ALLSPICE:  Although most of us think allspice is a blend of lots of different spices, it's actually a berry that grows on trees that thrive lavishly in the forests of Jamaica.  It's an easy mistake:  smell an allspice berry and you'll think you're smelling cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.  It is used in both whole and ground forms, the latter bakes into pies, puddings and breads beautifully, adding a distinct holiday flavor.  Whole allspice can be used as part of a marinade for baked meats or added to mulled wines and ciders as they simmer.

STAR ANISE: Although not related to anise at all, star anise is a star-shaped seed with an anise-like flavor that comes from a small evergreen tree of the magnolia family.  This tree is native to Southeast Asia and is cultivated in China, although it's becoming more familiar in North America as cooks discover its beautiful shape and gingerly flavor.  It is used in many teas.

CARDAMON:  The world's second-most valuable spice, these straw colored pods hail from India, where they thrive happily in the warmth and humidity.  They ripen throughout the year and are snipped off the plant with sharp scissors when about three-quarters ripe.  A favorite in countless curries and traditional Indian after-dinner treats, cardamon is also used frequently in baked goods.  Try replacing cinnamon with cardamon the next time you make cinnamon sugar.

CINNAMON:  There are actually two types of cinnamon.  Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon.  Cassia is the familiar one, probably because it is much sweeter than the milder, lighter Ceylon.  Cinnamon grows as bark on evergreen trees and is harvested during the rainy season, as the moisture makes it easier to handle.  After being stripped, the bark is rolled into cinnamon sticks.  Cinnamon, whole or ground, has myriad uses in dishes both sweet and savory.  Try it sprinkled on fresh tomato slices with a little sugar for a new experience.

CLOVES:  The clove tree is astounding in both appearance and scent although the unopened clove buds are harvested at such a rate that clove blossoms are rare.  Grown primarily in Madagascar and other coastal African areas, buds are picked in clusters from a main stem of about 10 to 15 heads.  Each tree is loaded with upwards of 40,000 buds, or about 6 pounds dried.  Cloves are among the most pungent os spices and are a vital part of holiday cookery and gift giving.

NUTMEG:  The enigmatic spice comes from a peach-like fruit, Myristica fragrans.  In commerical use, the seed of this fruit is known as nutmeg, and the membrane that surrounds the seed, mace.  Traced to Indonesia, nutmeg made its way to Europe sometime around 6 A.D.  Sweet and warm, with a spicy undertone, it's been used for years as a flavoring for all kinds of desserts, like carrot cake and baked custard, as well as entrees and side dishes.

BLACK AND WHITE PEPPERCORNS:  Although both berries are from the same vine, the Piper nigrum, there is a marked difference between black and white pepper.  The berries used for black pepper are picked just before they're fully ripe, while white peppercorns are allowed to ripen completely.  In the United States, we use 12 times more black pepper than white.  Both sorts have countless uses, but try sneaking a little pepper into sweet foods to create a sort of mysterious undercurrent.

VANILLA BEAN:  This long, thin pod is the fruit of the only orchid out of 20,000 varieties that bears anything edible.  Its elusiveness made it seductive fodder for royalty, and its very labor-intensive, time-consuming harvesting process makes it expensive even today.  the orchids that produce vanilla beans only open one day per year and then, only for a few hours--and that's just the beginning of the story.  The three most common vanilla beans used today are the Bourbon-Madagascar, the Mexican and the Tahitian.  Once you buy the beans, wrap them tightly in plastic, place in an airtight jar, and then place the jar in the refrigerator.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading about these spices and will visit our store where you can find Spice Gift Sets, Coffee, Wine and Chocolate Gift Sets, as well as many other fine items.