Seasoned Pioneers
Herbs & Spices Packed in Handy Pouches
Studies suggest that the antioxidants and polyphenols found in herbs and spices can feed our gut microbiome and help improve gut health. Not only that but they can can transform our cooking and provide a lot of pleasure in eating home made food. I’m a great fan of Seasoned Pioneers who have a fantastic range of high quality products available online.
Tell us the story of your brand, how you got started and why?
Seasoned Pioneers have been trading for over 25 years, creating unique and flavourful spice blends. Mark Steene started the company after travelling and finding a love for spices! Now owned by Matt Webster the company produces and manufactures over 400 different spicy products. Roasted, ground and packed by ourselves in Bromborough, Wirral.
What food and production values underpin the way you make your products?
Having a small dedicated team to fine tune the process. We only source and use premium ingredients which are all natural with no fillers, bulking agents and are blended in house.
What are your most popular products and are there are any that you’re particularly proud of or want to highlight?
The popularity and trends of spices are constantly changing especially as the awareness increases. Social media and cooking videos have an impact. I would say our Ras-el-Hanout always stands out! Our version has 15 ingredients and is unique to us and is Nigella Lawsons “magic ingredient”.
Are there any myths or little-known facts about herbs and spices that you would like to dispel ?
It’s certainly true that you get what you pay for. As we only use premium quality ingredients to begin with – there is a difference compared to supermarket brands. All dried herbs and spices are selected and graded for quality and spice blends are definitely not all the same!
Can you tell us about the manufacturing process and why our gluten free readers should be reassured of their safety?
Gluten is never handled in our warehouse. We are particular with our suppliers who are all approved and we conduct extra testing to ensure compliance. We are also externally audited for food safety every year.
Can you tell us something about the nutritional value of dried herbs and spices compared to fresh herbs for example or freeze dried ?
Herbs and spices have huge nutritional benefit. Herbs are full of antioxidants and their mineral content may in fact be more concentrated after drying.
While fresh herbs typically have more nutrients than dried ones, it depends on what nutrients you're looking for and how quickly you plan to cook with them. Fresh herbs are not always available year round so dried make a great replacement which still retain nutritional benefit.
I think your products range is pretty big? Tell us something about the products, where they are sourced and how they are chosen?
Using and sourcing premium ingredients is key to making a great product. We over 400 lines and with our ingredients coming from all over the world, 25 years later are still using the same suppliers.
Where can readers find out more about and buy your products?
Our website is full to the brim of spice blogs, product information and recipes using the herbs and spices! We also post regular newsletters which you can sign up to on the website too.