Paso Robles Spice of Life, Herbs and Spices, Quality spices and flavors for your family!

Spices and herbs have been around for centuries and take us on amazing and wonderful adventures. They are one of the main components to distinguishing cooking regions and the many ethnic cuisines and cultures around the world. These “miracles of nature” bring us a celebration of flavors and intoxicating aromas that excite our senses.

Allspice Powder
(also known as Pimento, Jamaica Pepper and Myrtle Pepper) Ground allspice is very aromatic and releases notes reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. It is used in many sweet dessert recipes such as cakes, cookies, biscuits and vanilla pie filling. It can also be used on meats and fish to impart a sweet- spicy flavor. Try adding a few Allspice berries to your pepper grinder to add a little zest to your black pepper.
(1.63oz ) $6.95

Anise Seed / Whole
This pale brown seed has a distinct licorice flavor that is not too pungent or lingering. It compliments dessert recipes such as cookies, biscuits and cakes and is also added to some Indian recipes for soups, stews and casseroles. Anise has been known to settle and improve the digestive tract, stimulate circulation, help relieve congestion from a cough or cold, and relax the body before bedtime.
(1.75 oz) $5.75

Basil
Basil’s sweet, fresh flavor and clove-like aroma is especially ideal with tomatoes and is the basis of Italian pesto sauce. It compliments vegetables, soups, stews, salads, sauces, and pasta dishes. The US Dept. of Agriculture lists many health benefits associated with Basil.
(Sweet Calif.) *c/s
(.63oz) $6.95

Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are mostly associated with long, slow-cooking recipes like soups, stews, casseroles, sauces, meat dishes and stock. It also compliments most vegetable and pasta dishes containing tomato. If the whole leaf is used it should be removed before serving. Always use bay leaves sparingly as the flavor is strong and amalgamates readily during cooking. Turkish - classic, warm Mediterranean flavor
(.25oz) $5.95

Caraway Seed / Whole
Caraway Seeds have a warm, earthy, robust aroma with hints of anise and fennel with a slight orange scent. The initial fresh mintiness along with anise & eucalyptus flavor are followed by a lingering nuttiness. It’s most commonly used in rye bread and is popular in many European cheeses. Jewish, German and Scandinavian recipes (sauerkraut, cabbage, soups and sausages) use caraway seeds and you can also find it in popular Indian recipes. The seeds can be chewed to help relieve indigestion and stomach cramps.
(2 oz.) $4.50

Cayenne (40 heat) Mildest Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is used to kick up the heat in foods. Spice of Life carries three different heat levels. The mildest is 40 heat, the hottest is 90, with 60 heat in the middle. Cayenne pepper is a blend of finely ground, small, ripe chili and can be used in many dishes such as chili con carne, hearty bean soups, casseroles, cheese sauces, eggs or just about anything you want to add some heat. Cayenne is high in vitamin C and antioxidants and is thought to help boost the immune system as well as improve blood circulation.
(1.50oz) $7.25

Cayenne (60 heat) Medium Heat
Cayenne pepper is used to kick up the heat in foods. Spice of Life carries three different heat levels. The mildest is 40 heat, the hottest is 90, with 60 heat in the middle. Cayenne pepper is a blend of finely ground, small, ripe chili and can be used in many dishes such as chili con carne, hearty bean soups, casseroles, cheese sauces, eggs or just about anything you want to add some heat. Cayenne is high in vitamin C and antioxidants and is thought to help boost the immune system as well as improve blood circulation.
(1.88oz) $6.50

Cayenne (90 heat) Hottest Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is used to kick up the heat in foods. Spice of Life carries three different heat levels. The mildest is 40 heat, the hottest is 90, with 60 heat in the middle. Cayenne pepper is a blend of finely ground, small, ripe chili and can be used in many dishes such as chili con carne, hearty bean soups, casseroles, cheese sauces, eggs or just about anything you want to add some heat. Cayenne is high in vitamin C and antioxidants and is thought to help boost the immune system as well as improve blood circulation.
(1.88oz) $6.50

Celery Seed / Whole
Celery is an excellent all-purpose ingredient that’ll perk up a wide range of salads, soups, chutneys and casseroles. It’s a perfect blend with tomato and can be used to flavor ketchup, sauce, cheese and egg dishes, salad dressings and coleslaw. Chicken, seafood and red meat also benefit from the flavors of celery especially when combined with salt and other herbs. Celery has long been known to have diuretic properties and can help with water retention.
(1.87oz.) $4.50

Chili Flakes
A blend of hot and mild chili flakes that is bright red with lots of seeds. Delicious sprinkled on pizza, pasta & sauces. Blend of Hot & Mild Chili Flakes
¼ inch pieces (1.5oz) $6.95

Chilis Ground / Ancho
Ancho is a large, dried poblano chili with a mild, fruity, earthy flavor and is arguably the most-used chili in Mexican cooking. It is delicious in chili beans, rubs, Mexican and Southwestern dishes and other gourmet creations. Mild, Dark Earthy Chili with Fruity notes
(1.75oz) $6.95

Chilis Ground / Chipotle
Chipotle is a Jalapeno chili pepper that is allowed to fully ripen and then smoked dry, usually over mesquite wood, for several days. Its earthy spiciness is well balanced and used in Mexican dishes, salsas, meat rubs, marinades, chili sauces, soups, stews, and casseroles. For chipotle butter, simply combine chipotle powder with melted butter and a little bit of lime juice. Allow the butter to cool and re-harden. Use on seafood or grilled corn. Hot Smoky-Flavor Southwest/Mexican dishes
(2.25oz) $9.95

Chives *c/s
Chives are the smallest member of the onion family and are almost impossible to over use when adding to savory dishes. The sweet, mild flavor compliments fish, potatoes, soups, sauces, omelets, chicken, salad dressing, and mayonnaise.
(.25oz) $5.75

Cilantro *c/s
(Coriander) – Dried cilantro is not as pungent or flavorful as fresh and is used like dry parsley flakes for salsas, soups, sauces and chili. Coriander (whole or ground) is used in Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Peruvian and Mexican recipes and mixes well with almost any combination of spices. By adding additional ground Coriander, it will actually help balance a recipe if too much of another spice has been added.
(.50oz) $6.25

Cinnamon Powder / Saigon
Saigon Cinnamon is an extraordinary intense and flavorful cinnamon that has 5% essential oil content compared to most common cinnamons which have 2.5% oil content. It can be mixed with other ingredients to flavor cakes, pastries, fruit pies, curry powders, apple strudel, muffins and biscuits. Add to your coffee grounds before you brew to add flavor and a warm, sweet aroma. Cinnamon has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice and even some foods (1 tsp. of cinnamon has as many antioxidants as ½ cup of blueberries). Cinnamon helps relieve the common cold, boosts your immune system, and is a great remedy for digestive problems. It contains polyphenol, which appears to act like insulin in our body, and may help regulate blood sugar levels as well as calming inflammation in the body. Earthy, Sweet / Bright/Hot Cinnamon Aromatics
(1.38oz.).$6.50

Cloves / Powder
Whole Cloves are dried, unopened flower buds of the tropical evergreen Clove Tree. Their reddish brown color and pungent, warm, faintly peppery aroma adds a fresh, intense, lingering and sweet spicy flavor to foods. Just a little goes a long way so use sparingly because it ca easily overtake a meal. It can be used to flavor desserts, soups, broths, relishes, apple dishes, marinades and sauces for meat and poultry dishes. Clove is ranked high in levels of antioxidants but is not usually used in very large quantities.
(1.63oz) $7.95

Cumin / Whole
The aroma of cumin is warm, earthy, lingering and sweet and gives off a hint of dry peppermint. The flavor is slightly bitter and earthy and is a key ingredient in many Indian, Mexican, Thai, and Mediterranean dishes. Ground Cumin is a delicious addition to squash soup and vegetable casseroles.
(2.0 oz.) $5.25

Dill Weed / cut & sifted
Dill is in the same family as parsley, caraway, anise, coriander and cumin. Dill seed is the very small fruit of the dill plant and has a more robust aroma and flavor than the dill tips. When the seeds are dried, a distinct anise flavor with caraway notes and parsley overtones develop. Dill weed (dried green tips) are dark green, fine and has a grassy aroma. Dill is found in breads, potato & vegetable dishes, dressings, salads, soups and marinades for fish, chicken or pork. Dill is known to aid in the digestive tract and you can chew a few seeds to help freshen your breath.
(.63 oz.) $4.95

Fennel Seed / Whole
Fennel seeds have a warm, wheat-like aroma with a faint anise freshness and taste. It can be added to recipes for drinks, chicken, fruit salad, pasta, soup, salad, bread, Italian sausages, and tomato dishes. Fennel also has health benefits and can be used for an upset or bloated stomach, menstrual or intestinal cramping, relief for muscle tension, and relieve congestion. Chew on a few seeds or infuse as a tea.
(1.75 oz.) $5.50

Garlic Granules (Calif.)
Garlic belongs to the same family as onions, chives, leeks and shallots and is one of the most commonly used herbs in the world. There is hardly any dish that is not improved by the flavor of garlic. When cooked, garlic develops a more moderate and slightly sweeter taste than when it is raw. Even a small amount can heighten the flavors of most dishes. It compliments most recipes especially Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian, and Asian cuisines. Garlic has been said to be good for your heart, lower bad cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, and a good remedy for lowering blood pressure.
(1.75oz) $6.95

Ginger Root / Powder
Ginger is widely used in many recipes particularly in Asian and Indian foods. Ginger powder lacks the fresh, volatile aroma of fresh ginger but retains a spicy fragrance and characteristic ginger taste. Ginger powder can be rubbed on red meats before grilling which will add a delicious taste and has a slightly tenderizing effect. Be careful when adding ginger because it’s pungency can over power a dish. Ginger is one of the best herbs to help with stomach complaints and offers relief for nausea, indigestion, morning sickness, and motion sickness. Ginger is rich in antioxidants which help protect healthy cells.
(1.5 oz.) $5.25

Marjoram *c/s
Marjoram & Oregano – We have grouped these two herbs together because they are so similar and closely related. Dried Marjoram has a flavor and aroma that is grassy, slightly bitter and resembles a mild version of thyme. Dried Oregano has a distinct, sharp, peppery taste and is more pungent than marjoram. Both Oregano and Marjoram compliment dishes with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers as well as meatloaf, beef, lamb, pork, pizza, pasta, and marinated olive recipes.
(.38oz) $5.95

Mustard - Yellow / Powder
All mustard seeds have little aroma when whole or ground. It contains an enzyme called myrosinase, which is activated by coming in contact with liquids, and creates the typical hot, pungent taste of mustard. Mustard powder should not be added directly to vinegar as the enzymes will be killed and a bitter flavor will develop. Always put some cold water with it first (never hot because it kills the enzyme). Mustard powder can be used as a fiery spice for making a condiment, or to include in sauces for hot dishes and dressings for salad.
(1.62 oz.) $5.25

Nutmeg / Powder
The inner seed of the nutmeg tree, sitting inside the red covering of mace, is the spice that we commonly use to flavor everything from ice cream to cookies. Of all the sweet spices, nutmeg is the strongest tasting. It has a warm, aromatic, full-bodied flavor, which compliments a wide range of foods and should be added sparingly. It can be grated or used ground and added to hot & spicy drinks, hot chocolate, desserts, ice cream, baked dishes, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pasta sauces. Caution: Nutmeg contains small amounts of myristicin and elemicin, which are narcotic and poisonous and should never be consumed in excess.
(2oz) $6.95

Oregano (Greek) c/s
Marjoram & Oregano – We have grouped these two herbs together because they are so similar and closely related. Dried Marjoram has a flavor and aroma that is grassy, slightly bitter and resembles a mild version of thyme. Dried Oregano has a distinct, sharp, peppery taste and is more pungent than marjoram. Both Oregano and Marjoram compliment dishes with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers as well as meatloaf, beef, lamb, pork, pizza, pasta, and marinated olive recipes.
(.75oz) $6.50

Oregano / Powder
Marjoram & Oregano – We have grouped these two herbs together because they are so similar and closely related. Dried Marjoram has a flavor and aroma that is grassy, slightly bitter and resembles a mild version of thyme. Dried Oregano has a distinct, sharp, peppery taste and is more pungent than marjoram. Both Oregano and Marjoram compliment dishes with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers as well as meatloaf, beef, lamb, pork, pizza, pasta, and marinated olive recipes.
(1.25 oz.) $5.25

Paprika Powder
Our paprika is grown in Spain and is best known for it’s bright red color and warm bell pepper-like flavor. It’s in the same family as chili but does not have the same heat properties. Used for both color and flavor, paprika is one of those essential spices because the well-rounded and beautifully balanced flavor compliments so many recipes. It enhances foods like chicken, pork, beef, eggs, vegetables, lobster, crabmeat, shrimp, and quiche. Paprika is a great substitute for chili because it delivers the same flavor without the heat. It can be used to tone down the heat of chili if you were a bit too heavy handed without changing the flavor.
(Spanish) Mild, Chili-like flavor.
(2oz) $6.95

Paprika Smoked
Smoked Paprika should be used more sparingly than non-smoked paprika because the flavor is more intense. It is an excellent addition to many vegetarian meals as it offers a smoky bacon flavor without the meat. Use to flavor mayonnaise, grilled cheese sandwiches, meats or sprinkle over hummus or vegetables.
(Spanish) Delicious, Robust aroma & flavor
(2oz) $8.25

Parsley Flakes (Calif.)
Parsley’s fresh, balanced flavor is an ideal accompaniment to most foods. It is an essential herb used in many spice blends and mixes well with other herbs. It brightens up omelets, potatoes, soup, pasta, vegetables, sauce, fish, poultry, pork, casseroles, and stuffing recipes. It’s also contains high levels of antioxidants.
(.25oz) $5.95

Peppercorn / Black Organic
Pepper has been the world’s most popular and most frequently used traded spice for thousands of years. It stimulates the appetite with its provocative aroma and warms the tongue with its distinct flavor. Peppercorn comes in various colors and each have a slightly different taste.
*Black pepper: Robust, full-bodied, pungent flavor with lingering heat. Great to use on red meats, strongly flavored fish and seafood and it gives a lift to fresh salad. Tellicherry is a higher grade of black pepper.
(2.13 oz.) $5.95

Peppercorn / Green
Pepper has been the world’s most popular and most frequently used traded spice for thousands of years. It stimulates the appetite with its provocative aroma and warms the tongue with its distinct flavor. Peppercorn comes in various colors and each have a slightly different taste.
*Green pepper: Compliments both black and white pepper and are often included in a blend in peppermills. It has a subtle flavor that goes well in gravies, sauces for poultry, red meats and seafood as well as other rich foods like pork, duck and game.
Fresh, more subtle flavor than black, white or pink.
(2.13 oz.) $8.50

Peppercorn Mix
Pepper has been the world’s most popular and most frequently used traded spice for thousands of years. It stimulates the appetite with its provocative aroma and warms the tongue with its distinct flavor. Peppercorn comes in various colors and each have a slightly different taste.
(4 pepper / Lampong,
White, Green, Pink)
Peppercorn Mix forms a complex blend of flavors
(2.13oz) $7.50

Peppercorn / Pink
Pepper has been the world’s most popular and most frequently used traded spice for thousands of years. It stimulates the appetite with its provocative aroma and warms the tongue with its distinct flavor. Peppercorn comes in various colors and each have a slightly different taste.
*Pink peppercorn: Fully ripe fruit with a sweet, ripe and berry-like fruity flavor and appetizing late pepper heat.
(2.13 oz.) $8.50

Peppercorn /Tellicherry
Pepper has been the world’s most popular and most frequently used traded spice for thousands of years. It stimulates the appetite with its provocative aroma and warms the tongue with its distinct flavor. Peppercorn comes in various colors and each have a slightly different taste.
Higher grade / greater complexity than Lampong pepper
(2.25oz) $7.00

Peppercorn / White
Pepper has been the world’s most popular and most frequently used traded spice for thousands of years. It stimulates the appetite with its provocative aroma and warms the tongue with its distinct flavor. Peppercorn comes in various colors and each have a slightly different taste.
*White pepper: The “heart” of the fruit that has the outer skin removed which makes it less aromatic but hotter and sharper to taste. It’s good to use in white sauces where you don’t want to see the black specks. Use in moderation as the heat can override more subtle ingredients.
(2.13 oz.) $5.50

Rosemary *c/s
Rosemary provides a wonderful fragrance when heated with your favorite chicken or bread recipe. It’s popular in Italian and Mediterranean cooking and is said to bring good luck. The pungent, woody and pine-like flavor compliments starchy foods like dumplings, bread or potatoes and can be added to tomato based soups, marinades, dressings, couscous, casseroles, chicken and poultry recipes. Rosemary is also packed with antioxidants and other health benefits.
(1.25oz) $4.95

Rosemary / Powder
Rosemary provides a wonderful fragrance when heated with your favorite chicken or bread recipe. It’s popular in Italian and Mediterranean cooking and is said to bring good luck. The pungent, woody and pine-like flavor compliments starchy foods like dumplings, bread or potatoes and can be added to tomato based soups, marinades, dressings, couscous, casseroles, chicken and poultry recipes. Rosemary is also packed with antioxidants and other health benefits.
(1.25oz) $6.50

Sage / Fine Powder
Sage has a unique and pungent flavor that is used to flavor cheese, sausage, pasta, poultry and stuffing recipes. It’s a great accompaniment to fatty foods such as pork, goose and duck because of it “grease-cutting” attributes. It is best used in moderation and in dishes that are being cooked for a long time such as soups, stews, and casseroles. Sage has been known to boost energy, help the immune system and some can feel relief from tension of everyday stress and busy schedules.
(1.13oz) $6.50

Savory / Whole
(Summer Savory) This herb brings a distinct taste to otherwise mild foods without overpowering them. Savory compliments egg dishes, beans, lentils, peas, salad, meatloaf, sausage and sauce. It’s robust flavor holds up well in long, slow-cooked dishes such as soup and stew and is a good addition to bread crumbs for stuffing or coating for veal and fish.
(.50oz) $6.50

Sesame Seed - Natural / Whole
Sesame has almost no aroma but when chewed, their texture is crunchy and has a nutty flavor with a hint of sharpness. Sesame seeds can be added to breads, chicken dishes, Asian recipes and can even be toasted and sprinkled over salads. It can improve your digestive system functions by helping to digest food more easily.
(2.25 oz.) $5.50

Szchuan Pepper
Szchuan pepper is not in the pepper family and should not to be confused with vine peppers. It refers to the dried berries of the prickly ash tree. The aroma is warm, peppery and fragrant with citrus notes and the flavor is similarly pepper-like and tangy which leaves a lingering taste. It compliments rich and fatty foods such as pork and roast duck and can be a tasty seasoning in seafood, meat and poultry dishes. Tangy, sharp flavor
(2.13 oz.) $6.50

Sumac / Powder
Sumac powder is deep burgundy in color and has a course texture. It is very popular in the Middle East and used as a souring agent instead of lemon. Sumac is delicious on roasted meats, grilled fish and chicken, sprinkled on salad, hummus, or to give lamb or chicken kabobs flavor. Sumac gives recipes a fruity, sour, tangy flavor similar to lemon or vinegar. Red powder with peppery, tart taste
(2 oz.) $5.25

Tarragon Leaf / Whole
Licorice-anise aroma and tart, lingering flavor, Tarragon is best known for the unique flavor it gives to Bearnaise sauce. This aromatic herb is used extensively in French cooking and can also be added to fish and shellfish dishes. It compliments chicken, turkey, veal, and most egg dishes. Ancient Greeks used to chew tarragon to numb their mouth when they had a toothache and the Romans used it to prevent fatigue when on long journeys. Today, some believe tarragon acts as a diuretic, appetite stimulant and aids the digestive tract.
(1 oz.) $5.25

Thyme Leaf *c/s
An herb from the Mediterranean, thyme is found in more dishes than not and imparts a pleasing, warm, pungent, spicy aroma. Its lingering, mouth-freshening sharpness brings an agreeable depth of flavor to soups, stews, casseroles and most dishes containing meat like sausages, meatloaf and chicken. Thyme contains the volatile oil thymol, which can be useful in the digestion tract.
(.88oz) $6.95

Thyme Leaf / Powder
An herb from the Mediterranean, thyme is found in more dishes than not and imparts a pleasing, warm, pungent, spicy aroma. Its lingering, mouth-freshening sharpness brings an agreeable depth of flavor to soups, stews, casseroles and most dishes containing meat like sausages, meatloaf and chicken. Thyme contains the volatile oil thymol, which can be useful in the digestion tract.
(1.38oz) $6.00

Turmeric / Powder
Turmeric is widely used to add color to food however it is versatile in many dishes. It is most often associated with curries and Indian cuisine and can be added to rice to give a delicate yellow color. Turmeric has a distinct earthy aroma and pleasing, sharp, bitter, spicy, and lingering depth of flavor that is very unique. Some refer to turmeric as Indian saffron but should not be to used in a recipe as a substitution because the flavor is very different.
(2 oz.) $4.50