Cooking with whole spices: turmeric, ginger & more

Why cook with whole spices?

At ZEST Spice Shop, we believe great cooking starts with great spices. That’s why we work with whole spices from growers we know. Ground and blended in small batches by professional chefs, our spices keep their full aroma and flavour, from the jar to your pan.

In this post, we’ll look at why whole spices make such a difference in the kitchen, what each of these spices brings to a dish, and how to start using them in everyday meals.

Why whole spices are worth it

Pre-ground supermarket spices often lose their kick over time. Whole spices hold on to their essential oils and aroma much longer. Ground fresh in small batches, they give you a richer, rounder taste and a scent that fills the kitchen the moment you open the jar.

From a pinch of pepper on your eggs to a slow-cooked curry, these spices do a lot of the work for you: they add warmth, heat, colour and depth.

Spices worth keeping on your shelf

Ginger

Warm, fresh and gently spicy
Ginger has been a staple of Asian, Indian and Caribbean kitchens for centuries. Its zesty heat works in stir-fries, curries, marinades and baking, from gingerbread to a quick homemade ginger syrup.

Turmeric

Earthy, golden and slightly bitter
Turmeric gives curries, dals and rice dishes their deep golden colour and has been used in Indian kitchens for centuries. It’s a classic match with black pepper: try the two together in a lentil soup or on roasted cauliflower.

Capsicum (chilies)

Heat, from a gentle glow to full fire
Capsaicin is the compound that gives chilies their heat. Depending on the variety, chili adds a soft warmth or a serious kick to sauces, stews, marinades and even chocolate.

Black pepper

Sharp, woody and aromatic
Piperine gives black pepper its bite. Freshly ground, it brings out the flavour of almost any savoury dish, and it’s the natural partner for turmeric in curries and spice blends.

Caribbean Jerk Spice Blend

Bold, warm and fiery
Our signature blend combines Jamaican allspice, ginger and scotch bonnet for a bold, warming taste. It’s perfect in our Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower recipe (see below).

Try our signature jerk cauliflower recipe

Looking for a flavour-packed dish? Try our Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower using ZEST Caribbean Jerk Spice Blend. This mix features warming allspice, fiery scotch bonnet and Kalahari desert salt: perfect for anyone who loves bold taste, even on a weeknight.

Why ZEST spice blends stand out

At Zest Spice Shop, we’re passionate about quality. That means carefully sourced whole spices, ground in small batches to keep their full flavour and aroma. Every jar is made by chefs who care deeply about food and flavour.

Spice up your meals

Whole spices are one of the easiest ways to add depth and character to your cooking. Whether you’re making a quick weekday dinner or a slow Sunday stew, our blends help you get more flavour on the plate.

Browse our range and find the spices that suit the way you cook.

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