How to use Secret Spices
PORTION GUIDE FOR A PERFECT RESULT
There is nothing worse than following a recipe that looks insta-worthy on paper but tastes just plain meh. All that effort and no happy ending! I’ve tried other brands and find the flavour underwhelming. There is nothing worse than under-seasoned food and I am here to change that!
I want you to feel confident to tweak your own recipes and take whatever ingredients you have available to make meal time easy and satisfying. The most uninteresting foods can be turned into something amazing by using a flavour-full spice blend and the right amount of salt. That’s why I’ve left the salt out, so you can add a little or a lot without overshooting your salt quota!
My preferred salt is Himalayan salt. 250,000 years old from the foothills of Pakistan, it’s untouched by environmental toxins and contains 80+ minerals that our body uses to keep all systems on the go. You could also choose an unrefined salt sourced from an unpolluted ocean or river bed.
When you're wanting to use the blends in your own recipes, start with these quantities and add more salt or spice to your tastes. Note that if you’ve put lots of vegetables in with your meat then they will dilute the flavours and salt even more so just add and tweak as you go.
SOUP, STEW OR SLOW COOKER
500g of Meat requires 1 tablespoon Spice Blend and 1 teaspoon unrefined salt
MEAT RUB FOR BBQ, BAKE OR ROAST
1 tablespoon Spice Blend: ½ teaspoon unrefined salt
Use as much or as little as you like. I completely roll my meat in the salty/herb mix before hitting the BBQ, pan or oven to get that lick-the-plate-clean urge at the end of the meal.
HOW TO STORE
If you're wondering how to store your spices, there are a few things to keep in mind. When you first receive your spices, they may have become compressed during storage, packaging or posting. To loosen them up, simply give them a shake and a squeeze. The same goes for spices you haven't used in a while. Unlike some store-bought blends, our spices don't contain anti-caking agents or other additives that enhance their appearance or flavour.
To keep your spices looking and tasting their best, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer or cupboard. Some of the blends hold more moisture than others especially in hotter climates. Storing them in the fridge can prevent clumping and help them hold their flavour longer. Avoid exposing them to prolonged light, as this can cause their colours to fade and the flavours may fade as well. With these simple tips, your spices will stay fresh and flavourful for longer!
BEST BEFORE
Confused about "Best Before" dates? It doesn’t mean they’ve “expired” or are dangerous to use after that date. It’s just “better” before that date. The flavour and medicinal qualities (yes, dried herbs and spices are medicinal as well!), may have diminished a little.
Most single herbs and spices have a lifespan of 2-3 years when stored away from sunlight and sealed airtight. Once combined, that changes a little. We've given our blends a "Best Before" date of 12 months to ensure their freshness and flavour is at its best. But, seriously - once you taste the powerful flavours of our blends, they won't last you a month, let alone 12!
Enjoy having a play and know that you will be able to impress the fussiest of eaters and Wow your biggest critics.
Kimberly xo
