Fresh from India

Spice industry standards put the shelf life of spices at three years, and we think that's CRAZY. At World Spice, our stock arrives within the current harvest cycle and goes out the door before the calendar turns. We just received a couple of tons of cumin and turmeric straight off the boat from the Malabar coast so buy now, store it right - that means airtight - and enjoy the most intense flavor available on this side of the port.

Alleppey Turmeric

Turmeric is so much more than just a pretty color, and while it will always be the signature spice of South Indian curry, it is getting more attention for it's health benefits these days. Earthy and rich, these resiny roots are best purchased pre-ground like their cousin ginger because the fibers in the roots require an industrial blade. Our turmeric is Alleppey grade, containing the highest color and curcumin content on the market. Try the tropical smoothie recipe below and taste the turmeric!

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Tropical Turmeric Smoothie

The variations on this theme are infinite - you can add more ingredients like coconut, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger to suit your palate, but if you really want to taste the turmeric this is a sublime and simple combination. Blend together the following:

• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened hemp milk
• 1 teaspoon turmeric

Oh She Glows 10 Spice Soup

We are getting ready for the March 4th meeting of the World Spice Cookbook Club featuring Oh She Glows: Over 100 Vegan Recipes to Glow from the Inside Out. Our dish for the Meet & Eat will be this 10 Spice Soup with Cashew Cream.

Can't make it to the meeting but still want to cook from the book and join the discussion? Follow along on our Facebook page to see what's happening.

Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Angela Liddon, 2014.