Comments on: Five Spice Powder

By: angie

angie — Sun, 06 May 2007 01:12:53 +0000

so true… what more in the provinces where it is difficult to find ingredients especially for baking. =(

By: Marketman

Marketman — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 13:51:43 +0000

Hi Everyone, Mila says they have five spice powder at Flavors n Spices at Market!Market!

By: Mandy

Mandy — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 05:58:49 +0000

thanks lei! i probably missed reading that. :)

By: joey

joey — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:28:56 +0000

“Part of the added stress of living and cooking in Manila is the lack of reliable and well-stocked groceries and provedores.” — You said it! Although I have some favorites it’s still a wild card…I never know if I am going to find what I want :(

Thanks for passing on the five spice recipe! I have been wanting to try it with duck!

By: RobKSA

RobKSA — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 06:07:19 +0000

Thanks guys. As mentioned I don’t use it anymore but sometimes is tempted to use it. Time to throw them I guess.

By: tulip

tulip — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 05:39:36 +0000

Five spice powder like any other spices do expire. And spices stored for such a long time looses its flavor. And though there are expiration dates on some spice bottles and packs, its best to check its smell, texture and color every time you use it. Fungus might have already grown on it. Usually I keep dried or powdered herbs and spices for 6 months to a year.

By: connie

connie — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 05:33:24 +0000

RobKSA, I read somewhere that you should replace your dried herbs every 6 months as they begin to loose potency after six months. Dried herbs have presumeably been stored for a period of time in warehouses and then in supermarkets before you purchase them. Storing releases volatile oils so you might get a less potent flavor with long period of storage. Truth is, I find it hard adhering to this rule myself although once a year re-organizing the pantry works for me. When it does not smell strong, I just discard it, or when some spices get clumpy, they obviously need replacing.

As for the dish, so is it roasted duck? Spareribs? Cornish hen? Is it Szechuan cooking ala MM? LOL.

By: RobKSA

RobKSA — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:52:16 +0000

Does five spice powder have expiration? I bought some in Houston sometime in 1999. I still have it but not using it anymore but is not throwing it either. I could not see an expiration date written on it.

By: Mila

Mila — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 02:36:16 +0000

Spices and Flavours also has a kiosk at Salcedo Market. Ask for a taste of their salt selection and olive oils (from Spain, Syria, Palestine). The owner also said she’s expecting balsamic vinegar (aged 5, 10, 25 years).

By: Jaja

Jaja — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 01:24:15 +0000

Improvising is the way to go! =) I’ve been to Spices and Flavours at Market!Market!. They do have a good selection of spices and salts as well as teas. They even have dried galangal(?), kaffir lime leaves and lemon grass. I just have to warn you, medyo overpowering yung halu-halong amoy ng mga stuff nila and they have this air freshener thing na mint yung scent so medyo mahapdi din sa eyes at first. I can say the place is worth a visit especially for foodies:D