Lebensbaum Organic Spice Blends

When the emperors of the Roman Empire send out invitations for the sumptuous banquets in their villas, their guest could expect unrestrained debauchery of all kinds. In addition to scantily clad dancers, visitors took delight in private gladiator fights, pits with exotic animals, the jests of dwarfs and frivolous comedians. Meals were eaten in a laying position. Each lounger had male and female slaves assigned to it, who took care of the meal, the cleanliness of the guest and were later available for other services. Typically, these excessive celebrations lasted at least two days. The meal composition was not so much about the total number of courses but rather about the most extravagant presentation. Fish that turned out to be pheasant meat competed with roasted piglet from which living pigeons ascended and swans, which were presented in full plumage but had been fully roasted and stuffed with tasty fruits. To achieve such effects the chefs needed huge amounts of herbs and exotic spices. Only the very rich amongst the upper class could afford to import oriental spices. They were extremely rare and practically unaffordable. Even 2000 years ago wealth was advantageous. It helped social as well as political advancement. And that is why aristocrats liked to offer their guests a little taste of their wealth. Literally. Some dishes were so over-spiced that they were practically inedible. There was no better way to show that you had unlimited financial resources at your disposal. The oriental spices increased not only the prestige of the host, everyone could also tell incredible stories about them. After all, every child knew about the wonders and magic of the different spices from the Far East. Saffron was guarded by one-eyed creatures. They had to be slain before one could collect the saffron threads. Cardamom bushes were defended by thousands of poisonous snakes that could only be driven from their spices by massive use of fire. And only those who dared to jump on giant dragons could fly with them to their nests in order to harvest the coriander that would only grow there.

The Arab traders supplemented these myths with their own little anecdotes. This elevated not only the value of the goods but also the reverence for the own merits. And they were not to be underestimated. It was a long way from the ancient trade routes of the Orient to the cobbled streets of the Roman Empire. It took many months till the caravans with the spice traders finally arrived at the gates of Rome. Endless dangers were to overcome on these uncertain paths: unknown diseases, wild animals, dangerous predators and rebellious tribes. Not all Arab merchants reached their destination alive. Therefore it was quite reasonable to add the risks and hardships to the invoice.

Nowadays you no longer have to pledge your house for a few tins of exotic spices. Nevertheless, spices from distant countries will still enrich your kitchen. Go on an exploration with the Organic spice blends of Lebensbaum. For those who like Asian cuisine, there is the explorer kitchen Asia. Exciting curry spice mixes for rice, vegetables and meat will bring fire and colour into your dishes. Organic Red Curry is wonderfully sharp and an absolute classic. With the Organic Mint Curry or the Organic Lemon Curry your rice dishes not only get the necessary seasoning, but also some exciting new flavours.

The Lebensbaum explorer kitchen Mediterranean refines a variety of Mediterranean cuisine from gyros to paella. The spice mixture Organic Corsica with rosemary, basil and thyme is ideal for light fish dishes. If you cut feta not just as small cubes into the salad, but want to enjoy it pure you'll love the Organic spice mixture Mykonos. It lifts the feta indulgence to a whole new sphere, turning the feta cheese into the main course. The Organic spice mixture Tuscany with sage, coriander and ginger gives pasta, pesto and risotto a typical Italian flavour. Finally the Organic spice mixture Valencia with chilli, saffron, turmeric and fenugreek brings some Spanish temperament into paella and rice dish.

Experience the stories of the Arabian Nights with Lebensbaum explorer kitchen Orient. The Organic spice mixtures Harissa and Arabica with a combination of black cumin, garlic stews and cumin refines tajines or casseroles. Homemade poultry, lamb as well as dips obtain a distinctive oriental touch through the spice blends Lebensbaum Organic Hanout or Organic Oriental. The spice mix Organic Sahara adds next to cumin, coriander and fennel also a breeze of wanderlust to your couscous dishes. Lebensbaum Organic Oasa is perfect for exotic salads and falafel.

Those who prefer to stay at home can prepare creative and traditional dishes with the explorer kitchen Germany: The Organic Soups Potpourri with carrots and birdsfoot fenugreek supports the taste of hearty stews and vegetable soups, while Lebensbaum Organic Hash Spice adds the little extra to meatballs and minced meat. Vegetarian tofu and seitan dishes as well as patties of all kinds can be perfectly boosted by the Organic Veggie Spice with coriander and parsley. The Organic spice mix Herbs Blossoms with cornflowers and roses refines salads and makes serving food decoratively a true joy. All Organic spice blends of the Lebensbaum explorer kitchen are grown in Demeter quality. Experience culinary delights from around the world.