Question 1

What is mixed spice made of?

Accepted Answer

Mixed spice is primarily composed of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, though it may also include cloves, coriander seed, caraway and mace depending on the region or recipe.

Question 2

What can I use instead of mixed spice?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t have mixed spice, you can make a simple version at home using equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Alternatively, Pumpkin Spice or Garam Masala can be used because they share similar ingredients.

Question 3

Is mixed spice the same as allspice?

Accepted Answer

No, mixed spice is a blend of various spices including allspice, while allspice is a single spice that comes from the dried berry of the Pimenta dioica plant.

Question 4

How is mixed spice used in cooking?

Accepted Answer

Mixed spice is used primarily in baking and desserts such as fruit pies, cookies, and cakes. However, it can also be used in savory dishes like soups, stews or gravies.

Question 5

Can mixed spice be used in savory dishes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, while less common, mixed spice can be used in savory dishes. It's an essential ingredient in recipes like the Caribbean jerk seasoning.

Question 6

Is mixed spice the same as pumpkin spice?

Accepted Answer

No, although similar, mixed spice and pumpkin spice are not the same. Pumpkin spice typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice, but it doesn’t typically contain coriander or caraway, which is often found in mixed spice.

Question 7

Can you make your own mixed spice?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, making your own mixed spice means you can adjust the flavor to your liking. A simple mix includes 1 part each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Question 8

What is the difference between mixed spice and 5 spice?

Accepted Answer

Mixed spice is used primarily in sweet dishes and five spice, which usually includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan (Chinese) peppercorns, and fennel seeds, is used in Chinese and Vietnamese savory cooking.

Question 9

Is mixed spice the same as garam masala?

Accepted Answer

While they contain some similar ingredients, mixed spice is generally sweeter and used in baked goods while garam masala is used in Indian savory dishes.

Question 10

Are the spices ground or whole in mixed spice?

Accepted Answer

The spices in mixed spice are ground. This allows the flavors to combine fully.

Question 11

When does mixed spice expire?

Accepted Answer

An unopened bottle of mixed spice has a shelf life of 3-4 years. Once opened, it will remain at peak flavor for about 6 months and will become noticeably less potent after 1 year. However, it doesn't really spoil, and can be safely used long past its expiry date but it might just lose some of its flavor and aroma.

Question 12

How do you tell if mixed spice is bad?

Accepted Answer

The best way to check if your mixed spice has gone bad is to give it a sniff. If it doesn't release its typical aroma or the smell is very weak, it means it's past its best. Also check the color, if it fades significantly, it's a sign that the spice is old. Lastly, taste a tiny amount. If it doesn't taste like much, it's time to replace it.

Question 13

Tips for storing mixed spice to extend shelf life

Accepted Answer

• Store your mixed spice in a cool, dark and dry place such as a pantry or a spice drawer.

• Avoid storing spices near the stove, oven, or other sources of heat and humidity as it can speed up the loss of flavor and aroma.

• Always make sure you have tightly sealed the spice jar or bag after each use to keep the spices as fresh as possible.

• Buy mixed spice in smaller amounts. Remember, the more quickly you use it, the more flavorful it will be.

• You can prolong the shelf life of your mixed spice by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to keep it well-sealed to prevent moisture from seeping in.

Question 14

Analysis of mixed spice

Accepted Answer

When cooking with mixed spice, people generally have questions about its composition, suitable substitutions, and how it differs from similar spice mixes. Often, the confusion arises because mixed spice is known by various names in different countries and the blend can vary slightly in composition. For example, it's similar to, but not the same as 'Pumpkin Spice' in the US, or 'Speculaas Spice' in the Netherlands.

One common mistake people make with mixed spice is using too much, thinking that more spice will lead to greater flavor. This can easily overwhelm the dish, making it taste more medicinal than appetizing. The key to using mixed spice correctly is to start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

To get the most out of mixed spice, it's best to use it in the right context. That is to say, it shines in sweet, homey, comfort dishesésort of like the ones granny used to make. Think fruit pies, homemade cakes, breads, custards, and puddings. Finally, while you can buy it ready-made, making your own mixed spice can allow you to tailor the blend to your specific flavor preferences.

A lesser-known fact about mixed spice is that it can be used in savory dishes and is an essential part of Caribbean jerk seasoning.

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