Newses & Articles

Spice Rack Renaissance
Publish Date : 1395/5/23 Time 16:00:20

Spice-Rack
Spice Rack Renaissance

Cinnamon, black pepper, and vanilla have been three of the most widely used flavorings since the 1950s.  While their popularity has not decreased, the rest of the playing field has expanded significantly, as have the uses for flavorings.

Spicy Progression

Sixty years ago, the typical American household cooked with fewer than ten spices in the kitchen. Now, we construct whole cabinets and rotating spice racks to help us navigate through our extravagant collection.

An article by Alexandra Economy in the Winona Daily News mentions today’s home cook likely keeps at least 40 different seasonings on hand.  Cumin, coriander, paprika, and oregano have become common ingredients and join the high ranks of popular spices like allspice, celery seeds, and ground mustard.  Global flavors have connected our kitchens with unique spices used around the world.

Photo courtesy of decorationchannel.com.

More Than “Flavor”

Spices and herbs come from a variety of plant parts such as the seeds, berries, roots, leaves, and bark.  While these components make for great flavoring substances, they do more than just provide great taste — they can reduce the need to add additional salt, fat, and sugar, all without sacrificing flavor.

In fact, spices can be a good way to help with weight control and healthy eating.  Replacing salt with garlic or oregano for example, can help to reduce the amount of fat within a dish while maintaining quality flavor.

Speaking about the role of spices in healthy eating, Cheryl Deem, the Executive Director of the American Spice Trade Association says, “there have been some recent studies that show the use of spices makes vegetables taste better and can help people reach recommended daily servings.”

Food For Thought

As researchers continue to study healthy eating habits, they search for ways to reduce fat, salt, and sugar in the foods we love, and a means of increasing flavor in foods that are good for us.  Do you think adding spices will help consumers to cook and eat healthier?

The spice rack continues to grow more extravagant with the globalization of flavors.  What are some of your favorite spices to cook with?

The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States (FEMA) was founded in 1909 and is the national association of the U.S. flavor industry.  FEMA’s membership is comprised of flavor manufacturers, flavor users, flavor ingredient suppliers, and others with an interest in the U.S. flavor industry.  The association is committed to ensuring a safe supply of flavor ingredients used in foods and beverages enjoyed by billions of men, women, and children around the world.