USDA Certified Organic Spice Blends

USDA Certified Organic spice blends are mixtures of fragrant herbs and spices that are guaranteed to be organic. Cooking with them will add adventurous flavor to your chemical free meals.

When the United States Department of Agriculture certifies something organic, it isn't just slapping on a label or stamp. Foods, including spices and herbs, must be grown in a natural and chemical free way. Any item that is certified organic must be verified by an independent organization. The fields and processing plants will have been inspected and records will be carefully gone over. The certifying agency will also test the soil and water regularly to make sure standards are kept high.

Some of the requirements that a food must pass to be certified organic are:

• Grown without chemical pesticides
• Grown without chemical fertilizers
• Can not be from a genetically modified seed or plant source
• Processed without use of irradiation
• Processed without the use of chemicals

Most people don't think about whether or not the herbs, spices, and blends that they use are organic. The amounts used are small, and USDA Certified Organic spice blends, herbs, and other flavorings are often promoted as much as other items.

Organic herbs and spices are often of a higher quality, fresher, and more flavorful than the conventional versions. These items are often Fair Trade, sourced from small farms and local co-operatives rather than large, corporate plantations. This is especially important since many of the spices are imported from countries that allow children to work long, difficult hours.

While there are hundreds of conventional spice blends, there are fewer available in an organic version. Some of the blends that are easily available organically are:

• Herbes de Provence
• Curry Powder
• Garam Masala
• Chili Powder
• Italian Seasoning
• Garlic Salt
• Poultry Seasoning

These can be used in the same way as conventional spice mixtures, measure for measure. You may want to taste as you go; the organic product is often fresher and may add more flavor than you are used to. This is especially true of spicy blends.

Since there are fewer organic blends than the conventional type, you may be interested to know that you can make you own in an almost unending variety. Organic herbs and spices are available in the same variety as conventional, although you may have to go online to find them.

Here are some basic spice blend recipes to get you started:

• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ground New Mexico chiles
• 1 tablespoon ground chipotle
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Mix equal amounts of the following spices:

• Cayenne
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Coriander
• Paprika

Whether you buy your spice blends or make them, you will want to store them in a way that will protect the complex flavors. Here are some tips for storing your spices and herbs:

• Use your nose. If a spice smells bland, it is probably losing its potency. It is time to throw it out.
• Buy in small quantities. Many natural food stores have a bulk herb and spice section where you can buy as much or as little as you like. Be aware that some of the items may not be organic. When in doubt, always ask.
• Use glass jars to store your spices. Spices with strong aromas can flavor everything else stored nearby.
• If you make your organic spice blends, be sure to keep them in tightly covered jars in a cool, dark, dry spot. Don't make too much at a time. Spices and herbs, once ground, have a relatively short shelf life.
• As a general rule, spices are good for the following time periods when stored properly:
  • Whole spices, if un-ground, last for up to four years.
  • Ground spices should be good for up to two years, but will begin to lose potency after four months.
  • Herbs will lose flavor after a year.

If you can't find USDA Certified Organic spice blends, herbs, and spices at your local store, you may be interested in the following sites:

• Spices Inc.
• The Spice Hunter
• Mountain Rose Herbs
• Frontier

Using organic herbs and spices in your cooking not only adds flavor, it adds an exotic touch in a healthy way.

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