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Spices in spring

2023-12-7

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Nature is awakening to new life, everything smells and blooms – and that's exactly what should happen on the plates as well. Our spice expert, Elisabeth Voltmer, has delved into the spice trends of spring. Get inspired and turn the season and its highlight, Easter, into a culinary experience.

When winter comes to an end, our body and soul crave freshness. We long for light dishes with crisp vegetables and refreshing spice notes. This also applies to the Easter holidays. How fortunate that in spring, herbs are sprouting, and the spice drawer is well-stocked.

What's growing here?

For classic spring spreads and salads, essentials include chives and parsley – they grow in fields and gardens. In the woods, the coveted wild garlic grows, translating spring into an intense flavour note. This wild herb is suitable for soups, spreads, sauces, or pesto and is a fantastic seasonal garlic alternative.

The hearty aroma of rosemary not only adds a resinous flavour to dishes but also has invigorating effects. The same goes for ginger and turmeric, bringing fruity and spicy nuances to the food. All are beautiful options for exciting spice experiments that fit perfectly into spring. One of our tips: Try using cilantro leaves instead of parsley and combine them with mango, chilli, cucumbers, and lentils – and there you have it, a refreshing salad combination for the first warm days of the year.

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Fasting doesn't mean sacrificing taste

The Holy Week is often characterized by traditional dishes – from Easter eggs to Easter ham. For a light change in between, fruits and vegetables, delicate cream cheeses, salads, and fresh herbs provide variety. Even spinach, which is a staple in many families on Maundy Thursday, can be reimagined: Our spice expert recommends, for example, not just seasoning spinach with nutmeg, salt, pepper, and garlic but trying combinations like curry, ginger, turmeric, and coconut milk. Adding paprika, cumin, coriander, and yogurt imparts oriental flavours, showcasing its versatility.

On Good Friday, a light fish dish works excellently. How about an exotic salmon ceviche with mango and cilantro or a risotto with oranges, turmeric, and cayenne pepper?

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A spicy Easter holiday

Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday are often characterized by family gatherings. Since you don’t always have to stick to the same recipe, you can also refine traditional dishes: for example, you can spice up the classic “Osterpinze” or a moist carrot cake with bourbon vanilla and lemon zest. In addition to egg dishes and spring vegetable casseroles, you can also impress with ham in bread dough. Even if you are less experienced, a natural spice blend will fill the whole house with the aroma of bread. When setting the festive table, think about light spreads and colourful vegetable sticks as well. Healthy snacking is not only pleasing to the Easter bunny!

Find many exciting recipes for flavourful spring and Easter days here.

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