Seaweed and Allspice. Two ends of the spectrum. But as I research Herbs and Spices for you, these are the two I want to talk about today.
(Geez. I really love doing research)! lol
Let’s start with Seaweed. It comes from the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the North Atlantic.
Much like the conversation about wheat grass, (which for years now how been so cool to eat/drink), seaweed is the new wheat grass! lol
I just made that up.
But don’t you think that’s true? How many people are talking about how good seaweed is for you, right?
IKR?
I thought you might have heard that too. Thanks for confirming it for me!
So I would say, you need to know about all aspects of any spice or herb and really know if it’s personally right for you.
In America we use extracted gums as a thickener, but mostly we used it to wrap sushi, or as a garnish. And I’ve actually heard of people who eat ‘seaweed chips’.
According to a book that mentions seaweed (that I am currently reading) called Herbs, Spices and Condiments: “Japan uses it as a vegetable. They use it in Ice Cream, Salad Dressing, Icing and Glazes, Cosmetics, Impressions for Dentures…..”.
Waste not want not?
If you’re using it as a thickener….. buyer beware! It’s a really good laxative! lol
It’s also (according to author Carol Ann Rinzler) suspected to be cargenogenic. To paraphrase: It caused tumors when injected into rats.
Nice.
On the positive side: It’s rich in Calcium and Iodine, Vitamins A & C. But…. on the bad side, that Calcium is 5 times harder to absorb than Calcium from other sources. And it’s totally high in salt.
So like anything else I talk about, in moderation it’s ok, but certainly not a regular staple for your diet.
Onto our next spice: Allspice. Quite nice.
Allspice comes from the West Indies and Latin America. Here’s what the book says: “Allspice is the dried, nearly ripe fruit of an evergreen tree that grows in Jamaica, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras….. it tastes like a natural combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. It’s used in liqueurs, and as flavoring for Ice Cream, Baked Goods, Candy and Chewing Gum.
Really? REEE LEE? I did not know that!
Now the ‘down’ side to allspice.
Nothing.
Just kidding.
You can have an allergic reaction when handling it. So if you break out in a rash? Just know that’s what it is.
And guess what? Allspice makes for a great air freshener! Banish those chemicals with those phony chemical smells that can’t be good for ya and go for Allspice! Just boil one teaspoon in 2 cups of water as guests arrive and you’ve lot a lovely smelling home! (I actually prefer caramelizing onions just before guests arrive, but that’s just me)! lol
Happy Eating,
Chef Marian