1. What’s got you most excited right now
Honestly, celebrating 10 years of The Pepper Quest! It’s a huge milestone for us, and we can’t wait to share more about how we’re marking the anniversary throughout the year. And also all the new harvests that are on they way in. First to arrive is the amazing pepper and products from the Pham Family on Phu Quoc - Chili salt, Pepper Salt and the Late Harvest Pepper. Such an honor to have been working with the family for over a decade now!
2. Favorite spice at the moment?
Five spice! I've been experimenting with it in different dishes and combining it with added flavors like our mandarin peels, black cardamom and tamarind. It's round, versatile, satisfying and a little mysterious.
3. Is there a trend or food culture you're curious about right now?
I’ve been fascinated by how fermented and preserved flavors are showing up everywhere, from drinks to desserts. It’s definitely influencing how we think about our next products... more on that very soon.
BONUS: What spices do you recommend if you want to introduce flavorful food to your kids?
Our kids love Batak Pepper. Combine it with simple flavors like coconut, lime, ginger and it is usually a hit. I've noticed some ways to get our kids more flavorful food and the first way is to always be overly enthusiastic when they are trying to figure out a new flavor or if heat is good or not.
Another way is to involve them in the cooking process, giving them some tastes along the way and asking what spices or flavors should be added to make it better. Also let them just go bananas on the pestle and mortel so they can make spice mixes for the food. Tell them about ratios and see where they end up. Then use that mix in the cooking!
