Origin
This wonderful 17th century blend originates from the beautiful French port of St. Malo which is a historical walled port city where food, history and passion meet. Dubbed the true pearl of Brittany, pirates added enormous wealth to the city by bringing in incredible treasures that included commodities like spices. During the 17th century, extraordinary changes were taking place in the dining habits of European society with the most important and dramatic shift in culinary taste led by the creativity of French cooks. These changes, ultimately derived from Arab and Persian culinary traditions, use herbs and spices and incorporate them into dishes. Quatre Épices is an enticing French blend stemming from that period and adds distinct depth to popular dishes. Commonly used in French-inspired stews, soups, pâté and charcuterie, it's also perfect in baking cakes and biscuits. Often it can be found in Middle Eastern cooking probably as a result of when France was the colonial power of Lebanon, Morocco and Algeria.
Taste
Warm, peppery and sweet with an earthy base.
Scent
Full bodied, sweet and peppery demonstrating its versatile use for sweet and savoury dishes.
How to use
Perfect for use in French-inspired stews, soups, braised meats, sausages, terrines, pâté and charcuterie, as well as gingerbread and butter biscuits. It goes great with Sunday Roast Pork, a glazed ham, or even a pumpkin pie, come those autumnal days. This four-spice blend is also considered excellent with game. Our Scandinavian friends often use it in cookies and pastries. Recently we baked a gorgeous sponge cake with some orange zest and walnuts for Easter, proving that this spice works for all seasons and all occasions.
Nutritional value
- per 100g
- Energy 1606kJ/386kcal
- Fat 17g of which Saturates 8.3g
- Carbohydrate 39g of which Sugars 31g
- Protein 6.1g
- Salt 0.24g
Size
Weight 26g / 0.95 oz ℮
Comes in an attractive 60ml dark amber, food safe, stackable glass jar with an aluminium lid.
Allergen Information
- Vegan
- Low sodium
- No additives
- No added sugar
- No preservatives
Some of our blends will be gluten free, but it is important to note that some spices and herbs naturally contain gluten.
It is also important to note that these have been packaged in a facility that handles, stores, and processes tree nuts and celery. This product may contain traces of celery, gluten, mustard, sesame, soy and nuts.
Storage
Always store in a dry place. A pantry, press or cupboard will suffice. We have made that easy by housing our blends in dark amber mason jars under an aluminium lid. Aluminium reflects both heat and light, making it the perfect material for food preservation under its closing. Spice and herb blends typically have a use by date, in our case, 24 months from manufacture.
Allspice
Sometimes known as Jamaica Pepper or Pimento, it is considered native to Jamaica. Documented by Christopher Columbus after the 2nd voyage to the 'New World', Europeans gave it the name because of its flavour familiarity to many spices. High in Vitamin C, it is a good aid for gut health.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg and Mace come from the same tree. Cultivated for over a 1,000 years, it has an abundance of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The island of Grenada features a nutmeg on its flag due to it being its main export albeit Indonesia is the largest producer.
Cinnamon
A native to China, it is from the inner bark of several tree species. Dating back to 3,000BC in Chinese herbalism, this ancient spice is considered the highest of all antioxidant herbs. Rich in Potassium it may lower blood sugar levels with people who suffer from diabetes.
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