Uploads from kevin dooley, tagged goods

Madison Bar Packaged Goods

nobody@flickr.com (kevin dooley) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 11:49:03 -0700

Madison Bar Packaged Goods, downtown Phoenix.

Fennel

nobody@flickr.com (kevin dooley) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:53:40 -0700

A 25x macro of the spice fennel. (Explore)

From Enspicelopedia:

Fennel is the dried, ripe fruit of the perennial Foeniculum vulgare. Tall and hardy, this plant has finely divided, feathery, green foliage and golden yellow flowers. Oval seeds form in clusters after the flowers have died and are harvested when they harden.

Fennel seeds are an important ingredient in seasoning blends of the Mediterranean, Italy, China, and Scandinavia. Fennel seeds may be roasted prior to incorporation into seasoning blends to intensify their flavor. Fennel is used in curry blends, Chinese five spice, mirepoix, and herbes de Provence. Fennel is also used to flavor fish, sausages, baked goods, and liquors.

Fennel was once native only to the Mediterranean region, but now most Fennel is grown in India, China, Egypt and Turkey.

Ancients believed Fennel Seed was particularly helpful in eyesight. It was also believed to increase strength. In ancient Greece, it was considered a symbol of success. In more recent history, the Puritans referred to Fennel as the "meeting seed" as it was a favorite practice to chew the seeds during meetings. Today, Fennel Seed is widely used in India as an after-dinner breath freshener and also to help in digestion.

Ground mace

nobody@flickr.com (kevin dooley) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:51:48 -0700

kevin dooley posted a photo:

A macro of the spice ground mace at about 25x.

From Enspicelopedia:

Both Mace and Nutmeg are derived from the fruit of the same tree, Myristica fragrans. Mace is the thin, bright red aril or lace-like covering over the shell of the Nutmeg. Its flavor is similar to Nutmeg but more delicate.

Mace is used in soups, cream sauces, lamb, chicken, potted meats, cheeses, stuffing, sausages, puddings, ketchup, baked goods, and donuts. It is used in French, English, Asian, West Indian, and Indian cuisines, and the spice blends garam masala, curry, and rendang.

The primary source of Mace is Indonesia. Historically, Mace originating from the East Indies has been considered premium due to its bold orange color, rich flavor and high volatile oil content. Mace produced in the West Indies is yellowish in color and has a milder flavor.

Until the 18th Century, the world's only source of Mace and Nutmeg was the area known as Indonesia. When the Dutch took control of this area, Mace and Nutmeg were among the richest prizes. Knowing these spices did not grow elsewhere, they proceeded to establish one of the tightest monopolies the world has ever known. There is a legend that it was a Frenchman who started the erosion of Dutch control by smuggling seedlings out of the East Indies. True or not, it is a fact that a series of transplantings did occur and a number of other areas began producing these spices.