Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2021

story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
It Up!
While chances are that your kitchen is stocked with essential spices, in ancient times spices were not so easy to come by. Back then, explorers scoured the globe in search of the most precious spices, wars were fought
for control of spice routes, and fortunes were made
and lost, all in the name of spices.
So what are spices and why are they so valuable? Spices are aromatic avors that are derived from natural elements, such as seeds, fruit, bark, and other plants. They are often sold in a dried form, but they don’t last forever; their strength will lessen over time, especially if exposed to light or air.
As to why spices are so popular, Fernando Martinez, owner of Spice and Tea Merchants of Ocean Springs, says, “Spices play a vital role in the culinary world. They complement or accentuate the avor
in everything and bring it to life. Spices provide avor, but also determine how to prepare your food. Whether you’re grilling, frying, sautéing, baking, broiling , or even pickling, there are spices for every application. They can take an ordinary dish and make it extraordinary.”
Though you probably have the staples at home, maybe it’s time to broaden your horizons. Martinez suggests, “Black cardamon, described as smoky, funky or brash, is unique in its avor and aroma, which makes it popular for Indian plates. Star anise has hints of sweet pepper, licorice, clove and an earthy tone. It works well on hearty meats and
in soups. Juniper berries, which we mix into
one of our blends called Hunter’s Game,
Spice and Tea Merchants
630A Washington Ave., Ocean Springs 228.215.3239 www.spicemerchants.biz
pair nicely with wild game like
venison or fowl. Even pepper can
be elevated to the next level! Black
Tellicherry Pepper can be used in the
same way as traditional black pepper, but the taste is much cleaner and aromatic. After trying it, you won’t go back to plain black pepper.”
Spice and Tea Merchants of Ocean Springs carries more than just spices. Their shelves are lined with everything from loose-leaf tea to speciality oils and vinegars and everything in between. Don’t
see what you’re looking for? Just ask. “We’re always looking into new products to add to our store,”
says Martinez. “We love
talking to our customers, getting to know them, and providing the products that they can’t nd anywhere else.”
80 | May 2021
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