Sunday, November 10, 2024

Is There Lead in Your Spices? What You Need to Know and How to Avoid It"



Is there lead in your spices? Most store bought spices contain levels of lead which is very scary.

Last week I posted a photo of my cinnamon container in my jasmine rice and almond post. One of my readers pointed out that the brand I posted has been recalled for unsafe quantities of lead. I was shocked and decided to do some research. It is frightful how many brands of spices test very high for lead. I hope this post is helpful. 

Why Spices Can Contain Lead—and How to Avoid It

When you reach for a bottle of cinnamon, turmeric, or chili powder to add flavor to your meals, you’re likely not thinking about toxic lead. But recent investigations have shown that many spices on the market can contain harmful levels of lead. 

This issue raises concerns for both health-conscious shoppers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Lead exposure, even in small amounts, can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. So, why does lead show up in spices, and how can you protect yourself and your family?

Why Do Spices Contain Lead?

Lead contamination in everyday spices often comes from the soil where the plants are grown or from the processing methods used. Here are some of the main reasons why spices may contain lead:

  1. Soil Contamination: Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can remain in soil for years. In areas with high industrial activity or in soils near old infrastructure, lead can accumulate. Spices grown in these regions may absorb lead from the soil, which then ends up in our spice bottles.

  2. Tainted Processing: Some spice suppliers use contaminated water or machinery that has been in contact with lead. In certain cases, lead can also be deliberately added during the drying or processing phases to enhance the color of the spice, particularly in products like turmeric, chili powder, and paprika. This practice is most common in regions where regulatory standards may be not strictly enforced.

  3. Adulteration with Cheap Fillers: In some countries, low-quality spices may be adulterated with lead-based substances (like lead chromate) to artificially brighten the color of the spice or increase its weight. Turmeric, for example, is sometimes adulterated with lead-based compounds to make it appear more vibrant.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Even small amounts of lead can accumulate in the body over time and lead to poisoning. Chronic exposure can have serious health consequences, particularly for young children and pregnant women. 

Lead poisoning can cause developmental delays, brain damage, and learning disabilities in children, while pregnant women may face an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and developmental problems for the baby.

For adults, long-term exposure may lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, or even a weakened immune system. Because lead is stored in the bones and organs, the effects may not show up immediately but can be cumulative over years.

Free Paper cutout of Toxin word Stock Photo


The Best Spice Brands to Choose 

When it comes to selecting safer spices, here are some brands known for their quality control and transparency: However, it can change from batch to batch. Always keep aware of current testing through organizations such as Consumer Reports. 

  1. Penzeys Spices: A trusted brand known for its high standards and wide selection of spices. Penzeys is committed to ethical sourcing and quality, and they test their products for contaminants.

  2. McCormick: As one of the largest spice producers in the world, McCormick has stringent quality control measures in place. They regularly test their products for lead and other contaminants to ensure they meet safety standards.

  3. Frontier Co-op: Known for its organic spices, Frontier Co-op offers a wide range of ethically sourced products. Their commitment to organic farming and third-party testing helps ensure the safety of their spices.

  4. Simply Organic: Another organic-focused brand, Simply Organic has a strong reputation for producing high-quality, contaminant-free spices. They are certified organic, meaning they adhere to strict regulations regarding pesticide use and heavy metal contamination.

  5. The Spice House: This family-owned business has earned a reputation for offering fresh, high-quality spices. The Spice House is committed to sourcing spices from trusted farmers, and many of their products are organic or tested for contaminants.

    How to Avoid Lead in Your Spices

While it’s difficult to eliminate the risk of lead exposure entirely, there are steps you can take to minimize it when shopping for spices:

  1. Buy from Reputable Brands that will share their testing results with you upon asking: Stick with well-known brands that have a reputation for quality and safety. These companies are more likely to follow strict safety protocols and be transparent about their sourcing and testing methods. However, it is no guarantee. Many reputable brands have lead.

  2. Look for Certified Organic Spices: Organic certifications usually involve stricter testing and regulations on the use of pesticides and contaminants, including heavy metals. While not a guarantee of lead-free spices, organic certifications can offer an additional layer of safety.

  3. Check for Third-Party Testing: Some brands perform third-party testing to ensure their products are free of heavy metals, including lead. Look for labels that indicate the spice has been tested for contaminants.

  4. Choose Whole Spices: Whole spices, such as whole nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, or unground black peppercorns, tend to have a lower risk of contamination compared to pre-ground or powdered spices. Ground spices have a larger surface area, which can make it easier for contaminants to enter the product during processing.

  5. Buy from Local or Trusted Sources: If possible, purchase spices from local or trusted sellers who can provide information about their sourcing practices. Some farmers and small suppliers use more sustainable methods and are less likely to use harmful processing techniques.

  6. Diversify Your Spice Sources: Avoid buying all your spices from a single source, especially if you're unsure of the quality. Rotating brands or stores can reduce the chance of consistent exposure to a contaminated product.

    brown powder in clear glass jar

The Biggest Offenders: Spices with the Highest Risk of Lead Contamination

While lead can be found in any spice, some spices are more likely to be contaminated. These include:

  1. Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the most commonly found spices with high levels of lead contamination. Its bright yellow color makes it a target for adulteration, with some suppliers using lead chromate to intensify the color.

  2. Chili Powder & Paprika: Both chili powder and paprika are at risk for lead contamination due to their vibrant red colors. Some suppliers use lead-based substances to enhance the color and weight of these spices.

  3. Cumin & Coriander: Although less common than turmeric and chili powder, cumin and coriander can also contain trace amounts of lead, particularly when sourced from regions with less stringent agricultural regulations.

  4. Curry Powder: Curry powder, which is a blend of several spices, can also contain turmeric, chili powder, and other ingredients that may be tainted with lead.

Closeup of mixed spice powder


How to Shop for Spices Safely

To minimize your exposure to lead and other contaminants, consider these shopping tips:

  • Read Labels: Look for brands that disclose information about third-party testing and certification. Organic and fair trade labels may offer additional peace of mind.
  • Prioritize Whole Spices: Whole spices are less likely to be adulterated or contaminated, so opt for them when possible.
  • Consider Bulk Buying: Many health food stores offer bulk spices, which can be a great way to get fresher, unprocessed spices. You can often ask the store for information on sourcing and testing.
  • Know Where It Comes From: Research the origin of the spices you're buying. Spices grown in areas with less regulation or where industrial pollution is common may carry a higher risk of contamination.

In Florida Badia is a common brand sold in most supermarkets. Badia cinnamon and ground ginger have been recalled in New York.

Recall
In June 2024, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets recalled certain Badia Spices ground ginger and ground cinnamon products due to high levels of lead. The products were sold in multiple retailers across New York State. Consumers were advised to not consume the products and to discard them immediately. 

Consumer Reports: Gives amounts in specific spices and specific brands  (link to article)

Another Consumer Report Article of Specific cinnamon brands: link to article 

Great Article: .  Read Article


Other FOODS Consumer Reports HAS TESTED FOR LEAD AND OTHER HEAVY METALS (links to articles below)

Baby Food

Cassava-Based Puffs


Cocoa Powder and Other Chocolate Products including chocolate chips such as 

From the article: "Some good options for snacking that are relatively low in both heavy metals are 365 Whole Foods Market Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips, Kirkland Signature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, and NestlĂ© Toll House Semi-Sweet Morsels."   

You gotta read these articles: very scary especially for kids 

Trader Joe's Organic Hot Cocoa Mix Serving size: 1 envelope

LEAD
 
112%
CADMIUM
 
88%


"Don’t assume some brands are safer than others. CR’s tests could not determine whether one brand was consistently better or worse than any other. And organic products did not have consistently lower levels than conventionally grown ones. While that might surprise some, CR’s Ronholm says the USDA’s organic standards don’t include heavy metal testing." (From Consumer Reports) List of spices in article


Herbs and Spices

Lunchables


We all need to do more research: There is a ton on specific information on the Internet. 

What are your thoughts? 

Disclaimer: I am not an authority. The information in this blogpost is for educational purposes only. It is strictly information that I found on the Intenet. Do you own research.

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Aromatic (Brown) Jasmine Rice Almandine

https://images.deepai.org/art-image/88bea6d4ef5243329592e39afaf195e5/bowl-of-brown-jasmine-rice-with-slivered-almonds.jpghttps://images.deepai.org/art-image/88bea6d4ef5243329592e39afaf195e5/bowl-of-brown-jasmine-rice-with-slivered-almonds.jpg

https://images.deepai.org/art-image/88bea6d4ef5243329592e39afaf195e5/bowl-of-brown-jasmine-rice-with-slivered-almonds.jpgThis is a simple jasmine rice recipe that makes a delicious tasty side dish that will elevate your rice eating experience. 

I was shopping at Trader Joe's the other day, and I picked up a bag of Brown Jasmine Rice. 

Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety of fragrant rice that originates from Thailand. It’s known for its distinct, pleasant aroma, which is often described as a sweet, floral scent reminiscent of jasmine flowers (hence the name). 

There are both white and brown varieties of jasmine rice, with white jasmine rice being the most common. Brown jasmine rice is less processed and retains its bran, giving it a chewier texture and higher nutritional value compared to white jasmine rice.


Jasmine rice is kind of exotic tasting, so I wanted to cook it differently than the plain method that I normally use to make white rice. 


I Made a Mistake, But My Mistake Worked Out Great!!!
I created this tasty recipe by mistake. 
I intended to add a little cumin to my rice, but instead I picked up the cinnamon (which looks the same) and started to shake it in before I realized it wasn't the cumin. Yikes!!!! 

***I was just informed by one of my readers that Badia Cinnamon was recalled for 
containing high amounts of lead... I had no idea but I looked it up and it was true. I will stop using it. 

I quickly attempted to remove the patch of cinnamon that I had shook into the skillet. I was successful trying to wash most of it off, but of course some of the cinnamon flavor still clung to the rice.



What To Do???
I had a decision to make!- Should I dump everything from the skillet and start over, or just continue cooking despite the cinnamon still mingling with the rice? 

Since I did not want to discard all the ingredients that were already in the skillet,  I thought, "How bad can it be with a little cinnamon?" 


Cinnamon in Rice? 
It was actually delicious added to this fragrant type of rice. The cinnamon kind of added that je ne sais quoi to the recipe. 

We enjoy rice as a side dish or added to soup. Rice was a staple growing up in my husband's Middle Eastern home. He still enjoys eating rice about 3-4 times a week.

Rice is a staple all over the world. This recipe is a simple way to enjoy an aromatic rice. 

What do you eat as a side dish? Are you a fan of rice? 


Ingredients: 
1 cup of diced yellow onion
4 cloves of fresh garlic, sliced
1/8 of a teaspoon of ground turmeric
A pinch of cinnamon mixed into 1/4 cup of water
1/8 teaspoon salt and cracked pepper
1. 5 cups of brown Jasmine rice, washed and cleaned
3 and 1/4 cups of water. 
 1/4 cup of slivered almonds

Directions: 
In a wide rimmed large skillet, add the onion, garlic, and slivered almonds, and 1/4 cup of water for sautĂ©ing.  SautĂ© for about 5 minutes. Add the rice, 3 and 1/4 cups of water, cinnamon and water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook on low COVERED until all liquid is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes) but check frequently. 

My Notes: 
I was out of slivered almonds, so I blanched and halved whole almonds. Thanksgiving is coming up. Check out my recipes for 


Sunday, November 3, 2024

Quick Hot & Spicy Cabbage Soup with Rice




Are you ready for soup? Soups on in my house - and I'm sharing a quick and easy, yet hearty, hot and spicy cabbage soup recipe. Cabbage is one of my favorite vegetables. I find that it is versatile, easily available, tasty and healthy- AND it makes the best soup ever!!

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Halloween in North Miami Beach

Tonight is Halloween, but it feels so different than the Halloweens back in Pennsylvania. Here in Florida we live in a high rise on a street that is all high-rises. There are no Halloween decorations, and it seems like life as usual. 

In Pennsylvania, everyone is abuzz with Halloween parties, preparation, and decorations in the stores and in front of homes. I took some shots of a few decorations before we left to spend the winter in Florida. I'll share my favorite photos. All the photos were taken in Pennsylvania except one in New York. 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

“Simple Asian Cucumber and Edamame Salad: A No-Fuss Recipe”


cucumber and edamame salad

If you enjoy starting your meal with a salad, but are looking for something a little different, you may enjoy this simple Asian  cucumber and edamame salad using English cucumbers.

Dressed with rice vinegar, tamari sauce, and a hint of maple syrup, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with specific health benefits.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

"Diwali 101 for Americans: Understanding the Holiday + Recipe


Diwali Festival illustration and picture

I shop at T.J Max, Marshalls, and Home Good's . In the past few years, I've noticed beautiful festive items being sold for the holiday of Diwali (pronounced Dee -Val -Lee) this time of the year. 


Diwali display

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Crustless Sweet Potato Pumpkin Pie -vegan and gluten-free


A slice of vegan pumpkin pie topped with coconut whipped cream

Nothing welcomes the spirit of fall quite like a slice of homemade (sweet potato) pumpkin pie. Do you agree?

This creamy flourless recipe combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, with the warm spiced flavors of pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and satisfying. 

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Florida- Here We Come


fall trees in orange colors

It’s Time!

The leaves are now crimson and amber bright,
And pumpkins are visible in the autumn’s light.
With crisper air and cooler days,
We feel the pull of warmer ways.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Warm Up With Miso-Ginger Vegetable Soup


vegetable soup

It's 9:00 AM and it's a chilly 45 degrees outside (it will warm up to 75 degrees by noon). We have not turned the heat on yet, so I'm warming up with a nourishing bowl of miso-ginger vegetable soup.
 

I just made it this morning in less than 15 minutes. It took no more time than making a bowl of steel cut oatmeal.

Who eats soup for breakfast? 

Monday, October 14, 2024

Growing Greens In the Fall



You may remember that I shared this photo of the garden that my son built. It was a big project, and he didn't finish it until the end of the summer. Although he has never gardened before, he was pleased to find out that he could actually still attempt to grow some fall crops before closing shop for the winter.



Someone gifted him the sign 

Although the days are shorter and the air is crisper, fall offers a wonderful opportunity to plant a garden. While many think of spring as the prime planting season, autumn is perfect for growing a variety of hardy crops, especially leafy greens.

My son was a little too late to start his fall crops from seed, so he found a farm selling tiny starter plants which included lettuce, Swiss chard, carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, dandelion greens, and some herbs - all fall crops.



Vegetable Garden Now in Bloom 

It has now been 6 weeks since I first shared his plantings, and the garden is now flourishing. I went over this morning to pick lettuce, kale, dandelion greens, and Swiss chard. 

Free Food Lactuca Sativa photo and picture

Unfortunately, his radishes and cauliflower didn't seem to want to develop: there were plants but no bulbs. It is something he will have to figure out for next growing season. 

Free Chard Nature photo and picture
Swiss Chard

I looked it up and the reason the radishes bulbs never developed, and it may be that they were planted too close together, the soil many be too acidic, or since it is a first time garden, the soil may not be loose enough. 

Free Lettuce Salad photo and picture

He still has a lot to learn for his spring planting, but he is enjoying the abundance of greens!

Free Green Salad Head Of Lettuce photo and picture

Why Plant Leafy Greens in Fall?

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, arugula, lettuces, dandelion, and Swiss chard thrive in cooler temperatures.

Leafy greens provide important health benefits: 

Nutrient-Rich Powerhouses

  • Leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach is rich in iron, kale boasts high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, while Swiss chard provides magnesium and potassium.  
  • Greens such as kale and collard greens are rich in calcium and vitamin K, important for maintaining strong bones as we age.
  •  Incorporating these greens into your diet may help boost your immune system as winter approaches.

  1. Quick Harvest: Many leafy greens are quick to mature, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce in just a few weeks. This is especially rewarding in the fall, when the first frost can sweeten the leaves, enhancing their flavor.


Storing My Pickings

Since I only go to his garden once a week, I needed to know how long the greens would stay fresh in the refrigerator. This is what I found to help them maintain their freshness: 

  • Lettuce: up to 1 week. Store in a plastic bag or container to retain moisture.
  • Swiss Chard: up to 1 week. Wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag.
  • Spinach:up to  5-7 days. Keep it in a breathable bag in the vegetable drawer.
  • Dandelion Greens: up to 3-5 days. Store similarly to spinach for best results.
  • Kale: up to 5-7 days. Use a perforated bag to maintain humidity without causing rot.
Free Kale Fresh photo and picture
Kale 


Anti- Inflammatory Salad - this is a wonderful fall salad made with lettuce, kale, chickpeas, celery, red cabbage, roasted butternut squash and some other vegetables. Why not try it? It's a powerhouse of nutrients and tastes delicious.  It goes great with a bowl of quick and easy carrot ginger soup.

anti-inflammatory salad


Do you plant a garden? Do you re-plant crops for the fall? Any suggestions on the radishes? 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Crunchy Tofu Bites: A Delicious Way To Eat Tofu

Pasta and tofu cubes in a bowl

If you wonder what to do with tofu, you may want to try this quick recipe for simple "tofu bites" which are easy to make, come out crunchy, and are quite tasty.

Monday, October 7, 2024

Carrot Ginger Soup Made Easy

carrot soup in a white bowl

If you love fall soups, you will love this super quick and easy carrot ginger soup that I make I my Instant Pot in literally minutes (of course it is totally adaptable for the stove top too). 

Got carrots? Make soup!!!

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Rosh Hashanah October 2024


Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated with thanksgiving, prayer, synagogue services, and family meals. Unlike New Years Eve and Day in the secular calendar, this is a 2 day religious holiday. You may like the recipes I'm sharing.

Monday, September 30, 2024

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Discover Kasha: A Delicious Alternative to Quinoa


Buckwheat, Porridge, Groats, Diet

I've rediscovered kasha. Have you ever tasted it? 

I remember my mom making kasha when I was younger, but somewhere along the way, I have forgotten all about it in the last few years. This week however, as I prepared one of my grandmother's family recipes for an upcoming Jewish holiday, the recipe called for kasha and I rediscovered it!

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Blueberry Lemon Muffins


Blueberry Muffin on a plate, vegan, gluten-free

Do you know the last time I made muffins? 
Either do I!!  It's been that long. 

Lately, I've been craving something sweet. Since I want to keep my treats on the healthier side, I decided to make blueberry lemon muffins! Yum!

Saturday, September 21, 2024

And Just Like That, It’s Fall!


fall decorations with mums and pumpkins

Yay! It beginning to feel like Fall!  

There’s something magical about the first signs of fall—the crisp air, the vibrant colors,  the familiar sight of pumpkins adorning the lawns and doorsteps, and festive decorations welcoming the new season.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Irresistible Vegan and Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Breakfast




I'm welcoming fall (it's almost here) with an easy to make and tasty apple crisp breakfast idea that is healthy enough to eat for breakfast but delicious enough to adapt for dessert.

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Back Home After A Week in Hilton Head, SC

House in Hilton Head, SC

I just returned from from a week's vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We rented a large vacation house with 3 other retired couples and took advantage of the post season reduced rental prices.

Screened Porch Back Porch photo and picture

Monday, September 9, 2024

One Pot UnStuffed Vegan Cabbage Rolls ; A No-Fuss Plant-Based Meal




cabbage and tomato sauce in a skillet

The weather has cooled off a bit, and I'm already thinking of heartier foods! One of my favorites is stuffed cabbage BUT it's way too labor intensive for me to want to sit and roll the cabbage, so I make an "unstuffed cabbage roll" version instead, which is an easy one pot plant-based (GF) recipe with no rolling involved!

Friday, September 6, 2024

The Great Gatsby on Broadway



F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is playing on Broadway in NYC. This week was 2-for-1 week at participating Broadway theaters, and we were able to get our 7th row orchestra, 1/2 price tickets weeks in advance by mail.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Discovering Jicama: The Crunchy, Versatile Veggie You’ll Love



Is it a potato? A brown beet? a turnip? No!! It's a jicama!!

Have you even tasted jicama? 

It's a root veggie that you might have seen in your local grocery store or farmers' market, but never knew what to do with it. It's not pretty on the outside, but it is crunchy and delicious and slightly sweet on the inside. Like a carrot, it can be eaten raw or cooked. 

Sunday, September 1, 2024

In My Kitchen September



I'm joining Sherry at Sherry's Pickings for  her "IN MY KITCHEN" September, 2024 blogger share!

It's hard to believe that the summer is almost over and we are already welcoming in the month of September.  
Not a lot going on in my kitchen right now but I'll share what I've got!

Friday, August 30, 2024

Grilling Corn Plus 7 Recipes To Make The Most of Corn Season


Grilled Corn Cob

It's corn season. The end of August begins to signal the end of summer, but it is not the end of summer produce. In fact the farmer's markets, local farms, and backyard gardens are  bursting with the end of summer's bounty - especially corn on the cob!! It' now at its height.

There is nothing like fresh corn on the cob right from the farm. It is sweet, tender, and packed with flavor, and there are so many ways to enjoy it! I hope you will try some of my recipes that I'm sharing today.

Saturday, August 24, 2024

The Origin of Buddha Bowls And How to Make One

bowl of vegetable salads, Buddha Bowl,

Have you ever made a Buddha Bowl for lunch? These versatile bowls are healthy, filling, and delicious. But do you know the beautiful story behind the origin of these plant-based meals in a bowl?

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Spinach and Potato Comfort Food


Do you like potatoes? We all have our favorite comfort foods, and for me, potatoes and spinach are a perfect pair. I especially enjoy creamy mashed potatoes with wilted spinach, but there are countless ways to combine these two ingredients in comforting recipes. 
Since both of these vegetables are currently in season at local farmers' markets, it’s the perfect time to savor their freshness and flavor with the following simple effortless (ok maybe just low effort) recipes.

Here are some ideas that I have made in the past!

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Jeera Aloo: A Taste Of India


Potatoes with cumin seeds in a bowl, vegan

Are you a fan of exploring recipes from different cultures? I know I am! One of my go-to sources for Indian cuisine recipes is the blog Simple Gluten Free Kitchen.  The talented Balvinder offers a delightful array of all kinds of recipes, many of which are inspired by her Indian heritage. Of course all of her recipes also meet gluten-free standards.


Potatoes Small Potatoes

Recently, I came across an interesting recipe for Jeera Aloo (cumin potatoes) on her blog. We love potatoes and enjoy Indian spices, so I  had to give this tempting recipe a try!

Monday, August 12, 2024

Grocery Store Shopping Ain't For Sissies

There is something new in our supermarkets/grocery store and it's really frustrating me!

Free Furious Upset photo and picture

Is anyone else having problems/frustration checking out at the grocery store ? Maybe it is only me BUT I'm beginning to feel like my 95 year old mother-in-law who couldn't learn to use her iPad  (she should rest in peace). 

Sunday, August 11, 2024

3 Book Reviews- Historical Fiction


Free A Book Glasses photo and picture

It's hot and I have not been doing as much cooking, but I have been reading. What have I been reading this month? As usual, historical fiction. 
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you will probably enjoy these 3 captivating reads. I found that each book offered a unique journey into different eras and settings, blending rich storytelling with memorable characters. 

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