Aus-KTC Food
Herbs and Spices

Aus-KTC Food

Herbs and Spices


Introducing an exquisite selection of herbs and spices sourced directly from the middle eastern region, primarily Iran. Herbs and spices add depth, flavour, and aroma to dishes, adding to their appeal and enhancing their overall tastiness. All herbs and spices are carefully packaged to lock in freshness and flavour for all our customers.

Herbs

What are some popular herbs used in different cuisines?

We have a wide variety of dried herbs perfect for enhancing your culinary creations. Here are just a few of the most popular herbs that our company has to offer…

Coriander - is a versatile herb widely used in culinary applications around the world. It has delicate, lacy green leaves and small, round seeds. The leaves have a fresh, citrusy flavour, and the seeds have a warm, slightly nutty, and citrus-like taste and are often ground into a spice called coriander powder. Coriander is known for adding brightness and complexity to a wide range of dishes.

Oregano - is a popular herb known for its robust flavour and aroma. It is typically sold as dried small, dark green leaves which are crushed or crumbled into smaller pieces, making them easy to sprinkle or add to dishes. Whether fresh or dried, Oregano has potential health benefits, including antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.

Dried mint - is a culinary herb made from the dried leaves of the mint plant, primarily spearmint or peppermint varieties. It possesses a refreshing, cool, and slightly sweet flavour with a hint of peppery undertones. It retains its minty aroma and flavour when dried, making it a convenient and widely used herb in many cuisines around the world.

Dried dill - refers to the dried leaves and sometimes seeds of the dill plant, Anethum graveolens. Dill has a fresh, grassy, and slightly tangy flavour with a hint of anise-like sweetness. Dried dill is commonly used as a seasoning in various culinary dishes, including pickles, seafood, salads, and sauces.

Dried Ghormeh Sabzi herbs - The main components of Ghormeh Sabzi herbs typically include dried fenugreek leaves, dried parsley, dried cilantro, and sometimes dried chives. Fenugreek leaves are a particularly important ingredient, as they contribute a unique flavour to the Ghormeh Sabzi stew. This is a beloved dish in Persian cuisine and is enjoyed by people in Iran and around the world. It's known for its rich and earthy flavours, thanks to the combination of dried herbs and slow-cooked meat. The dish has many variations, and some families have their own secret recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Dried parsley - is a culinary herb that has been dried to remove its moisture content, preserving its flavour and aroma for a longer shelf life. dried parsley is a versatile herb used to add a mild, herbal flavour to a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, dressings, and various savoury recipes. It is commonly available in the form of flakes or finely ground powder and is a pantry staple in many kitchens.

Dried fenugreek - also known as fenugreek leaves, is a herb made by drying the leaves of the fenugreek plant. The leaves are harvested, cleaned, and then dried to preserve their flavour and aroma. Once dried, fenugreek leaves turn into small, crumbled, and slightly brittle green flakes. It has a distinctive, slightly bitter, and earthy flavour with notes of maple and is typically added towards the end of the cooking process to maximize its aroma and taste.

Dried soup mix - often includes a selection of dehydrated vegetables such as carrots, onions, peas, and celery. These vegetables provide the foundation for the soup's flavour and texture. Some mixes might include dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or bay leaves for added flavour.

Dried Leek - Refers to dehydrated or dried pieces of leek, a vegetable closely related to onions and garlic. It imparts a mild, onion-like flavour to dishes but with a somewhat sweeter and milder taste compared to fresh onions. Dried leek is a versatile ingredient that can add a subtle oniony essence to your dishes and is particularly convenient when fresh leeks are not readily available.

Borago – otherwise known as Borage, is a very special herb for so many reasons. It's appreciated not only for its flavour but also for its visual appeal and potential health benefits when used correctly. Its bright blue, edible star-shaped flowers and edible leaves make it a versatile plant that is often used as a garnish in salads, soups, and beverages, adding a refreshing and subtle cucumber taste.

However, the most remarkable aspect of this plant is its medicinal properties.

  1. Borage has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and rheumatism, thanks to its GLA content. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that can have anti-inflammatory effects.
  2. Its oil, extracted from the seeds, is used topically to improve skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis and acne.
  3. Some herbal practitioners recommend borage for its potential mood-enhancing properties, suggesting that it may help alleviate stress and anxiety and help with insomnia.
  4. In traditional herbal medicine, borage has also been used to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions like coughs and bronchitis. It is thought to have soothing properties for the respiratory tract.
  5. And finally, borage has been used to support digestive health, particularly in cases of gastritis and gastrointestinal discomfort. It may have mild diuretic effects as well.
  6. Clearly, this remarkable herb boasts numerous benefits, which is why we take pleasure in providing it to our valued customers.

Clearly, this remarkable herb boasts numerous benefits, which is why we take pleasure in providing it to our valued customers.

Dried Rose Petals & Buds – Rose Petals have a wide range of uses due to their beauty, fragrance and versatility.

  1. Edible rose petals are used in cooking and baking to add a delicate floral flavour and a touch of colour to dishes. They can be used in salads, desserts, jams, beverages and rose petal tea. This is a fragrant and mildly flavoured herbal tea that is often consumed for its potential health benefits, such as relaxation and digestion support.
  2. Rose petals have been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and relaxation-inducing properties. They are sometimes used in herbal remedies and infusions.
  3. Many people delight in baking with our beautiful rose buds and petals. They can be used for rose-flavoured fondant, crystalised rose buds and petals, rose sugar and rose butter.
  4. As well as using them as delicious ingredients, they also look as good as they taste. Many people use rose buds and petals to decorate for weddings, parties, and special occasions. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also smell beautiful.
  5. Another use for our dried roses is to use them as potpourri. You will notice how old smells disappear and the fresh aroma of the delicate dried roses fills the room without being too overbearing. You could even place a small amount in your office or workspace.

Dry orange blossom – Dried orange blossoms, also known as dried orange blossom flowers or dried flower petals, are the preserved petals of the orange blossom, which is the fragrant, white flower of the orange tree. Dried orange blossoms are versatile and have various culinary uses. They are commonly used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines, as well as in herbal teas and desserts. They can be used to infuse flavour into syrups, baked goods, jams, and beverages. When used in cooking, dried orange blossoms impart a subtle, citrusy-floral flavour to dishes and beverages. Additionally, dried orange blossoms are used in cosmetics, perfumes, and potpourri for this delightful fragrance.

SPICES

What is the significance of incorporating spices into my cooking?

Spices are like the building blocks of flavor in cooking.

They add complexity, depth, and character to dishes, enhancing their overall tastiness. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, sweet, or savory, there is a wide array of spices available to cater to your culinary preferences and make your meals more enjoyable.

Here are a few examples from our vast range of spices…

7 spice mix - is a blend of seven aromatic spices and seasonings. It typically includes ingredients such as coriander, fennel, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves; all of which are ground into a fine powder. This versatile spice mix can be rubbed onto meat to add flavour, added into ground meat to create a deliciously spicey hamburger, used to season soups, mix into dips, plus much more.

Garlic powder - is a finely ground seasoning made from dehydrated garlic cloves. Garlic powder is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of culinary applications and adds a convenient and consistent garlic taste to most dishes or marinades. It’s easy to see why this spice is so popular.

Crushed Chili - often referred to as crushed red pepper flakes, is a popular spice made from dried and crushed red chili peppers. It's known for its vibrant red color and its ability to add heat and a touch of smoky, fruity flavor to dishes. Crushed chili is a versatile condiment used to spice up a variety of foods, including pizza, pasta, stir-fries, and sauces. Its intensity can vary depending on the type of chili used, making it a go-to choice for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their meals.

Curry Powder - This fragrant spice blend is known for its rich, warm, flavor often used to season a variety of dishes like curries, stews, soups, and rice. Curry powder can range from mild to hot, and its use can add both flavor and color to a wide array of culinary creations. It's a convenient way to infuse dishes with the distinctive taste of curry without the need to measure individual spices.

Red Sumac - is the ground spice made from the berries of a shrub known as Rhus spp. It's a common ingredient in the Middle East and the Mediterranean, where it is used to season a variety of dishes, including salads, kebabs, rice, and grilled meats. Sumac spice has a tart, tangy, and slightly lemony flavor, often likened to citrus zest. Red Sumac not only adds flavor but also imparts a beautiful reddish-purple hue to dishes.

Paprika - is a ground spice made from dried, ripe red chili peppers, specifically from the Capsicum annuum family. Paprika can vary in flavor and heat level depending on the type of chili peppers used and the preparation process.

Commonly, paprika is available in these two varieties:

  1. Sweet Paprika: This type has a mild, sweet flavor with little to no heat. It is often used for color and mild flavor in dishes like stews, soups, and as a garnish.
  2. Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika has a distinct smoky flavor and is made from chili peppers that are smoked before being ground.

Cumin - is a highly aromatic spice derived from the seeds of the cumin plant. It is a staple in many cuisines, particularly in the Middle East where it is used to add a distinctive warm and earthy flavor to dishes. Cumin seeds are small, elongated, and typically brown in color. They have a slightly nutty and peppery taste with a hint of citrus and are often used both whole and ground in cooking. Ground cumin is a common ingredient in spice blends such as curry powder, chili powder, and garam masala.

Green Za`atar - also known simply as "Za'atar," is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend and condiment. It is made from a mixture of dried herbs, spices, and sesame seeds. It is a versatile seasoning and is commonly used as a condiment or spice rub for various dishes. It is often sprinkled over flatbreads, such as pita, drizzled with olive oil, and then toasted or baked. It can also be used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, dips, and salads, adding a savory, slightly tangy, and aromatic flavor.

Turmeric - is a bright yellow spice which is native to Southeast Asia. It is a key ingredient in many culinary dishes and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Turmeric has a warm, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor with a subtle earthy undertone. It is a common ingredient in curry powder and gives curry dishes their signature color and flavor. As well as tasting great, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anti-cancer properties. Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine systems, for its healing properties.


View our online catalogue to view our wide range of herbs and spices for you to purchase