It seems to be an ongoing controversy – is it best to use whole spices or ground? Dried herbs or fresh?

There are strong arguments on all sides of the issue, but when asking this question, the best answer is “all of the above” – for different types of cooking and food preparation. It can also depend a great deal upon the time of the year; after all, many herbs are perennials that die back at the end of each growing season – meaning that in its fresh form, it’s probably not available during the winter.

It’s also dependent on whether the food being prepared is fried or baked, and at what temperature. For example, some fresh herbs and spices stand up quite well to the extremely high temperatures involved in Chinese wok stir-frying. On the other hand, when it comes to Italian marinara sauces that simmer for hours over low heat, it’s probably best to use dried herbs rather than the fresh variety. The reason here is that dried herbs ultimately explode into microscopic particles during the simmering process, actually fusing with the tomatoes on a molecular level as they cook down into sauce. Fresh herbs in this case would likely turn into soggy little bits.

Another type of dish in which it is best to use dried herbs is one that is baked, such as pizza margharita. This particular variety calls for basil; however, fresh basil leaves will wither very quickly in a pizza oven under high heat.

On the other hand, fresh garlic is an excellent pizza topping, and is wonderful when sautéed in olive or sesame oil. Dried, ground garlic on the other hand would quickly burn in a sauté pan.

The fact is that fresh herbs and spices are fine to use in season under certain conditions, and depending on the dish being prepared, can even be preferable to the dried and ground variety. However, if you are preparing a dish in which the flavor of the spices need to spread evenly or is doing to be baked in the dry, high heat of an oven or simmer at a slow boil for hours, dried spices and herbs are a better choice.

One thing is certain however, Starwest Botanicals wide selection of dried spices in bulk will meet the needs of even the most demanding culinary artisan, or add a dash of excitement for the homemaker desiring quality ingredients for their family.

We look forward to your feedback, which spices do you use (dry, or fresh)? And why, or in what dishes, recipes, and cooking?