The differences in the taste profiles of real and fake saffron are pronounced. Fake saffron—which is often colored with red food coloring or other foreign substances —will either lack flavor entirely or have a bitter metallic taste. On the other hand, real saffron will have a strong floral scent and the will have a floral and earthy taste, the kind of flavor you’re looking for saffron to impart. What is Saffron? Saffron is the harvested stigma of the autumn crocus flower, also known as the saffron crocus. Each flower produces only three stigma at a time, meaning it takes betwe ..read more

Reach your New Years wellness goals without making any major sacrifices with these 5 easy tips on eating healthier. From stocking up on healthy snacks, adding big flavor with bold spices, and opting for leaner protein choices, we're here to show you how delicious, and easy, healthy eating can be.  5 Tips for Eating Healthier at Home 1. Limit processed foods Our favorite way to resist over-indulging in processed foods is by making sure we have healthy snacks on hand. Some of our favorite healthy snacks include baby carrots, hummus, popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, dark ..read more

Wild Black Cumin vs. 'Traditional' Cumin When wondering about the difference between Rumi’s variety of cumin and “traditional” cumin, first, look at the color. Rumi’s premium cumin variety is known as black cumin for a reason. Its color is much darker than other varieties, lending itself to a richer flavor and more potent aroma. While used in the same way as more common cumin varieties, our premium Wild Black Cumin brings an additional layer of earthiness to your favorite dishes, from curries to tacos, veggies, hummus, and more. Where Does Black Cumin Come From? Indigenous to the Old Pers ..read more

January is the season for new beginnings and, for many, a time to reset those poor holiday eating habits. After months of dining out, Christmas cookies, and celebratory meals, January is the perfect time to get back in the kitchen and begin cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients.  In the cooler, darker months, you may find yourself wondering, what produce is seasonal and fresh? Without the large farmer's market stalls drawing you in, it’s harder to identify what’s in season. We’re here to help break down all that the winter season has to offer. Plus, some delicious recipe ideas tha ..read more

Our flavor-packed spices and blends add ease, and unrivaled flavor, to your everyday eating. From weeknight dinners to festive feasts, read on for our top tips on how to simplify mealtime with our premium, hand-harvested spices and blends.  Dress Up Your Dips Top pre-made dips with a sprinkle of your favorite spice and instantly fool your guests into thinking they're homemade. Our favorite combos include:  Hummus + Za’atar  Labneh + Harissa Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt + Saffron (the easiest way to make our favorite saffron aioli) Add Ease with Meal Starters Using ..read more

Chili is the perfect dish to make as the weather get coolers. It’s hearty, full of rich flavor, relatively easy to make, and as it simmers its rich aroma fills the kitchen. But most of all, we love chili for its versatility. There are so many variations of this delicious dish we can’t seem to stop experimenting with new ones. In our opinion, chili is good for most any occasion, from a football watch party, to a cozy weeknight dinner, to a simple, hearty lunch, and with about just any protein, from beans to veggies, chicken, beef, or even pork.  As things are starting to cool down here in ..read more

What is shish taouk?  Shish taouk (or shish tawook) is a dish of marinated chicken that is typically skewered and grilled. The word shish, which comes from the Old Turkish word şiş, means “skewer”. And tawook means chicken. The Ottoman (Turkish) Empire ruled Lebanon for a while, which is why there is a Turkish influence on some Lebanese cuisine. Where did shish taouk originate? Shish taouk is believed to have originated in Turkey, though it is now commonly eaten in Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt and as a part of many Middle Eastern cuisines. How is shish taouk made?  Shish taouk is t ..read more

What is koobideh?  Koobideh is a type of Middle Eastern kebab that is made from ground meat, typically lamb or beef. The meat is mixed with spices and formed into long, thin cylinders that are grilled on a skewer.  Usually, koobideh kebabs are cooked over an open flame, but they can also be baked or grilled. One of the things we love about koobideh is that it is easy to make at home year-round.  What does koobideh mean? Where did koobideh originate? Koobideh comes from the Persian word "kubid," or “koobidan” which means "to beat." The traditional recipe for koobideh kebabs calls ..read more

What is Kofta?  Kofta is a type of "meatball" that originates from the Middle East and India. The word kofta comes from the Persian word kūfta, which means "to beat or to grind," which references the ground meat typically used to make kofta recipes. For ultra-tender Kofta patties or kebabs, we recommend grinding your meat twice, either by grinding your already-ground meat in a food processor or by asking the butcher to "double-grind" your meat.  Where did Kofta originate? Where is it commonly enjoyed today? While kofta originated in Persia, it is now enjoyed in many pa ..read more

What is tandoori? What does tandoori mean? Tandoori is a style of cooking that originated in India. Tandoori dishes are cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven that is heated to very high temperatures. The tandoor was traditionally used for bread making, but it has since been adapted for use with meats, vegetables, and even desserts.  Where did tandoori originate? Where is tandoori commonly enjoyed? Tandoori has its roots in the Indian subcontinent. The tandoori method of cooking is thought to have originated in the Punjab region.  In recent years, tandoori has become ..read more