Fragrant thyme, spicy ginger, tart barberry, pink pepper berries... Just spices for a meat or fish dish? Far from it. When combined with rock sugar and dark chocolate, they are divinely seductive and can turn a dessert into a true taste explosion.
Incredible aromas proliferate at Ute Bornholdt's spice factory. No wonder; the best herbs and spices from around the world have been her passion for the past nine years. Only products that meet the highest quality standards and fulfil numerous requirements find their way to her company Spirit of Spice in Willich near Dusseldorf. Sustainability, organic certification and fair trade are incontrovertible values at the company which focuses on uncompromising quality and responsibly selects often smaller growers and suppliers.
The high quality standards are maintained through the examination of the raw materials at German quality laboratories and during the processing at the factory where the company really earns its reputation. The products are sorted carefully by hand according to strict criteria. Only the very best make it into the high-value and comprehensive Spirit of Spice range which now encompasses 150 different products. Not only the quality of the individual spices and herbs, which come from Asia, India, South Africa, Mexico, from the Mediterranean region, and of course Germany is extraordinary. Above all, it is the exclusive seasoning blends which Ute Bornholdt develops and manufactures herself. With these inspiring combinations – made entirely of natural products without preservatives, flavour enhancers, additives or colourings – Spirit of Spice has now acquired a first-class reputation among top chefs, gourmets and home cooks. In blocks or roughly broken up, the respective spices are filled into mills and create a unique and previously unknown combination of delicious flavours with just a few stirs, giving each dish its own special taste.
'A single spice,' says Ute Bornholdt, 'can determine the whole character of a dish.' She recommends experimenting in the kitchen, a passion that she may have brought with her from her experience in the pharmacy industry. Consequently, the creativity of the Spirit of Spice founder knows no boundaries and surprises with unconventional recipes. Here, Mother Earth exudes a warm and spicy aroma. The mixture of ginger, pepper, salt, nutmeg, sesame, fennel, cloves, onion, aniseed, cinnamon, coriander and garlic is the perfect accompaniment for potato dishes, casseroles or raclette. 'Bella Donna' brings a touch of the Italian lifestyle and Mediterranean finesse to the table with sun-ripened tomatoes, paprika, rosemary, basil, onion and garlic. The rare mature Tellicherry pepper mixed with lemon myrtle, lemon peel and hibiscus blossom results in a wonderfully fresh taste that is perfect with meat, vegetables and fish. Speaking of pepper, 15 different varieties are available here for the most diverse dishes. There are also exciting variations of salt and sugar,curries and pestos, for those looking for that special touch. Complex sweet spice mixtures are, as mentioned, not missing either. A touch of 'Arabian Nights' is perfect for crepes, apple strudel or rice pudding. Hot chocolate or tiramisu becomes an intense, aromatic, eye-opening experience with 'Mexican Coffee' – an old Aztec recipe. There is no going back once you have experienced the Spirit of Spice. There is an immediate draw and visitors feel the inspiration emanating from these wonderful spice blends. I for one had great pleasure giving them a try. Maybe it will be the same for you: www.spirit-of-spice.de.
