Food

Have You Started Planning Your Personal & Corporate Gifts for this Christmas? Christmas in July started us thinking about the real Christmas that's coming up in just 5 months Herbie's Spices spice kits make the ideal corporate gift, and now is the time to start planning what to give to friends, clients and customers. Each kit contains a selection of herbs and spices and

This time last year, we were considering another visit to India, after several years’ break from taking groups to that wonderful, ever-stimulating continent. Well, it happened, it was great fun, and we’re back. Highlights must include the hair-raising cycle-rickshaw ride through the old town of Varanasi; the vibrant, thrilling Holi day of colours; a visit to a small government school outside Deogarh, where one teacher

We receive many questions about the world of spices, and in particular what makes a truly wonderful spice blend. The following article answers those questions, and we hope provides much more useful information. Spice Essentials In spices, we are fortunate enough to have a hobby that is also our passion, our business, and our livelihood … and it’s something that other people also find

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost two years since we closed the door of our dear little store in Rozelle.  In the 19 years that we were there, in addition to our range of herbs, spices and books, we offered packs of empty jars, with blank Herbie’s Spices labels, for people to fill with their favourites.  We believe that our high-barrier, zip-lock plastic laminate

WHAT IS ACHIOTE? Achiote is another name for annatto seeds, (Bixa orellana) and achiote paste is the Mexican condiment that gets its main flavour from annatto seeds. So what are annatto seeds? Annatto seeds are collected from a relatively small tropical evergreen tree that grows 5–10 m high. The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy and provide an attractive background to the large bright pink flowers, which have the

How to use Australian Native Herbs and Spices Over the last 35 years there has been a lot of interest in the commercial opportunities provided by edible Australian native plants (often referred to as ‘bush tucker’) including those used as spices. Australia is a vast continent and most non-indigenous people would perish quickly in this environment without adequate supplies of familiar life-sustaining produce. To

How to Make a Curry When it comes to spice blending, making a curry powder from scratch is one of the best ways to gain an understanding as to how the various flavour characteristics work to create a harmonious and interesting blend. The Main Types of Spices Spices can be grouped into five basic categories.  These are; sweet, pungent, tangy, hot, and amalgamating.  The

Turmeric is receiving worldwide interest, due to the many health-giving properties being debated by scientists, and natural health practitioners. Whatever you believe about turmeric (and a Google search will give you lots of pros and cons), we believe it is a wonderful spice, and one that can be enjoyed culinarily in many different ways. We are not health practitioners, as our expertise relates only

Three New American-Inspired Spice Blends for 4th July One cuisine that is often overlooked, yet has influenced Australian tastes for decades, is that of The United States of America. Just think, American as Apple Pie, Turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Tex-Mex, Pastrami on Rye, Sourdough, Cajun, Creole, File Gumbo, Fried Chicken, and of course Pumpkin Pie! Herbie & Liz visited Herbie’s Spices

Have you ever wondered where vanilla comes from? If so, let us take you on a fascinating journey to one of its sources – Mexico.

Mexican chillies come in a range of varieties, from the mild to the spicy. Read on to find out more about the different types.

Incorporating various spices and herbs from around the world, Herbie created Balmain & Rozelle Spice Blend in honour of this diverse suburb.

PNG has a long history of growing chillies. We are proud to announce that two of these are now available, along with a very special ginger powder.