Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In this week’s blog, we thought it only fitting to shine the green light on Irish herbs, spices and seasonings. If you’re celebrating St. Paddy’s Day, you might want to consider some traditional Irish dishes to impress your guests! If you’re looking for that clover-topped magic in your food, you should consider using wholesale spices and herbs to enhance all those delicious flavours.
Here at World of Spice, we’re experts in all thing’s herbs and spices, so if you’re looking for flavours that will go down just as well as a fresh pint of Guinness, then look no further. Let’s take a closer look at what you should be including in your St. Paddy’s dishes.
St. Patrick’s Day
So, why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day around the globe? Well traditionally, Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, was a cultural and religious celebration held on 17th March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
The day itself commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and celebrates the heritage and the culture of the Irish. Today, celebrations include public parades and festivals, the wearing of green and shamrocks, with plenty of tasty food and drink. Historically, the Lenten restriction on drinking alcohol was lifted for the day, which has encouraged the holiday’s tradition of increased alcohol consumption for those who celebrate! St. Paddy’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national fesitival.
Herbs, Spices and Seasonings to Use This St. Patrick’s Day
Whether or not you believe in the legend’s surrounding St. Patrick, everyone can celebrate the culture of the Irish on this day. With food and drink a huge part of this holiday, Irish cuisine has a reputation for being filling, tasty and wholesome. The ingredients are often nutritious and readily available for everyone. However, there are some key herbs, spices and seasonings that you simply must get your hands on if you’re serious about paying homage to the Irish culture! Here are some of the must haves that are frequently used in Irish food:
Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds are used in many Irish dishes and widely kept in a typical Irish pantry. They are a staple ingredient in soups, stews and baked goods, such as cakes, bread and are an essential in Irish soda bread. Caraway seeds add a warm, sweet and slightly peppery aroma to your cuisine. If you’re hoping to re-create a traditional soda bread, you’ll need plenty of caraway seeds.
Rosemary
Rosemary’s strong, yet fragrant flavour pairs well with many meat and vegetable dishes and is an essential ingredient in Irish lamb stew or to compliment traditional mutton. Rosemary lends an aromatic and earthy flavour, making it a popular choice of herb to spruce up any protein-based dish.
Sage
Dried sage is highly aromatic and fragrant and will add a wonderful, warm flavour to your Irish meals. This herb is essential in Irish sage potato muffins; in fact, these savoury dinner treats depend upon the fragrant herb to give them the fresh kick and colour associated with the dish. Native to both Europe and the Mediterranean, sage is used exclusively in savoury dishes and will compliment both meat and root vegetables very well.
Thyme
Thyme has leprechaun sized leaves, but don’t be fooled – its flavour is mighty! Of all the herbs, spices and seasonings, traditional recipes for St. Patrick’s Day tend to include fresh or dried thyme. It provides a delicious flavour for fattier meats and works beautifully in beef stews and soups for a more robust flavour. It is also a common ingredient in traditional corned beef recipes, traditionally found in Ireland. Grab a brisket, an Irish ale, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and thyme and you’re ready to create a traditional corned beef!
Parsley
A traditional soup or stew is a staple when it comes to Irish cuisine. Parsley is always used to liven up the broth and create a fresh and aromatic flavour! Its bright green colour is certainly festive for this day of celebration and it’s crisp, spring taste is welcomed by many Irish ingredients. If you’re making colcannon (mashed potatoes and cabbage), a little parsley and garlic powder can enhance the earthy flavours found in these root vegetables and transform this simple side-dish.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re cooking some Irish traditions at home, or serving up a feast at your restaurant establishment, these delicious herbs, spices and seasonings make it easy to create the perfect spread for St. Paddy’s Day!
At World of Spice, we understand the importance of authentic and traditional tasting cuisine. As experienced and trusted suppliers of wholesale spices, our herbs, spices and seasonings are known for their purity and potency, full of delicious flavour to give your Irish food the edge. Our service is cost-effective and reliable; we go above and beyond for each of our customers to ensure that you get the produce you need for business.
From bespoke blends to a choice of packaging, complete with custom labelling, our comprehensive service can help you achieve your culinary goals. For more information about our services and what we can offer you, please contact us at orders@worldofspice.co.uk, or feel free to call our team on 01277 633303. We look forward to hearing from you.
