Food for Thought Blog

September 2023

Did you know that onions have made our eyes tear up for over 5,000 years? That's right! These trusty bulbs have been around since the Bronze Age, dicing their way into historical recipes from the Pharaohs of Egypt to the chefs in the Ming Dynasty. They've played roles in kitchens, rituals, medicines, and even mummification.

August 2023

 
The “hot and spicy food” trend continues to heat up, with no signs of slowing down. In fact, have you noticed that as of recently, 71% of menus and 11% of drink menus feature the word “spicy?” There's even a day dedicated to this trend - National Hot and Spicy Day is celebrated every August 19th. 

August 2023

 
Seasoned chefs know that understanding the power of flavors can turn good meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether you’re cooking Thai stir-fry or classic American burgers, learning how to balance flavors can elevate your dishes and excite taste buds. 

July 2023

When it comes to Mexican cuisine ingredients, having the right spices can make your meals stand out to your customers. We help you stock your kitchen with the right spices for Mexican dishes to satisfy the taste buds of your customers and offer them unique flavors using traditional Mexican spices.

June 2023

A great spice rub can make a dish more appetizing and impress your customers. If you are a restaurant chef, food manufacturer, or caterer, consider these tips for how to make your own signature spice rub. 

May 2023

Ice cream has long been the go-to summer treat for those with a sweet tooth, but many people are now looking for dairy-free alternatives that still offer the same creamy texture and flavor. Luckily, there's no need to sacrifice taste to get a dairy-free ice cream, such as a classic vanilla or a chipotle chocolate.

April 2023

Are you looking for green chiles? As an global established leader in chiles, ofi is now the largest green chile & jalapeno producer in the USA. Not only do we offer top-notch quality and safety standards, but our commitment to sustainability will make your products stand out from the crowd.

March 2023

Not only can barbecue provide comfort, but it can also be an exploration into different cultures and their unique takes on classic barbecue dishes. From Jamaican Jerk in the Caribbean to Memphis Barbecue in the US, let's explore some of these regional barbecue trends for the summer of 2023.

February 2023

February is National Snack Food Month! What better way to celebrate than with a discussion about the booming snack industry? From popcorn to nuts to chips made with natural ingredients—the options are seemingly endless! It’s clear that Americans love their snacks, with sales making up almost a third of global sales. But why are we so into snacking? Let’s find out!

February 2023

Premiumization of pet food has increased over the past years with pet parents paying more attention to what goes into their dog’s dinner. When you look to formulate your next dog food or cat treat, take a look at including these ingredients.

December 2022

A new year is an opportunity to try new things, and what better way to bring in the New Year than to whip up an exciting and unfamiliar dish? We’re highlighting a few of our favorite culinary trends for 2023.

November 2022

The summer months inspire a specific set of herbs and spices. With the winter season, we can always anticipate a chill in the air, so cuisine during this time of year often incorporates ingredients that warm both the body and the soul. Many of us across the globe are cooped up indoors and cooking, so it’s important to ensure you equip your facility with all these essential herbs and spices for winter.

October 2022

Our team is like our spices — each vibrant, bright and unique in their own way. Some are spicy, some are sweet and some might even make you cry, but at the end of the day, they're both best when they are working together.

Today, we're highlighting Malori Ross, Spices by ofi's eCommerce Packaging Lead.

October 2022

Adulteration in food ingredients is not a new phenomenon, with Greek botanists in 200 BC raising concerns about pepper being impure. Even today, the American Spice Trade Association, has stated that “adulteration is one of the major concerns of the spice industry.” 

September 2022

Our team is like our spices — each vibrant, bright and unique in their own way. Some are spicy, some are sweet and some might even make you cry, but at the end of the day, they're both best when they are working together.

Today, we're highlighting Stephen Gallegos, Spices by ofi's eCommerce Sales Manager.

August 2022

Standard Plate Count (SPC) is commonly used interchangeably with APC (Aerobic Plate Count) and TPC (Total Plate Count). This is described by the FDA as “intended to indicate the level of microorganism in a product.” 

August 2022

Our team is like our spices — each vibrant, bright and unique in their own way. Some are spicy, some are sweet and some might even make you cry, but at the end of the day, they're both best when they are working together.

Today, we're highlighting Sydney Stout Valla, Spices by ofi's eCommerce Operations Manager.

July 2022

At first, you might not be able to identify a distinct difference between a spice and a herb. We explain their unique characteristics in a quick guide.

June 2022

Summer offers plenty of opportunities to cook something new–not to mention you get to pull out your seasonal favorites again. Why not dress these dishes up? We curated a list of the best summer spices and herbs that will effortlessly transform your dishes this season.

May 2022

The Spices by ofi manufacturing facility located in Las Cruces, New Mexico is the largest red chile processing plant in the world. Here, we operate 24/7 to process 1,000+ SKU's of red chiles grown in the “Hatch Valley” region.

May 2022

From plant science and sustainability, to manufacturing or product formulation. We harness the category opportunities that our delicious products can combine to create. Making it real at every step, from plant to palate.

April 2022

Spices by ofi and Water Asset Management, LLC's Winnemucca Farms are proud to share our collaboration to drive sustainable onion farming outcomes this week of Earth Day 2022.

April 2022

To meet today’s ever-growing consumer expectations, we want to provide the highest level of food quality, safety and nutrition to our customers. This is why we've partnered with Neo-Pure, an innovative organic pasteurization technology developed by Agri-Neo, to further enhance food safety.

March 2022

Tony Azevedo credits Stone Land Co's success in growing garlic and the company's other crops, to founder Jack Stone, son Bill Stone, general manager of the vast operation; and others, including the people "behind the scenes. They are great people - they make it work - we have very little turnover. We treat them right, and they treat us right."

February 2022

Malabar pepper was one of the commodities most sought after by the ancient Roman and Arab traders and later by the early European navigators. Find out why.

January 2022

The onion powder in your dressing, the diced onions in your burger and even the minced onion in your pantry. Have you ever wondered where and how it was grown? Let's explore.