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Spices & Rubs


8 tips for buying spices:

The spices should be as pure as possible when purchased and not mixed with other substances
The flavours contained should only be technically processed to the extent necessary for preservation
To maintain freshness and taste, spices should be bought unground if possible

Low -quality spices often contain harmful substances such as heavy metals or pesticides
Information about the manufacturer and origin of the materials usually guarantees high quality

Due to freshness and hygiene, only spices that are appropriately packaged should be purchased
Storage should always be cool, dry and protected from light in spice jars
Long storage times lead to significant loss of quality and should be avoided


Sensuality, pleasure, tradition

People have always been lured and seduced by sensual spices ; their use even dates back to the Stone Age!
But what makes these tasty plant parts so special?

Spices are certain plant substances that are used for the preparation and refinement of dishes because of their taste and smell properties .
In general, spices are considered to be very healthy because they contain many minerals , trace elements and vitamins . The essential
Oils not only add flavor, they also stimulate the appetite and increase both well-being and performance! Many spices even have healing and health-promoting properties. Some of them have antibacterial, immune-boosting and pain-relieving effects, for example.

Despite the positive properties of spices, you should be careful when buying them: inferior ingredients may contain various substances that are harmful to health .


Tips on application and preparation

Types of spices:

Depending on which part of a plant is used, different types of spices are distinguished. On the one hand, there are leaf spices, which include dried basil, thyme and bay leaves. When fresh, however, they are considered
the herbs. Aromas such as saffron and cloves, on the other hand, are referred to as flower spices. Seeds and fruits of various plants are particularly often used for seasoning and refining, including pepper, nutmeg, paprika and vanilla. Rather
Rarely is the bark of the plants used, as is the case with cinnamon.
Onions, horseradish and garlic, on the other hand, are obtained from the roots of the plants. In addition to the classic spices and mixtures, animal substances such as lard, butter or honey can also be used to refine dishes.

Correct use:

To season the dish appropriately, you need a lot of experience and sensitivity, as well as the courage to experiment. One of the basic rules is that the dish's own flavor is the main focus, and the spices only accentuate it and add a certain nuance. The flavors should only give the dish a certain note, but should not change or cover up the basic character.

Especially in European cuisine, it is also common for the flavour to be determined by a single spice,
Other flavours are used more as a complement and therefore remain
in the background. Especially when preparing fish and meat, spices are selected more according to the method of preparation than the raw materials. Ground spices, for example, are only mixed into the food shortly before the end of the cooking time, as the essential
Oils otherwise evaporate. Whole, crushed spices are also
added shortly before completion, while whole, uncrushed spices are mixed in at the beginning, as they need to soak in the liquid for a while

Photos by Rufus Teague


Highlights for the BBQ

Don Marco's Pork Powder Rub

€10,95€10,95

Delicious rubs and spices

A special way of seasoning is to use rubs.
The name comes from the English expression "to rub" and
means "rub", which is exactly what you do when using the spice mixture. BBQ rubs are very easy, quick and precise to use. They consist of various dried spices , with salt and pepper usually serving as the basis .
Sugar is included in almost every rub mixture and creates a delicious, caramelized crust . Other ingredients such as herbs, Cajun spices and lemon peel can be added as desired during production.

The finished rub is then simply spread over the meat and applied evenly. The special thing about it is that the spices
without liquid on the meat and only gain moisture through the release of the meat juice. In this way
A crispy, aromatic crust is created that gives the grilled food a special flavor. The same applies to rubs: the longer the spice mixture is absorbed into the meat, the more intense the flavor will be.

Due to its dry form, a rub can also be stored for a long time
and can be used several times . However, the spices should only be coarsely
ground so that the essential oils are optimally released.


The exceptional Steak Rub by Rufus Teague is perfect
for seasoning and refining steaks. The unique combination of salt, garlic and onions also gives an incomparable, hearty, smoky taste!

The tasty Fish Rub from Rufus Teague brings the right seasoning to all fish dishes: brown sugar, chilis, onions and salt are just some of the ingredients of this delicious fish seasoning. This spicy rub is also particularly suitable for vegetables, potatoes and other delicacies!

 


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