Common Name:  Elderberry
Also known as:  Elder
Botanical Name:  Sambucus nigra
Country of Origin:  Albania
Plant Parts Used:  Entire berry
Appearance: Intense Blue-Purple


Elderberry is found on a flowering plant/shrub and is a member of the honeysuckle family. This deciduous shrub produces a fruit that, in recent years has become very popular. Although the flowers and berries are edible all other parts of this shrub are poisonous containing toxic calcium oxalate crystals.

Edible purplish-black fruit ripens in drooping clusters late summer and they measure 3–5 mm in diameter. Elderberries are particularly rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins. In addition to their culinary uses, elderberries are commonly used in cough syrups and used to treat symptoms of flu, colds and constipation.

Fun Fact: Made from the branch of an elder tree, the Elder Wand plays a pivotal role in the final book of the Harry Potter series

Herbs de Provence  is a popular  mixture of dried herbs  originating from the Provence region of southeast France, the most populated city being that of Marseille. Herbs de Provence is most commonly used with grilled meats and stews. The 1970's saw companies  from France standardize the mixture and purvey the product to international spice wholesalers, bringing Herbs de Provence to its popularity today.

The recipe is a simple and fragrant one, made from commonly found herbs here in the US, of which many can be found here in our webstore!

Herbs de Provence Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp Thyme Leaf Whole
• 2 Tbsp Dried Savory
• 2 Tbsp Oregano Leaf Cut & Sifted
• 1 Tbsp Rosemary Leaf Whole
• 1 Tbsp Marjoram Leaf Cut & Sifted
• 2 Tbsp Parsley Leaf Flakes
• 1 Tbsp Lavender Flowers Whole (optional)

Multiply the ingredients for an even larger batch. Sealed in an air tight container, this mixture will stay good and potent for up to two years!

Common Name:  Bladderwrack
Also known as:  Sea Oak, Rockwrack, Dyer's Fucus, Red Fucus, Black Tang
Botanical Name:  Fucus vesiculosus
Country of Origin:  France
Plant Parts Used:  Entire Plant
Appearance: Olive Green with no aroma

Bladderwrack is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.  It is typically consumed as a tea, taken in tablet form, or added to broths and soups as it adds a salty flavor profile. Bladderwrack contains significant amounts of mucilage, protein, vitamin C and polysaccharides, including fucoidans, fucans and algin. Bladderwrack is also a rich source of natural iodine.

Fun Fact:  Bladderwrack is apty named after its air-filled thalli or "bladders" that keep the plant afloat

Chia Seeds have become one of the most popular superfoods recently as they are rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins (A,B,D,E) and minerals. They have been shown to improve skin, digestive and heart health, and boost your energy and metabolism.

Another reason they have become so popular is that they are very easy to digest, especially when prepared in this delicious, easy to make Chia Seed Pudding! Follow the recipe below and you'll have a great breakfast to start the day or a quick snack at anytime.

Overnight Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients:
3/4 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
3 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 tsp Vanilla Extract (optional)
1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

Combine ingredients in a jar or container and mix well. Leave in the refrigerator at least 1 hour or overnight.

*Toppings
Add Banana, slivered Almonds, Cacao Nibs to taste. You can use whatever you would like as toppings, so mix it up!

One of the top question that we receive is: "What is the best way to store my dried herbs and spices?".  The keys are using an air tight container stored in a dark, cool environment. Below, Nancy Newcomer gives some great tips on how to store and achieve the greatest useful life out of your everyday herbs and spices!

Well, we are about half way through Fall and Winter is fast approaching. Especially here in the Midwest! Today, the high in Central Iowa is supposed to reach a balmy 20 degrees with single digit wind chills. So l thought I would highlight some items that will get you through the chilly months ahead.

                                             Autumn Pot Roast
One of my favorite parts of fall includes those savory pot roasts. Turn that slow cooker on low and add some of these spices to your favorite beef or pork recipe! Buying in bulk guarantees you'll be ready to go! Drop these products in the search field and away you go.

Lastly, I'll end with a tea recipe, which includes ginger, to keep you toasty during those crisp mornings!

Ginger Lemon Tea

1. Boil water in tea kettle
2. Measure about a tablespoon of cut Ginger root, place in mug
3. Cut fresh lemon in half. Squeeze both halves in small bowl. Pick out seeds
4. Pour the hot water over the Ginger and steep for 5-10 minutes
5. Strain or pick out Ginger. Pour in Lemon juice and add honey(or other sweetener to taste)
6. ENJOY!
   

Little do most consumers know, some of the highest margining grocery items lie within the spice rack at your nearest grocer. Like most people I talk to they are shocked at the price for a mere 1-2 ounce jar of everday culinary herbs and spices. This really is no surprise as the retail spice market is dominated by two companies, offering little competition or alternatives. In one corner you have ACH Food (Tones/Durkee/Spice Island) and the other McCormick & CO.(McCormick/Lawry's).

So here we are, Epic Herbs, selling our products by the pound. At first glance a whole pound of product seems a bit much, but when you consider our pricing and that most whole herbs and spices carry a shelf life of 1-3 years and ground herbs & spices 6 months to 1 year, a single purchase will last you a verrrry long time. Plus, you wont have to worry about whats left in your spice cabinet. Here is a list of the more common culinary items and what you would pay retail at the Amazon owned Soap.com, which is equal to or less than what you will see at Walmart or your local grocer. Look at what you, the consumer, can save!

This is no joke! An average savings of 84% off, on a per ounce basis. The proof is in the pudding as they say, so let us help you save some coin in your wallet!

-Greg Willett