HERBIE'S BLOG

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Behind the Scenes

Herbie makes Avial (South Indian Vegetable Curry) in South India

Herbie loves being in South India, the food and the people. In this video he makes Avial (a South Indian Vegetable Curry). Making lightly spiced meals is one of life’s great pleasures, made all the simpler with our Herbie’s Spices all-natural spice blends.

Behind the Scenes

Herbie Makes Vegetarian Sambar in Cochin

One of Herbie’s favourite places in India is Brunton’s Boatyard in Cochin In this video, he makes a Vegetarian Sambar.

Cooking

Herbie Makes a Curry in Kumily

In this video, following a short elephant ride, I have the audacity to show my Indian friends at Spice Village how I make my Saturday Curry!

Cooking

Herbie makes Cochin-style Barbecued Seafood.

Ian “Herbie” Hemphill visits South India, and makes Cochin Style Seafood at Brunton’s Boatyard Hotel in Cochin. Watch on YouTube.

Behind the Scenes

Why Herbie is Obsessed with Spices

During this time when many of us are isolated, either voluntarily or forced, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the things I cover at the beginning of a Spice Appreciation Class. As classes are off now, here goes a virtual communication! People often ask why I am so obsessed with spices. This video explains where it all started,

General

Events Temporarily Cancelled or Postponed

We have been cancelling or postponing planned Spice Appreciation events due to the current Coronavirus situation.

Herbie's TV

Spice Storage

In this short video, Ian 'Herbie' Hemphill gives some handy hints and tips about spice storage, and explains the difference between a Use By date and a Best Before date on a label. Buying good quality herbs and spices is the first step, then you must store them correctly to get the best out of these wonderful flavours. Herbie's Spice Storage Tray is a

Herbie's TV

Spices and Spice Blends for Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking

In this short video, Ian "Herbie" Hemphill talks about how Herbie's Spices, herbs and spice blends are all suitable for vegetarian and vegan cooking. A great spice blend for vegan meals is Aloo Gobi Masala. All ingredients are listed on the labels, so you know exactly what you are getting. For a wealth of information on spices, herbs and making your own spice blends,

Behind the Scenes

Mastic Update

We have recently noticed an increase in awareness of mastic as an ingredient, so have decided to share some previous information to help demystify this fascinating and useful spice. Mastic is the name given to the resinous gum that exudes from the scored bark of the Gum Mastic Tree. There are many varieties of mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus) in the Mediterranean and Middle East, yet most

General

For the Love of Cardamom!

In January 1997, Liz and I spent a month in Cochin, South India to take a Spice Sabbatical in preparation for opening Herbie’s Spices on the 7th of July 1997 – 20 years ago. Cardamom remains one of my favourite spices, therefore it seems appropriate to share this experience with you, one that I wrote about in my book Spice Travels that was published in 2001.

Behind the Scenes

Herbie’s Spice Q & A With our USA Distributor

Herbie and Liz visited their USA distributor Williamson Wines, and together with owners Dawn and Bill Williamson, and their winery Executive Chef Tommy, himself a CIA Alumni. they recently addressed the Culinary Institute of America on the effective use of spices and how spice blends work with wines. Here are videos of Herbie’s answers to questions from that session. What does the “Best Before Date” on

Food

Where does vanilla come from?

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

Behind the Scenes

Kashmir Saffron Harvest 2015

Herbie visited Pampore near Srinagar in Kashmir to see the first saffron flowers bloom in 2015 The famous Kashmiri Saffron is grown over many hectares in Pampore, not far from Srinagar in Kashmir. Click here to watch a video of Herbie's Experience Learn more about saffron and how to distinguish the real from the fake here.

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