SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!
The days are getting shorter. The temperature is dropping in the northern hemisphere. Which means, rather than rustling up light tropical flavours like passionfruit and mango, we’re sliding over to the spice rack for inspiration. Summer flavours simply can’t scratch our cake itch in the deepening winter. The reason is both physical and psychological. It seems that spices really do spice up your life!
Our go-to winter spices are: cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, allspice, star anise, cardamom, clove, ginger, and saffron. They all contribute compounds that literally fire up our physiological heating systems. Along with hot chili and black pepper, they contribute in varying degrees to our actual physical warmth.
As well as that, our longstanding association with their aromas and flavours also has an effect. The memory of being comfortably warm (versus freezing cold), and the
