Shelf Life

• Ground spices 2-3 years
• Whole spices 3-4 years
• Seasoning blends 1-2 years
• Herbs 1-3 years
• Extracts 4 years except Pure Vanilla, which will last indefinitely

King of Herbs

Basil is considered to be the King of Herbs. It is originally from India and other parts of tropical Asia, where it has been cultivated over 5000 years. Basil seeds are used in Ayurveda. The main sources of basil today are Egypt, then the U.S. In ancient times it was a symbol of love and fertility. Legend has it, that an Italian suitor would wear a sprig of basil in his lapel to signify his marital intentions. Today it is used in tomato sauce,pesto, bouquet garni and Italian seasoning, all of which can be used in a sensible weight loss diet.

Master Spice

Black pepper is called the master spice because it can be stored for many years and still retain it aromatic properties. It is used to flavor food in almost every nation in the world. It is used in rubs, spice blends, soups, vinegarettes and more. Pepper was so precious in ancient times, it was used as money, weighed like gold and used as a medium of exchange. Today, it is common and inexpensive, but a must in a healthy pantry to add flavor and fight fat and may even decrease joint pain.

Sacred Spice

Cinnamon, made from the inner bark of evergreens from the genus Cinnamomum, When harvest the bark is stripped off and left in the sun until it curls into the familiar cinnamon sticks or quills. Romans considered this fragrant spice, sacred and some believe that 15th century explorations for it may have indirectly led to the discovery of America. Use in hot drinks, whole grain cereals,fruit or toast.

Ginger Spice

Ginger root used worldwide comes mainly from China and India. It may have cholesterol lowering properties and studies show a decrease in joint pain after use. A simple soothing tea can be made using ginger root, lemon and honey:

• Fill a 1 qt. teakettle and get it boiling
• Meanwhile, grate a one-inch piece of fresh ginger root
• Get a thermos out, a 1 quart works well
• Put the ginger in the thermos
• add 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• add 3 tablespoons honey
• When your water is boiled, pour it in the thermos
• Cover it up and let it sit for 20 minutes

For more information see: Highway2PerfectHealth