The big five of Santa Maria spices
SUPERIOR QUALITY
Black Pepper from India
Tellicherry is probably the best black pepper in the world. It’s fruity and aromatic with a pleasant kick. Each one of these large peppercorns has a thick, aromatic husk and a core with piperine, which makes it hot. Lower quality pepper develops less essential oils and a stickier heat with more of a tea tree oil flavour.
OriginKerala, India
Karnataka, India
Araku, India
ProcessThe black pepper grows as a vine on trees
Perfectly ripe peppercorns are picked by hand
Sun drying makes the pepper turn from green and red to black
GradingTellicherry Garbled Special Extra Bold (TGSEB), which is the highest grade and the largest peppercorns (>4,75 mm in diameter)
3 stars (top rating) at Superior Awards 2023
We promiseOnly perfectly ripe Tellicherry Black Pepper from India
Pepper bought directly from the farmers/companies on site
100% whole peppercorns sold as grains or ground right before packaging
HOW TO USE IT
Great pairings for Tellicherry Black Pepper
Black pepper is actually a super pairing for all kinds of fruits and sweet desserts, where the fruity and citrusy notes play a major role.
The Italian cuisine proves that black pepper can be the main spice in many pasta and meat dishes. The classic carbonara is a good example.
TRUE CLASSIC
Cinnamon from Indonesia
This cinnamon (Cassia Burmannii) has an intense and full-bodied taste with hints of almonds and marzipan. It’s the dried inner bark from the cassia tree, which can reach up to 18 meters in the wild. Even though this type of cinnamon is native to Indonesia, it might be referred to as “Chinese cinnamon” or simply “cinnamon”.
GrowingThe bark of tropical evergreen trees
Reach up to 18 meters high in the wild
Cultivated trees are usually kept shorter
ProcessThe inner bark is gently peeled off the tree
Pieces of cinnamon bark is dried properly
Continuous observation is needed to avoid mould and other infestations
MixingThe bark is mild in the top of the tree and strong closer to the ground due to the level of essential oils
By mixing pieces from different parts of the tree, we get nice flavours
We promiseOnly whole and carefully checked pieces of cinnamon from Indonesia
Cinnamon bought directly from the farmers/companies on site
All grinding inhouse to guarantee the right flavours
HOW TO USE IT
Great pairings for Cinnamon
This type of cinnamon paired with ginger is the true flavour of Christmas. Its pleasant menthol aroma works so well in sweet foods, which also makes it the perfect choice for cinnamon rolls.
Cassia cinnamon is also common in Moroccan tagines, Indian garam masalas and Chinese five spice blends because of its warm and spicy aroma.
Pure Craftsmanship
Smoked Paprika from Spain
This precious powder is made from smoke-dried paprika pods. Thanks to the traditional process where perfectly sun-ripened paprikas are smoked over oakwood, it gets a sweet, smoky, rustic and deep taste. This characteristic set of flavours is a must-have in Spanish classics like Chorizo and Paella.
GrowingPaprika seedlings are grown in trays
Cultivated in green houses
Planted in the fields of southwestern Spain
ProcessAfter three months, the paprikas are picked by hand
They’re put in brick houses to smoke-dry over oakwood for 8–10 days
Finally, the paprikas are ground by using stone wheels
Seal of qualityTrue Pimentón de la Vera
The La Vera area is world-renowned for its smoked paprika
Sometimes this paprika is referred to as the “Red Gold of Vera”
Great pairings for Smoked Paprika
Our Smoked Paprika powder brings the hearty and bold smoke flavour, usually associated with smoked meats, straight into the vegetarian dishes.
It’s also a great taste companion for shellfish and devilled eggs.
GRASSY AND MINTY
Oregano from South America
We believe the best oregano grows at 2 300 meters above the sea level, in South American countries like Peru. It develops small leaves and a lot of small flowers, which add to the high level of essential oils and great taste. That’s where our fresh, grassy and minty oregano grows.
GrowingThe oregano bush prefers high altitudes
It blooms once or twice a year
The taste is best right before blooming
ProcessOur oregano is airdried and cleaned thoroughly
We remove all sticks and stems
SelectionThe taste differs a lot depending on the origin
That’s why we buy different varieties for our different spice blends
We promisePure and naturally processed oregano in every bag
Only leaves and flowers, no sticks or stems
Always airdried, never heat- or freeze dried
HOW TO USE IT
Great pairings for Oregano
Oregano pairs well with tomatoes and basil. That’s one reason why it’s a staple in the Italian cuisine.
The minty and citrusy aroma of oregano is perfect with all kinds of citrus. A good way to use this power pair is together with feta cheese and summer vegetables like zucchini and asparagus.
not only hot
Chili from North America, Africa and India
Of course, chili is used in food to add heat. But true chili enthusiasts know that it adds so much more. Chili brings amazing taste and a big palette of different flavour notes. We source chilis from different parts of the world to offer as much chili flavour as possible.
Ancho Style Chili PepperTo product pageDried poblano chili with mild heat, sweet taste and a hint of fruitiness.
Taste: Round, sweet, musty, mild, notes of tobacco, liquorice and plums
Origin: USA
Guajillo Chilli PepperTo product pageDried and mildly spicy chili with sweet, tangy and slightly herbyflavours.
Taste: Green tea, fruity, acidic and similar to cranberries
Origin: Mexico
Chipotle Chilli PepperTo product pageSmoke-dried jalapeño pepper with balanced heat and rich, smoky notes.
Taste: Musty, deep and smoky
Origin: Mexico
Cayenne PepperTo product pageHot chili pepper mainly used for its sharp, fiery and fruity taste.
Taste: Slightly fruity and very hot
Origin: India
Piri Piri Chilli PepperTo product pageVery hot and pretty small pepper also known as “Bird’s Eye Chili”.
Taste: Direct and clean heat
Origin: Various African countries
- Quality spices from plant to plateLearn how to get the finest spices
The steps we take to get the best possible taste in every pack of spices.
Essential flavouring knowledgeGet the basics of spices and herbsWhat is a spice? What is a herb? And what makes them taste great? Here are the answers.
How great spice blends add valueSee 58 reasons to use spice blendsCheck out some of our favourite spice blends and why you should use them.
