higher essential oil content in Watkins herbs and spices impart more flavor, aroma, and health benefits.

Here are just a few Watkins healing herbs and spices and their benefits to you. (Medicine never tasted so good!)

Allspice is an antioxidant that protects against cancer, kills microorganisms and is used to treat flatulence and relieve indigestion.

• Adding allspice, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic, onion, oregano, tarragon or thyme to foods will preserve them and slow spoilage of leftovers.

Basil may help to prevent cancer of the bladder and prostate. It aids in digestion and is used to treat flatulence and stomach upset. As an antibiotic, it may help to fight colds and the flu.

• Keep an open container of Watkins Basil on hand to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay - they shun its scent.

Black Pepper stimulates digestion, circulation, and detoxification. It helps to relieve congestion and fever, and as an antibiotic, may help to fight colds and the flu.

• In some people, inhaling black pepper can help to reduce cravings for cigarettes during withdrawal. (Thanks to Watkins' conviction to quality and high oil content, they are able to offer the only "sneeze-proof" black pepper!)

Cayenne Pepper and other hot peppers boost metabolism for several hours after they are eaten, increasing calorie burning. They contain antioxidants that help to prevent cancer, heart disease, and defend against toxic chemicals. Regular consumption of hot peppers can improve circulation, ease flatulence, relieve indigestion, and strengthen the heart and nervous system. The powdered form is often used to treat colds and the flu.

• Put a small amount of Watkins Cayenne Pepper into a plastic or cloth bag, seal it tightly, and place it next to cold feet or inside socks to warm your feet.

Caraway Seed contains flavonoids which fight cancer and are used to treat intestinal spasms and flatulence.

Celery Seed helps to lower blood pressure and fights cancer, and may be useful for treating arthritis by detoxifying the body and improving circulation to muscles and joints.

Cilantro contains phytonutrients that fight cancer and aid in digestion.

Cinnamon helps to keep blood sugar levels steady and aids in digestion by enhancing breakdown of proteins and fats. It inhibits growth of bacteria, fungi and viruii, helping to ward off infections, including colds and the flu, and helps to ease symptoms of diarrhea.

• For diarrhea, mix 1 teaspoon/5 ml. Watkins Cinnamon into 1 cup/250 ml. of hot water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink.

Cloves are antioxidants which fight cancer, kill microorganisms and can help to relieve toothache pain.

• Wriggle a whole clove, pointed end down, next to the tooth to relieve toothache.

Cumin may help to prevent cancer of the bladder and prostate.

Dill contains flavonoids that fight cancer and aids in digestion.

Garlic boosts the immune system and fights infection. It also fights cancer, lowers cholesterol and prevents blood clots, offering protection against heart disease and stroke.

Ginger helps to relieve nausea, including motion sickness, is useful for treating arthritis, and helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also help to quiet a cough by stimulating mucus secretions.

• For prevention and relief of nausea and cough, pour 1 cup/250 ml. of boiling water over 2 teaspoons/10 ml. of Watkins Powdered Ginger and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
• Ginger-Cinnamon tea can help to relieve the discomfort associated with nausea and diarrhea. Mix 1 teaspoon/5 ml. Watkins Cinnamon with 1/4 teaspoon/1.25 ml. Watkins Ginger to 1 cup/250 ml. boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

Marjoram is effective as an insecticide and as an antibiotic, and may help to fight colds and the flu.

Nutmeg is used to ease digestive problems.

Oregano contains flavonoids and other antioxidants which protect against disease and is antibacterial and antifungal.

• Adding garlic, cloves, cinnamon, oregano or sage to hamburger meat or salami can reduce the presence of E.coli, however, the meat must still be cooked to prevent food-borne illnesses.

Onions protect against cancer and heart disease.

Paprika contains cancer-fighting antioxidants and possesses health benefits similar to cayenne pepper and red pepper.

Parsley is an excellent diuretic that is used to ease bloating, reduce water retention and speed the excretion of toxins. It is also used to purify the breath.

Red Pepper Flakes increase metabolism and contain the same health benefits as cayenne pepper.

• For another foot-warming idea, add Watkins Red Pepper Flakes to cornstarch and lightly dust in your socks. Start with a small amount and increase gradually until you find the desired temperature.

Rosemary stimulates the heart and brain, helps to improve vitality and memory, and fights afternoon fatigue. It can help to prevent some vasoconstrictor migraines and helps to prevent the growth of tumors linked to breast cancer.

• Mix 1 teaspoon/5 ml. of Watkins Rosemary per cup of hot water or green tea. Strain and drink.

Sage is an antioxidant that fights cancer and may also help to reduce night sweats due to menopause.

• Make a sage infusion by placing 2-3 teaspoons/10 - 15 ml. of Watkins Sage in 1 cup/250 ml. hot water. Cover tightly and steep for at least 20 minutes (or for several hours). Strain and drink.

Sesame Seeds contain pain-fighting compounds and cancer-fighting antioxidants.

• For a toothache, boil one part Watkins Sesame Seeds with three parts water until the liquid is reduced by half. Cool and apply directly to the tooth.

Tarragon contains flavonoids which fight cancer and help to preserve food.

Thyme is an antiseptic and expectorant and can help to dry up nasal passages and congestion. It aids indigestion by relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and may help to relieve menstrual cramps.

• Steep 1 - 2 teaspoons/5 - 10 ml. Watkins Thyme in 1 cup/250 ml. boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

Turmeric, found in Watkins Curry Powder, Ground Beef Seasoning, and Watkins Linimax, helps to make plaque less likely to stick to artery walls, reducing risk of heart attack. it helps to stimulate the flow of digestive juices which helps to prevent acid buildup, and is used to treat arthritis and may help to treat diabetes.

These are just a few of the hundreds of health benefits found in Watkins Gourmet Herbs and Spices. For the greatest health benefits, use a variety of Watkins spices every day.

After all, variety is the spice of life!

The Use Of Herbs And Spice

By: Michelle Bery

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Throughout history, the use of herbs and spice has given flavor and instant recognition to a myriad of cuisines in a host of different cultures. Before there was convenience food; before there were restaurants; before there were even recipes; there were herbs and spice – the combinations of which were handed down from generation to generation as a way to prepare specific foods.

Today, herbs and spice are used in the same way – those special combinations instantly bringing you back to childhood in your mother’s kitchen. One whiff of dill and you’re instantly eating soup at your grandmother’s, one taste of curry and you’re whisked away to a special meal you once had on vacation. The combination of herbs and spice are a memory bank of our experiences and you can be sure that they will continue to be the stars in our cuisines of the future.

The use of herbs dates back to prehistoric times – much earlier than the benefits of spices were discovered. Used medicinally at first, natural herbs continue to be used to enhance a variety of cuisines and treat minor maladies as well as disease.

The word “spice” dates back to the end of the 12th century. Early Arab traders made vast fortunes trading spices to Europeans eager to experience these exotic flavors. America became involved in the spice trade in the 1800s and thus began our love affair with herbs and spice as delicious enhancements to our food.

Today, taste aside, the use of herbs and spice in our food allows us to eat much healthier. Herbs and spice can readily substitute for salt, preservatives, and a host of fatty ingredients typically used to add flavor. Instead, for those who want to focus on natural, whole foods as a part of their diet plan, the use of herbs and spice will give you all of the flavor without any of the guilt.

Research recipes that make use of the herbs and spice and you’ll soon be rewarded with a flavorful, healthier diet.

Burn Off The Belly Fat With These Four Common Spices!

Spices, we all have them in our cupboards, but for most people, we think of them in terms of flavor enhancers only. Most of us think we get our nutrition from meat, vegetables and fruit. But don’t underestimate the power of spices. You would be amazed at the nutrient value they have and what they can do for our metabolism.

Take cayenne pepper for example. It comes from a vegetable that really is a chili pepper. It is loaded with vitamin A, vitamins C and B6, it has fiber, vitamin K and manganese. Not only is it nutritious, it is a thermogenic food (burning up of calories) that increases metabolism. This is why it is good for weight loss. All hot peppers contain capsaicin. The hotter the chili, the more capsaicin it contains. Fresh chilis are always best but using cayenne pepper daily will not only spice up your favorite foods but will speed up the metabolism which in turn helps you to lose weight.

Cinnamon is not only a delicious spice but has many health benefits. It can reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It also mimics insulin that lowers blood glucose. This is good news for diabetics. A study was done by the USDA Research Center in Maryland where they were testing how certain foods affected the blood sugar levels in the body. When they tested apple pie they were expecting it to spike glucose levels. To their surprise, it actually lowered glucose levels. It was the cinnamon in it that created this unexpected result. For all of us apple pie lovers, this is fantastic news. Dessert is back! Cinnamon also improves blood circulation which in turn increases getting oxygen to the cells of the body. This also increases the metabolism. (Got to love that cinnamon)

Ginger is another favorite for weight loss. According to the International Journal of Obesity, a study was done to see if ginger could help reduce body fat. What they found was that ginger is also a thermogenic food. After eating ginger, tissues in the body used more energy than they normally would have and therefore creating higher metabolism. As with cayenne pepper, ginger also improves circulation. So go ahead and enjoy ginger. If you have never tried it, you can find some good recipes online to experiment with.

Basil is a spice in most people’s cupboards. It is a member of the mint family. This tasty, aromatic spice has anti-bacterial properties. It can be used to wash fruits and vegetables therefore making them safe to eat. It is also high in vitamin A and potassium. As with cinnamon, basil has been shown in tests to reduce glucose levels in the blood. Basil is the main ingredient in pesto and has a wonderful relationship with tomatoes. Basil is a common spice in all Italian foods. Little did we know that basil could help us lose weight.

It is hard for the majority of people to stick to a good diet let alone try to lose weight. A key factor in most weight loss programs is bland tasting food. No one is going to stick to a diet for very long when we are disgusted with what our food choices are. We do have a card to play though and that is tasty, healthy spices! This can make all the difference in our weight loss goals, especially troublesome belly fat. Make your food taste delicious with spices and you will find it much easier to stick to your plan.

Spice Up Your Life to a Healthier & Better You!

Did you know?

Cinnamon
This natural germ-fighter also helps lower blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels – ¼ teaspoon a day is a healthy goal. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your coffee beans, toast, apples, ice cream, cereals, oatmeal, etc.

Thyme
Sprinkle on grilled poultry, fish, and as a meat marinade by virtue of its minty, lemony flavor. Use as a vinaigrette — Yum! RealAge lists thyme as a healthy herb by virtue of its cancer-fighting properties.

Cumin
Concealed in your humble chili powder is one of the world's most popular spices (it's a key ingredient in Indian curries too) and another cancer-fighting soldier. Add cumin to rice and grain salads and marinades.

Oregano
GI's brought oregano home from Italy after WWII. Leaves of this herb boast 42 times more antioxidants than apples. Use oregano to add a delicate flavor to salad dressings, garlic bread, omelets, as well as your favorite pastas.

Research is now showing that these spices we've used for flavorings are nutritionally good for you. Serve up a meal tonight using one of these spices!

About Nutmeg

Capture the essence of the holidays with Watkins pure ground Nutmeg. The intoxicating aroma enhances traditions like eggnog, custard, hot drinks, spiced cookies and baked goods.

Use in:

* Baked goods
* Eggnogs
* Custards
* Cheese, egg, fish and poultry dishes
* Whipped cream topping
* Doughnuts
* Fruits
* Boiled vegetables
* Cream soups
* Ice cream
* Sweet potatoes
* Hot Milk
* Sweet doughs
* Muffins
* Cakes
* Frostings
* Applesauce
* Crêpes
* Beef
* Ham
* Sausages

Did You Know?

* Nutmeg comes from the seed of a peach like fruit of an evergreen tree that is native to Moluccas, or Spice Islands.
* Nutmeg is one of the oldest spices; it has been cultivated for over 1,000 years.
* Grenada is known as 'The Nutmeg Isle' because of the amount of nutmeg that is cultivated each year.
* Connecticut is known as the Nutmeg State.

Watkins Cinnamon Facts

With Watkins Cinnamon you can be sure you are getting the best:

• Flavor — Watkins Cinnamon contains a minimum of 2% essential oils, other brands contain 1% and some as low as .5%.
• Quality — Each shipment Watkins receives is put through a battery of tests to ensure it is only the highest quality.
• Particle size — Watkins Cinnamon is carefully ground and sifted to ensure uniform particle size and quality.
• On the market — Watkins purchases only the best Cassia Cinnamon available. Our strict attention to detail makes our cinnamon the very best on the market.

Cinnamon Facts:

• Popular spice — Cinnamon is the world's oldest and most popular spice, know as the most important "sweet spice."
• Two types — There are two types of cinnamon; Cassia and Ceylon.
• Cassia — Has a more intense flavor than Ceylon and is what we in North America call "cinnamon."
• Ceylon — Has a milder flavor, most Ceylon cinnamon imported to the United States is actually re-exported to Mexico.
• Fun fact — If you stacked every tin of cinnamon Watkins has sold since 1895, it would be 12,411 times taller than the Empire State Building!

Cinnamon Power

Cinnamon has fantastic health benefits; you may find you'll want to sprinkle Watkins Cinnamon on just about everything you eat!

• The Agricultural Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that cinnamon made the body's cells more responsive to insulin, which in turn, helps to control the level of sugar or glucose in the blood.
• In studies, blood sugar levels started rising as soon as cinnamon was stopped, emphasizing the importance of daily consumption.
• New research shows that ground cinnamon may also reduce the bad LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides in type 2 diabetics.
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon every day may help to lower blood sugar, fats and cholesterol by up to 30 percent!

Peppercorns

As with coffee beans and wine grapes, varieties of peppercorns can have different flavor characteristics that are dependent on climate, soil and growing conditions.

• Malabar peppercorns, from India, are small, full-bodied, strong, aromatic, and a favorite of many.
• Tellicherry peppercorns, from the Malabar region, are larger and milder, and considered the best for grinding fresh in a peppermill.
• Lampong peppercorns, grown in Indonesia, have a very bold and pungent flavor - even stronger than Malabar.
• Muntok pepper, a relative of Lampong, is grown exclusively for making white pepper.

Did You Know? (Rosemary)

The name “rosemary” is derived from Latin,
and means “dew of the sea”—appropriate
because the herb thrives in the dry climate and
salty sea spray of the Mediterranean shores. Its
pungent minty/evergreen flavor is a favorite in Italy
and Provence, especially with poultry and pork
and in dishes simmered with wine, olive oil and
garlic. Its high place in the world’s most romantic
cuisines is no surprise when one considers the
effects of its essence on the human mind.
Rosemary is beneficial for the mind and the
body. It stimulates the heart and brain, helping
to improve vitality and memory, and may help to
fight afternoon fatigue. Rosemary is credited with
arousing ambition and drive, balancing intense
emotions and controlling mood swings, and
can also help to prevent some vasoconstrictor
headaches because it can help keep blood vessels
dilated. It aids in digestion and contains a high
amount of antioxidants which researchers believe
may help to slow the aging process...so, if you
want to stay young and vibrant, eat rosemary and
other herbs and spices on a regular basis.