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Ready to start using herbs and spices more adventurously, or just at all? <\/span>The first post<\/a> in this series talked about how this isn\u2019t hard or difficult. <\/span>Mostly, it just takes a little courage and gumption. <\/span>Start by finding a spark of herb and spice inspiration. <\/span>Once you\u2019ve settled on a couple herbs or spices, find a recipe or two and you\u2019re off and running. <\/span>The second post shared Six Tricks and Tips for a Successful Spice Adventure<\/a>. <\/em>Now, here are: <\/span> <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Seven More Rules of the Road for a Successful Spice Adventure<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1. <\/span>Maximize Flavor<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>Over time (i.e., six months to a year), herbs and spices lose their vim and vigor. <\/span>So if you\u2019ve been wanting to try a curry dish, don\u2019t use the powder bought last year in a fit of inspiration. <\/span>Find a recipe first, then go buy a fresh batch of flavorful, fresh curry powder. <\/span>That way you get a taste that\u2019s the truest and best. <\/span><\/p>\n 2. <\/span>Buy Wise<\/strong><\/span> <\/span><\/span>Buy herbs and spices from the bulk bins at a health foods store with a good turnover. <\/span>Not only are they cheaper ounce per ounce, you can buy just what you need. <\/span>To begin with, buy a very small amount, enough for a few recipes. <\/span>Once you\u2019ve made friends with an herb or spice, buy larger amounts, but not more than about a quarter cup at a time, so you won\u2019t be tempted to use them past their prime. <\/span><\/p>\n 3. <\/span>Smell Before You Buy<\/strong><\/span> <\/span>Most herbs and spices have a comforting and inviting smell. <\/span>However, if you find a smell repulsive, maybe that particular flavoring is not for you. <\/span>For sanitation purposes, sniff from a safe distance or, better yet, sprinkle a little in your hand and get a good whiff. <\/span><\/p>\n 4. <\/span>Don\u2019t Give Up Too Soon<\/span><\/strong> <\/span>If it\u2019s not love at first sight when you try an herb or spice, be open and give it at least another couple tries. <\/span>Likely as not, your taste buds are simply surprised, especially since the typical western diet is so sadly limited and bland. <\/span>Be considerate and give the buds a little time to adjust. <\/span>Try the herb or spice with different foods and over several weeks. With so much potential pleasure at stake, that much effort is definitely warranted. <\/span><\/p>\n 5. <\/span>Get Fresh<\/strong> <\/span><\/span>Don\u2019t forget about trying fresh herbs and spices. <\/span>In my opinion, fresh are better and brighter tasting, and add a real special-ness to a dish. <\/span>I\u2019ve found this to be especially true for garlic, ginger, tarragon, cilantro, dill, parsley, mint, and rosemary.<\/p>\n 6. <\/span>The Exchange Rate <\/span><\/span><\/strong>With fresh herbs so widely available in grocery stores, many recipes now call for them to begin with. <\/span>If a dried version is called for, simply substitute one tablespoon fresh for each teaspoon of dried. <\/span>Generally speaking the reverse is not true. <\/span>If a recipe calls for a fresh herb, using dried will likely result in a less than satisfying dish.<\/p>\n