April 2008
Quality is the Spice of Life
where to get the most delicate flavors
Amateur chefs rarely look beyond the notorious cans of oregano, rosemary or thyme when seasoning at home. Our somewhat limited use of seasoning seems inconsistent with the large shelves of mixed herbs and spices at supermarkets. Most of the time, however, the variety on offer consists of miscellaneous brands rather than a broad selection of natural aromas. No longer do spices play an economic and political role analogous to today’s oil business; back in the Middle Ages spices were extremely valuable not only as food additives, but also for their preservative and medicinal qualities. Peppercorns were literally worth their weight in gold. In 1530, the merchant Anton Fugger from Augsburg—one of the world’s richest individuals to this day—burned the debt obligation of Emperor Karl V. in a fire of cinnamon sticks demonstrating his incredible wealth.
A hint of the former value of spices suffuses the air at
Schuhbeck’s Gewürzladen. Next to his wine bar,
patisserie and ice cream store, the acclaimed Bavarian chef and entrepreneur Alfons Schuhbeck has opened a beautiful spice shop at Platzl 4a. To enter the
Gewürzladen (spice shop) is to submit oneself to a sensory explosion. Large plexiglass containers filled with colorful and aromatic seeds, roots and fruits characterize the shop’s special atmosphere. At first whiff, the diverse scents of the single spices are of a class beyond the common aromas of mass production. The unique selection of mixed herbs, furthermore, testifies to the fact that a chef decorated with numerous gourmet stars is responsible for the shop’s offerings. Using geographical subdivisions from Germany, Asia and Mexico to the Caribbean, Schuhbeck has assembled delicately complimentary mixtures for seasoning meat, fish, sauces, soups or rice and noodle dishes. There is also a section for barbecuing spices and a comprehensive assortment of curry from India and Thailand. A small but well-stocked department on the second floor of the shop is dedicated to tea. Gourmet salt from the Carmargue, flavored salt—supplemented with bear’s garlic, chili or garlic and vanilla—and sugar mixtures—ginger and orange, classic cinnamon or cocoa—round out the stock of Schuhbeck’s Gewürzladen.
In the Glockenbach district, two shops have committed themselves to spices and herbs. Aside from such culinary pleasures, both
Wilhelm Lindig Kräuterparadies and
Kräutergarten stock health products and cosmetics. Since 1887, visitors to Wilhelm Lindig Kräuterparadies at Blumenstrasse 15 have benefited from the staff’s extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs. The offerings of herbal mixtures and spices are basic, but of top quality. Variations on curry and peppercorns, as well as roots, barks and berries represent the food additive section. Balms, oils and cushions filled with hay flowers or cherry pits can be found among many more wellness products. But aside from the bounty of natural goods, the shop itself is worth a visit. Glass jars filled with tea, shelves of spices in wooden containers and beautiful drawings of flowers and herbs are emblems of a century of tradition. Certainly, Kräuterparadies is one of the rare spots in town where the historical roots of a trading business still permeate the shop.
Just a few blocks away at Pestalozzistrasse 3,
Kräutergarten prides itself on selling spices and herbs from organic crops only. In contrast to the common mass cultivation, a special selection of “wild herbs” are carefully picked in the herbs’ original European surroundings, far from streets or industrialized areas. Shop owners Romana and Matthias Auth consult their customers on the various offerings with the knowledge culled from their background as alternative practitioners. The Auth’s solid experience will help you to choose from the tasty assortment with considerations for dietary or general health issues. Aside from edible aromas, Kräutergarten also offers a stunning selection of incense.
Finally, for those in search of the best quality of food additives, the Viktualienmarkt is always a safe possibility. Two stands on the market—
Gewürzwerk and
Gewürze Rottler showcase beautiful displays of spices and herbs. As fresh air surrounds you, you will certainly have a perfect nose for what will season your cooking best. <<<
